This winter, opt for a quick getaway (via a ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn) to escape the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle at the Governors Island Winter Village. The ice rink will be open Fridays from noon to 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm, with extended hours available for youth, adult and nonprofit sports leagues and associations (interested organizations should email info@govisland.org). Dj vu! The tours take place every Saturday and Sunday and are limited to 10 persons per group. A round trip ferry ticket costs $3 for adults and is free for seniors 65 and over, children 12 and under, NYCHA residents, IDNYC holders, former and active military and for everyone on weekends before noon. They'll also offer some additional holiday glow courtesy of seasonal twinkling lights. The rink will also feature events, activities, and . We had fun ice skating today, but it isnt enough, he said. Wintery holiday lights are to be scattered throughout the historic Colonels Row. 11 visitors have checked in at Winter Village. The President and Managing Director of the Governor Island Trust, Clare Newman, describes the winter Village as the perfect start to the new winter season. All rights reserved, This 31-year-old opened a New York City deli with his family It's on pace to bring in $1.2 million in its first year, Mega Millions: 2 $1M tickets sold in NJ as jackpot builds to $820M, He came face to face with Rex Heuermann. You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. But Will New Yorkers Visit? We are so excited to invite New Yorkers and visitors to Governors Island for the return of Winter Village, said Mayor Eric Adams. Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE! Indoor rink 61 Chelsea Piers, Chelsea 212-336-6100 Facebook Instagram Hours: Check the calendar online . All this has been possible only because the community over on Governors Island is astounding. Once you work up an appetite from skating, head over to Little Evas and try dishes from their new seasonal menu or stop by one of the amazing food trucks for some delicious bites. There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy, from singing merry carols to building snowmen to warm fire pits, lawn games, bike rentals, and more. We are New Yorkers; we embrace the fact that we have seasons.. The 2022 Governors Island Winter Village is presented with support from The May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation. Until recently, Governors Island was open for tourists and visitors only for a few months a year. Ferries before noon on Saturdays and Sundays are free for all. At Blazing Saddles, the islands bike rental company, which will also rent winter gear like snowshoes, bicycle rentals have decreased to 10 or 15 per day, as opposed to thousands per day in the summer, according to Barry London, who works at the shop. Community Board 1is thrilled that the Trust continues to enhance the publics access to this priceless natural resource through sun, snow and beyond.. Head to the first-ever Governors Island Winter Village for ice skating, sledding, games and other winter-time activities this holiday season. . Governors Islands award-winning park is open to the public every day, along with recreation activities like bike rentals, aCommunity Climbing Boulder, Hammock Grove, The Hills, Picnic Point, and more. Write a short note about what you liked, what to order, or other helpful advice for visitors. Michael Jarrells, who lives in Brooklyn and visited Governors Island in December, is not convinced hell be returning in say, February. See More. Ice skating is one of the fresh-air activities now available on Governors Island. Do you have no skates? 2 Days in New York: The Ultimate Guide for 2023, 3 Days in New York: The Ultimate Guide for 2023, 1 Week NYC Itinerary For Free: Travel Plans, Sightseeing, Maps & Tips, Best New York Guide by Neighborhoods (SHOP). Governors Island's Festive Winter Village Has Officially Returned For The Season For a second year, Governors Island Winter Village is bringing a festive holiday wonderland to NYers, complete with a 7,500-square foot ice skating rink! The South Island Park is open until 6pm daily. Since alcoholic beverages are available, island goers may not get their own alcohol. Guests can also expect bike and sled rentals, plus continued lawn games like giant Jenga and cornhole. Governors Island, which recently announced that it will be open to the public year-round for the first time in its history, is opening its first-ever winter village with glittering lights, a 5,000-square-foot ice rink, sled rentals, warm drinks near fire pits and winter programming as well. Now we have one.. Proper etiquette is an absolute must. Main article: Where in New York should you stay? Register for myNY now and start planning the perfect trip to New York City! Try another? Expanding on last years public hours, the ice rink will be open Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5:30pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5:30pm, with event packages and buyouts available during additional hours. Your email address will not be published. Best Activities at Governors Island Winter Village, IDNYC holdersFormer and active military service members. Speaking of food: On Governors Island and in winter Village several providers have settled. Governors Island will also have winter activities including cornhole, can jam and giant Jenga as well as winter arts and cultural programming and adazzling display of holiday lights throughout Colonels Row. The Trust for Governors Island today announced the launch of the Governors Island Winter Village, transforming historic Colonels Row into a destination for seasonal amenities. Eglevsky Ballet has been part of Long Island for over 50 years. Email events@govisland.org for more information on group reservations. Options will include warm drinks and comfort foods such as brats, vegan chili, fish and chips and more. The rink is closed on February 16 &17 due to weather. Food trucks and Joe Coffee will be inside LMCCs Arts Center at Governors Island and in the Battery Maritime Building ferry terminal daily. The Trust for Governors Island has now released plans for its inaugural winter season, the centerpiece of which will be the Governors Island Winter Villageset to open on December 17th, this . In addition to the usual fun you can have on the island, the winter village ensures even funnier activities. There's plenty to see and do in the village, from a gigantic 7,500 square-foot ice skating rink to local favorites like bike rentals and delicious food. said Merritt Birnbaum, Executive Director of the Friends of Governors Island. Outdoor team-building? An eclectic array of weekend food trucks, plus Joe Coffeeopen daily inside LMCCs Arts Center at Governors Island and in the Battery Maritime Building ferry terminalround out the Islands wintereats. The Ice Skating Rink 10 South Street, Slip 7 10004. Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the City University of New York. The Governors Island Winter Village will be open through February 2023. Expanding on last year's public hours, the ice rink will be open Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5:30pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5:30pm, with event packages and buyouts available during additional hours. Dazzling festive lights light up the entire Village at night, completing its winter wonderland look and adding a touch of holiday magic. Register now - its free! From ice skating to Jenga to toasty drinks, theres something for everyone in the family at the Winter Village and Iencourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of Governors Island year-round., The secret is out: Governors Island is truly amagical place all year long, and we are so excited to welcome New Yorkers back to the Winter Village, said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. Dont have an account? HOURS: Governors Island will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ICE SKATING: The ice rink will be open Fridays from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (extended hours are available upon request for youth, adult and nonprofit sports leagues and associations), and on New York City public school holidays. Group visits families, schools, or groups who wish to visit the island together are allowed. Ferry reservations and schedules can be found at govisland.org/ferry. The group size is limited to 40 people. The South Island Park is open until 6pm daily. You can reserve tickets to the rink in advance beginning the week of November 14 by visiting govisland.com. All rights reserved. The popular Winter Village will include a7,500-square foot skating rink for visitors of all ages to enjoy, along with wintery activities, festive decorations, games, cold-weather food and drinks, and warming fire pits. Not to mention, the Trust that maintains the island and many of its vendors that have been there for years are all committed to giving island goers a memorable time. Fast forward to the American Civil War in 1861-1865, Governors Island was still in use by the military and rather than use for defense, the island was used for barracks for Union soldiers as well as a Confederate prison in both Fort Jay and Castle Williams. Written by Anna Rahmanan Monday November 7 2022 Just last. Read More: The History Of Governors Island & A Rare Look Inside Its Abandoned Buildings. Open from 7 am to 6 pm daily, the Winter Village boasts festive snow-filled activities for its visitors. In addition to the citys most dramatic skating backdrop, Village visitors will enjoy some of the amazing food trucks and exciting programming that makes the Island agreat place to visit all yearlong.. The Governors Island Winter Village will be open through February 2023. Here are a few things you should know before you plan your trip: Governors Island is located a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, but not too far away to be uncomfortable, and has been a popular destination for organizations, schools, families, friends groups, and many more for decades. Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC! In addition to the rink, the Village will feature bike and sled rentals from Blazing Saddles NYC and wintery activities including lawn games like cornhole, can jam and giant Jenga; fire pits; winter arts and cultural programming and asparkling display of holiday lights throughout historic Colonels Row. ", open to the public year-round for the first time in its history, This interactive map shows where to find every holiday light display in NYC. Afterwards, grab a steamy cup of hot cocoa and get cozy by the fire. Bruce Monroe, who runs the tour guide program and has been volunteering on the island for a decade, said that winter visitors had been slow and steady, but that the number signing up for tours was in the single digits, down from as many as 20 a day during the summer. By Serena Tara. Apart from the quiet and pleasant environment, there is a lot to experience on Governors Island from art and cultural events to recreational activities, youth programs, historical hikes, the adventure playground in the yard, etc. With Central Park you have to get there early in the morning to beat the crowds and the plows, he said. To be out here in the cold, they would have to open more indoors.. Brian Kavanagh. Since alcoholic drinks are available, the island visitors must not bring their own alcohol. Get to the island by taking the ferry from Manhattan at 10 South St. The rink will also feature events, activities and Free Admission Fridays, with admission fees waived for all visitors every Friday. Over the decades, Governors Island has rarely been fully empty during the winter. Try the bike and sled rental booths across the Village. "From ice skating to hot chocolate by the fire, the Governors Island Winter Village will provide visitors of all ages with plenty of cold-weather fun and festivities while serving as an amazing . Great news for locals and tourists planning to visit Governors Island over the holidays: the Winter Village will officially be unveiled on November 17, 2022. THE FERRY: Ferries operated by the Trust for Governors Island run daily from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan. To inquire about special group visits, organizations may email groupvisits@govisland.org at least two weeks in advance of their requested visit date. We already have this email. Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. It is nice now, but imagine what it will be like when it snows, said Ira Mittal, 21, a student at New York University who had gone to unwind with a friend in between her finals. Iencourage all New Yorkers to hop on the ferry and try one of the many wintertime activities or huddle by the fire pits, said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. New York, NY Activities including lawn games like cornhole, can jam, and giant Jenga, A sparkling display of holiday lights throughout historic Colonels Row, Little Eva's will offer a seasonal menu featuring warm drinks, brats, vegan chili, fish and chips & more, A historic Coast Guard-era fire truck "providing a charming photo op for visitors", The beautiful winter isolation only an island can offer (this was not on the press release but it is accurate). 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. For the first time, Governors Island, accessible only by ferry, will remain open to the public for the winter. Fifteen minutes is the suggested time since ferries fill up quickly and leave as soon as theyre at full capacity. Stay up to date on events, activities and all things Governors Island by subscribing to our newsletter. Need help with timings and such? She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits. The rink will also feature events, activities, and Free Admission Thursdays, with admission fees waived for all visitors every Thursday. 67 likes, 0 comments - Governors Island (@governorsisland) on Instagram: "February birthday? For snowy weather, there will be sleds, snowshoes and possibly cross-country ski rentals. If you have a larger group, turn to the customer service team. The rink is closed on February 16 & 17 due to weather. Expanding on last year's public hours, the ice rink will be open Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5: 30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5: 30 pm, with event packages and buyouts available during additional hours. Situated just shy from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple but not too far to be inconvenient, Governors Island has been a go-to destination for organizations, schools, families, friend groups, and more for decades. According to their website, skate admission is free on Thursdays and Free Admission Fridays are walk-up only. Perhaps you need a little help getting to Governors Island from key points in the city? More details about myNY Governors Island NYC is a great destination to be in during the summer. The Winter Villages opening day, which had balmy weather, drew 1,400 people. Masks are required while waiting for, boarding, and riding the ferry. We are so excited to invite New Yorkers and visitors to Governors Island for the return of Winter Village, said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Try the bicycle and carriage rentals in winter Village. Im thrilled to continue supporting Governors Island as adynamic resource for all New Yorkers and Iam excited to see the experience created for visitors in the winter season., I am happy that the Winter Village will be returning this season, said State Senator Brian Kavanagh, who represents Governors Island. Photo courtesy of Governors Island. For the first time, guests can sit by campfires enjoying hot chocolates or enjoy a merry sled ride with their children away from the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps. In addition to the citys most dramatic skating backdrop, Village visitors will enjoy some of the amazing food trucks and exciting programming that makes the Island a great place to visit all year long.". The Trust for Governors Island has now released plans for its inaugural winter season, the centerpiece of which will be the Governors Island Winter Villageset to open on December 17th, this will transform the historic Colonels Row "into a destination for seasonal amenities." Go New York Explorer Pass: My Review 2023 | Is It Worth it? The Best Low Budget Restaurants in New York: Insider Tips, Best View in New York: We Compare the Observation Decks, Hotel Recommendation for New York: Tips for Every Budget, Hop on Hop off in New York: Experiences and All Information. Opening December 17, the Village will include a5,000-square foot skating rink for visitors of all ages to enjoy, along with seasonal activities, festive winter lights, games and food and drinks alongside warming fire pits. Heres everything you need to know: Whats even more exciting is that the fare is only $3. This winter also marks the return of Winter Dog Days, where dogs are allowed on Governors Island on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the winter months. Aside from a quiet and enjoyable environment, theres much to do in Governors Islandfrom arts and cultural events to pumpkin patch events to recreational activities, youth programs, historic walking tours, the yard adventure playground, etc. The ferries run back and forth 7 days a week from 7 oclock in the morning until 6 pm in the evening between New York and the island. Joe Coffee is really good in the Battery Maritime Building and the LMCC Arts Center in Soissons Landing. Youll find Little Evas is serving up quite a delicious varietyfrom bratwurst sausages to pulled pork, pita sandwiches to mac-n-cheese. Not to mention, they make great photo props. They also offer skate rentals for all ages for only $8. The skating rink is open from the 17th of December Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays following the following timetable: On the ice rink is enough space for everyone, but if you want a lead in front of the others, we recommend that you come in the lunch break or shortly before the shuttle if everyone is busy enjoying the view or eating something in winter Village Being. City Power of Three: New York Philadelphia Washington, D.C. From ice skating to hot chocolate by the fire, the Governors Island Winter Village will provide visitors of all ages with plenty of cold-weather fun and festivities while serving as an amazing kick-off to our inaugural winter season," said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. The Trust will also display ahistoric Coast Guard-era fire truck at the Winter Village, providing acharming photo op for visitors. The Trust for Governors Island, which oversees operations for the 172-acre respite from urban sprawl, also plans a mobile sauna and a dog run in January and an ice-sculpting competition in February. Click here to purchase advance rink reservations and skate rentals. November 7, 2022. Expanding on last year's public hours, the ice rink will be open Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5:30pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5:30pm, with event packages and buyouts available during additional hours. I have tons of ski gear, he said. The Winter Village also marks the islands first opening to tourists at the end of the year, celebrating the holiday season. Just like during the summer months on Governors Island, there's plenty of other winter-time fun to enjoy, too. Little Evas will be the Winter Village's provider of warm drinks and comfort food (think: brats, vegan chili, fish and chips and more). My tip: these are the best ice skating rinks in NYC. Historic Colonels Row will get a complete winter makeover! Unsafe because of the travel times? Log into myNY and start planning your New York trip. Good news for New Yorkers and visitors of the Big Apple, who want to visit Governors Island about the holidays: The winter Village on Governors Island was officially opened on 17 December 2021 for the very first time. The Village includes a 7,500-square-foot ice skating rink open Thursdays-Sundays and all NYC Department of Education holidays, along with daily attractions and activities including more than a dozen lawn games, fire pits, sled . For ticketing information and full schedules for NYC Ferry, visit www.ferry.nyc. Arotating series of New York Citys best food trucks, in partnership with the New York Food Truck Association, will round out the Islands wintereats. Gothamist is a website about New York City news, arts, events and food, brought to you by New York Public Radio. The Trust for Governors Island today announced the launch of the Governors Island Winter Village, transforming historic Colonels Row into adestination for seasonal amenities. Governors Island ferries are always free for children 12 and under, seniors 65 and up, residents of NYCHA, IDNYC holders, current and former military service members, and Governors Island members. Wondering how you can get there and whats there to do on Governors Island? Like us on Facebook for more stories like this: Like in the Phone Book: Manhattan from A-Z, 10 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from New York City, Ice Rinks For Ice Skating in New York: Best Places Info, New York Knicks Tickets: Cheap Tickets, Best Seats, New York Tips: Planning a Trip to New York Has Never Been Easier, Best Places in New York State: You Didnt Know About Them. In addition, you can use the picnic tables that are situated anywhere on the island, and yes, you can eat food and drinks with the island. Stay up to date on events, activities and all things Governors Island by subscribing to our newsletter. Furthermore, guests are welcome to use the picnic tables set up all over the island, and yes, you may bring food and drinks to the island. Fifteen minutes is the recommended time as the ferries quickly fill and shut out as soon as they are fully occupied. Please use the contact the organizer function through Eventbrite if you need to rebook for adifferent date, or for more information on the refund policy. 12 years later, his tip helped crack the Gilgo case, NYC Restaurant Week returns today: Here are some top deals in every borough, Afternoon storms threaten next 2 days before heat wave arrives Wednesday: What to know. But what can one actually do there when the temps drop? Its such a peaceful place, you would never know you are a stones throw away from Manhattan or Brooklyn., He said he would visit even when the temperatures plummeted. For the first time, with its Winter Village, the island, a popular summer destination, is providing cold-weather programming for visitors. Want to try something new? We are so excited to welcome all New Yorkers to the first public winter season on Governors Island. Do you want to try something new? Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Check out the ferry schedule at govisland.com/ferry. The 26 Best Things to Do in New York in December, The 55 Best Things to Do in NYC Right Now. GOVERNORS ISLAND WINTER VILLAGE The winter village set up at Colonels Row on Governors Island opens today, Nov. 17, with expanded public skating hours. Around trip ferry ticket costs $3 for adults and is free for seniors 65 and over, children 12 and under, NYCHA residents, IDNYC holders, former and active military servicemembers and for everyone on weekends before noon. Expanding on last year's public hours, the ice rink will be open Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 5:30pm and Saturdays. However, the group size is limited to only 40 people. Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor. Cold weather doesnt have to mean being stuck insideit can mean ice skating and sledding with your friends or sitting around afire with your family. The Winter Village is located at Colonels Row on Governors Island, which is considered part of Manhattan and located in New York Harbor. READ: Ice Rinks For Ice Skating in New York: Best Places Info. The Trust for Governors Island today announced the Governors Island Winter Village will open November 17, transforming historic Colonels Row into asingular seasonal destination for the second year in arow.