Governors Island is a true New York City gem with its lavish day spa complete with outdoor infinity pools open year-round, its seasonal restaurant and beach club that proves year after year to be the ultimate summer destination, and the most amazing glamping experiences.
Though come wintertime the island takes on a whole different persona–equally as stunning as in the warmer months–which is seen each year through its festive Winter Village.
And as we prepare for a frosty, flakey, and slushy winter, Governors Island is giving us a reason to put on our black puffer coats and brave the cold.
The Trust for Governors Island and Governors Island Arts announced today, December 7th, that it will, for the first time ever, give us New Yorkers a reason to celebrate the shortest day of the year as it’s gearing up to host its inaugural Winter Solstice Celebration this weekend, on December 16, 2023.
Next weekend a day-long festival will take over the island, featuring art installations, performances, a scavenger hunt, and more, and the best part–it’s all free of charge!
Clare Newman, President & CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, stated:
Even the shortest day of the year is a fantastic time to visit Governors Island and join us for a day of free fun for the entire community. This celebration, kicking off the week of the solstice, will feature innovative and provocative performances and installations alongside the traditional fun activities Governors Island is known for, and we invite all New Yorkers to join us for this wonderful inaugural event.
Visitors who hop on the ferry to the island will be immersed in a winter wonderland of fun. Activities will include games, a collaborative art activity, a nature scavenger hunt, a workshop and performance from Cora Dance, and guided walking tours to experience the beauty of the island.
And, of course, there will be tons of food options, fire pits to cozy up next to, and DJ sets to distract you from the chilly weather and keep the party going.
For those looking to immerse themselves in a bit of the arts, a collaborative art installation Paggank Wik (Nut Island Home), will also be open to explore. Paggank Wik is a structure built from a combination of various types of elm, cedar, chestnut, and evergreens, all harvested from Governors Island, inspired by the original inhabitants of the Island’s ancient dwellings, known as Wigwam.
Round-trip ferry tickets to Governors Island cost $4 for adults and are free for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and up. Ferries before noon on Saturdays and Sundays are free for all.
Governors Island’s Winter Solstice Celebration will take place on December 16th, from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. You can find the full schedule of events here.