Governors Island's New Winter Village Brings Holiday Fun to Families

Historic Colonels Row will be transformed into a winter destination as Governors Island Winter Village opens with ice skating, holiday lights and seasonal fun for all ages.

By Barbara Russo December 3, 2021

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What to See and Do at Governors Island Winter Village 

The centerpiece of the village is the 5,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink, which will be open Fridays, weekends and NYC public school holidays. It's $11 per ticket, but take note: Admission to the rink is free on Fridays!

Just like during the summer months on Governors Island, there's plenty of other winter-time fun to enjoy, too. In addition to the rink, the village will offer:

• bike and sled rentals
• cornhole
• can jam
• giant Jenga 
• winter arts and cultural programming
• dazzling holiday lights at Colonels Row
• firepits
• a historic Coast Guard-era fire truck, providing a photo opportunity for both kids and adults

Foodies of all ages will love the array of festive food offerings at the village. After spending time in the brisk winter air, visitors can warm up by fire pits and enjoy a new seasonal menu from Little Eva's, which caters retreats and celebrations throughout Governors Island. Options will include warm drinks and comfort foods such as brats, vegan chili, fish and chips and more. An eclectic array of food trucks will be open on weekends, and Joe Coffee will be on-site daily inside the island's LMCC's Arts Center and in the Battery Maritime Building. 

What You Need to Know About Visiting the Winter Village at Governors Island

Where is the Governors Island Winter Village located?

The Winter Village is located at Colonels Row on Governors Island, which is considered part of Manhattan and located in New York Harbor. Get to the island by taking the ferry from Manhattan at 10 South St. Boats run daily. A round trip ferry ticket is $3 for adults and free for seniors and children younger than 12. Check out the ferry schedule at govisland.com/ferry.

When is the Winter Village at Governors Island open?

The Winter Village at Governors Island is open daily, 7am-6pm, Dec. 17 through at least February 2022.

When is the Winter Village ice-skating rink open?

The Governors Island ice-skating rink will be open Friday, 12-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. It is also open on public school holidays. 

How much are tickets to the ice-skating rink at Governors Island Winter Village?

Tickets are $11, and skate rentals are $8. Admission is free on Fridays. 

What are Governors Island's current COVID guidelines?

• Proof of COVID vaccination is required to enter indoor spaces.
• Children not eligible for vaccination must be accompanied by a vaccinated person.
• Face coverings are required on Governors Island ferries and in any indoor spaces on the island. 

For more information, visit govisland.com or follow Governors Island on Facebook or Instagram. 

Main photo courtesy the Trust for Governors Island