The Village of Rockville Centre is preparing for a winter celebration as the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce hosts its first-ever Winterfest.
Set to transform Front Street into a festive winter destination on Feb. 7, the event will feature ice skating, live music, hot cocoa, food, igloos and family-friendly activities aimed at bringing the community together while showcasing local businesses.
“There used to be ice skating all around in the wintertime,” Chamber President Ed Asip said. “This is going to be nostalgic for a lot of people, and we’re hoping to bring that kind of fun back.”
Beyond celebrating the season, Winterfest is designed to strengthen the connection between residents and the village’s business community. Organizers hope the event encourages visitors to explore Rockville Centre, increasing foot traffic and helping people discover shops and restaurants they may not typically visit.
“We’re hoping people enjoy getting out, experiencing the village and learning about the different businesses that are here,” Asip said. “We want our businesses to have a successful day — one they normally wouldn’t experience in February — and for people to discover something new.”
Winter months often present challenges for local businesses, as customer traffic slows after the holiday season. The Chamber created Winterfest to draw residents out of their homes during what is typically one of the quietest times of year.
“Our businesses are telling us that February is usually the slowest month,” Vice President Donna O’Reilly Eineman said. “Bringing an event like this and giving people a reason to come into town is a huge benefit.”
In addition to daytime activities, Winterfest will include a Wine Walk for guests ages 21 and older. Participants can enjoy glasses of wine at participating businesses with the purchase of three redeemable tokens.
The event will run from noon to 8 p.m., allowing attendees to come and go throughout the day.
“For the time period we’re running the event, people can visit a restaurant, have a glass of wine, eat lunch or dinner and come back,” O’Reilly Eineman said. “It’s really fun, and we’re hoping it brings a lot of excitement during that time.”
Winterfest marks a new chapter in Rockville Centre’s seasonal programming, inviting residents and visitors to embrace winter with community spirit. Tickets are available for both Winterfest and the Wine Walk, and separate tickets are required to participate in each.
Following the success of events held last year, including the Little Fall Festival, the Chamber plans to continue expanding its community-focused offerings.
“The Little Town Festival is something we’ll do every year,” Asip said. “It was such a success, the timing was perfect and residents loved it. If Winterfest is successful and businesses enjoy it, we’ll bring it back.”
The Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce remains committed to connecting local businesses with residents through creative initiatives.
“What we do at the Chamber is about elevating our small businesses within the community and surrounding areas,” O’Reilly Eineman said. “We’re our businesses’ biggest cheerleaders.”
For more information on the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce and to purchase tickets, visit RockvilleCentreChamberOfCommerce.com.
