Get ready to feel the holiday magic at the Tenth Annual Winterfest in St. Louis, presented by Bank of America and World Wide Technology. Beginning on Saturday, November 22, and running through Sunday, January 11, this cherished holiday festival, brought to life by Gateway Arch Park Foundation, invites families to enjoy nearly seven weeks of winter wonder in the heart of the city.
Under the glow of thousands of dazzling lights and in the shadow of the Gateway Arch, Winterfest will return with fan-favorite activities like ice skating, cozy igloos, and marshmallow-toasting s’mores stations. Exciting holiday-themed programming will keep the whole family entertained, featuring the Winterfest 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, enchanting appearances by princesses and superheroes, and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration and fireworks show to ring in 2026.
The following events and activities are currently planned for this year, with more to follow:
Winterfest Opening Day Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, November 22 | 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
COST: Free (fees apply for race registration)
DETAILS: Winterfest officially kicks off on November 22 with a full day of holiday fun in Downtown St. Louis, highlighted by the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights and the lighting of The Salvation Army Tree of Lights. From sunrise runs to evening fireworks, Opening Day sets the tone for a magical season under the Arch.
SCHEDULE:
• 7:30 a.m. – Winterfest 5K
• 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Skating Rink Opens (Free skate rentals, courtesy of Ameren)
• 8:30 a.m. – Winterfest 5K Awards Ceremony
• 9 a.m. – Noon – Winterfest 5K Afterparty
• Noon – 8 p.m. – Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
• 2 – 4 p.m. – “Thanks for Giving Parade” hosted by Celebrate St. Louis (ending in Kiener Plaza)
• 4 – 4:30 p.m. – Louie Appearance (St. Louis Blues)
• 4 – 5 p.m. – Fredbird Appearance (St. Louis Cardinals)
• 5:30 – 7 p.m. – Salvation Army Tree of Lights Ceremony (Tree lighting at 5:45 p.m.)
• 7 p.m. – Fireworks Spectacular
Winterfest 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
WHEN: Saturday, November 22 | 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
COST: $35 for 5K participants; $30 for Fun Run participants
DETAILS: The only race that winds through the Gateway Arch National Park grounds and supports Gateway Arch National Park’s official nonprofit conservancy, Gateway Arch Park Foundation! The route starts and ends in Kiener Plaza. All proceeds benefit Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s mission. Register at archpark.org/5k.
Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
WHEN: Saturday, November 22 | Live reindeer 4 – 6 p.m.; ceremony 5:30 p.m.; Salvation Army Tree of Lights illumination 5:45 p.m.; live performances 5:45 – 7 p.m.; fireworks at 7 p.m.
COST: Free
DETAILS: Celebrate the official kickoff of Winterfest with the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights, featuring live reindeer, local talent performances, vendor booths, and exhibits. The evening culminates in the lighting of The Salvation Army Tree of Lights and a fireworks spectacular over Kiener Plaza—an unforgettable start to the holiday season.
Ice Rink
WHEN: Opening Day Saturday, November 22 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m., free skate courtesy of Ameren). Regular hours: Fridays 4 – 8 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays 12 – 8 p.m.; Extended Hours Dec 26 – Dec 31 and Jan 2 – Jan 11 daily 12 – 8 p.m.
COST: $15 for adults; $10 for children ages 3–15; skate free if you bring your own skates. Kids skate free on Fridays courtesy of the St. Louis Blues.
DETAILS: Glide across the ice with the backdrop of the Arch, the Old Courthouse and holiday lights at the Winterfest Ice Rink, a downtown tradition for families and friends.
The Greater St. Louis, Inc. Lodge @ Winterfest
WHEN: A rotating schedule of special events throughout the Winterfest season (Fridays 4–8 p.m., Saturdays 6–8 p.m., Sundays noon–4 p.m.)
COST: Free programming
DETAILS: A 2,178 sq. ft. heated tent with glass windows next to the rink serves as a gathering space for Carol-oke Fridays, Sophie’s Lounge DJ Saturdays in partnership with Kranzberg Arts Foundation, and Sunday movie afternoons featuring films like Frozen, Inside Out 2, and The Grinch. Enjoy cooking, decor and gift-wrapping demos and holiday markets in the warmth of the Greater St. Louis, Inc. Lodge @ Winterfest! Full schedule at archpark.org/winterfest.
Igloo Village
WHEN: Fridays 4 – 5:30 p.m. and 6 – 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays 12-1:30 pm, 2 - 3:30 pm, 4 - 5:30 pm and 6:00 - 7:30 pm
COST: Starting at $100 per 90-minute rental (up to 6 people), includes parking pass; add-ons available.
DETAILS: Reserve your private, heated igloo with themes like Aloha Holidays, Candyland, Haunted Christmas and more. Includes seating for six and custom add-on packages for food, drink and gifts.
Spirits of Winterfest hosted by Pour Decisions STL
WHEN: Select Fridays, December 6, 13 & 21 | Evening hours during Winterfest
COST: Free (21+ to participate)
DETAILS: Warm up your winter weekends with Spirits of Winterfest, a festive series of complimentary spirit tastings held under the twinkling lights of Kiener Plaza. Each date features a different theme and beverage partner, making it the perfect way to toast the season with friends.
SCHEDULE:
December 6 – Bulleit Barrel Experience Whiskey Tasting
December 13 – Warming Up with Don Julio Tequila Tasting
December 21 – A World of Sparkling Wine Champagne Tasting
Winter Markets
WHEN: Select Saturdays, November 29, December 6 & December 20 | Noon – 5 p.m.
COST: Free
DETAILS: Celebrate the season at Winterfest with our festive Winter Markets, featuring a rotating selection of local vendors offering handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, and seasonal treats. Shop unique finds while enjoying the sights and sounds of Kiener Plaza. It’s the perfect way to support small businesses and pick up something special for everyone on your list.
Winterfest Trivia Night
WHEN: Tuesday, December 30 | 6 – 8 p.m.
COST: Free
DETAILS: Put your holiday knowledge to the test at Trivia Night at Winterfest! Gather your friends and family for a fun-filled evening of festive competition under the Arch. Enjoy music, prizes, and plenty of seasonal spirit as teams face off for bragging rights and Winterfest glory.
Carol-oke Fridays
WHEN: Fridays from 4 – 8 p.m. | November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 26, January 2 & January 9, 2026
COST: Free
DETAILS: Sing your favorite holiday hits during Carol-oke Fridays inside The Greater St. Louis, Inc. Lodge @ Winterfest. This weekly community karaoke event invites families and friends to share festive cheer and musical talent in a fun, welcoming setting open to all ages.
Carolers
WHEN: Every Saturday 4 – 6 p.m.
COST: Free
DETAILS: Enjoy live caroling throughout Kiener Plaza to add to the festive ambiance.
Sophie’s @ Winterfest DJ Performances
WHEN: Saturdays from 6 – 8 p.m. | November 29 – December 27
COST: Free
DETAILS: Enjoy themed DJ nights inside The Greater St. Louis, Inc. Lodge @ Winterfest, presented in partnership with Kranzberg Arts Foundation. Each Saturday features a new sound and atmosphere for guests to dance, mingle, and celebrate the season.
SCHEDULE:
November 29 – The Winter Groove with DJ Enoch Raavi
December 8 – Sinamin Nights: Winter Soul Sessions with DJ Sinamin
December 13 – Hollis to Kiener: Hip-Hop Winterfest Celebration with DJ Charlie Chan Soprano
December 20 – The Winterfest Jam with DJ Agile1
December 27 – The Winter Warehouse: House, Boogie & Funk with DJ Nune
Character Visits
WHEN: Sundays from 12 – 1:30 p.m. and 2-4:00 p.m.| November 23 – January 4
COST: Free
DETAILS: Meet your favorite movie characters on the ice, then stick around for photos inside The Greater St. Louis, Inc. Lodge @ Winterfest. Each week features a new lineup of beloved heroes and holiday favorites perfect for family photos and memories.
SCHEDULE:
November 23 – The Wicked Witch of the West
November 30 – The Minions
December 7 – Moana & Spiderman
December 14 – The Grinch & Cindy Lou
December 21 – Rudolph & Clarice
December 28 – Elsa & Olaf
January 4 – Descendants
Family Movies at Winterfest
WHEN: Sundays from 2 – 4 p.m. | November 23 – January 4
COST: Free
DETAILS: Settle in for family-friendly movie afternoons inside The Greater St. Louis, Inc. Lodge @ Winterfest. Each Sunday features a different film favorite, perfect for cozying up after skating or meeting your favorite characters.
SCHEDULE:
November 23 – Special Movie Presentation
November 30 – Inside Out 2
December 7 – Lilo & Stitch
December 14 – The Grinch (animated)
December 21 – Mufasa
December 28 – Frozen
January 4 – Freakier Friday
New Year’s Eve “Neon Nights” Celebration and Fireworks
WHEN: Wednesday, December 31 | 4 – 8 p.m. (Fireworks at 8 p.m.)
COST: Free
DETAILS: Ring in 2026 at Winterfest’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve event featuring a live concert by Just In Time, a DJ, princess and superhero visits, fire dancers, party favors and glow products (4–8 p.m.), and a fireworks finale set against the Gateway Arch. Made possible with support from Greater St. Louis, Inc.
More information:
Parking:
Parking is available at the Kiener Plaza East and West Garages starting at just $8 for up to 12 hours. Sign up for an InterPark Express account at iparkit.com/register and receive 20% off your first five uses of Express; simply choose your day and time and scan your device to get in and out of the garage. Gateway Arch Park Foundation Members receive free and discounted parking all year long. Visit archpark.org/membership to learn more.
Vendor and Sponsorship Opportunities:
For Winterfest Sponsorship information, contact Chris Casey (chris.casey@archpark.org).
About Gateway Arch Park Foundation:
Gateway Arch Park Foundation is the official philanthropic partner and conservancy for Gateway Arch National Park. Its mission is to ensure the Gateway Arch, its grounds, neighboring public spaces, and attractions are a vital, welcoming, well supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. It seeks to fulfill its mission by providing for ongoing conservation, preservation and education at the park, in addition to hosting, facilitating and promoting community programs that bring the park and its surrounding areas in Downtown St. Louis to life. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association, and the City of St. Louis. For more information, visit ArchPark.org.