The Delmar Loop Ice Carnival returns this Saturday

Don’t let the cold get you down—the Delmar Loop Ice Carnival returns Saturday, a celebration of all things beautiful and shiver-ific.

“There’s nothing else like it in St. Louis,” says Samatha Smugala, executive director for the East Loop Community Improvement District. “Everyone likes to hibernate over the winter, and here we are celebrating ice!”

There will be more than 50 ice sculptures along the Delmar Loop to ogle. New this year, a few will incorporate color—including a large-scale ice photo wall. “The sculptures themselves are reason to come out—they are absolutely beautiful,” Smugala says.

But there’s plenty more to see and  do. The sculptures themselves are out all day, and other entertainment options abound: a temporary tattoo scavenger hunt, stilt walkers, and music.

Beginning at 1 p.m., Full Spectrum Ice will do a live ice-carving demoin front of Fitz’s Root Beer. “This attraction wows the crowd as they watch blocks of ice become a beautiful hand-carved work of art,” says Smugala.

Then, starting at 5 p.m., Flux Infernos Fire & Light organization will bring some heat to the otherwise chilly festivities. “Enjoy the fire and ice, and be amazed,” Smugala says. 

In addition to the usual family-friendly diversions, such as bounce houses and slow globes, the carnival is incorporating a cute new variation on the ice theme: ice “fishing,” with magnetic fish toys in a barrel topped by a slab of ice. Kids who catch a fish will win a prize.

Of course, who’s more of an ice expert than the St. Louis Blues? The Blues Street Team Slap Shot Game takes over the Tivoli parking lot, and mascot Louie will be around all day.

And to cap off the festivities, the crowd-pleasing drone show will be back, bigger, and longer than last year’s delightful debut. “We wanted to make sure it was even more spectacular than last year,” says Smugala.

The 200 drones take to the skies above Delmar and Skinker at 7 p.m. They’ll be visible for almost a mile. For $15, VIPs can access a viewing space in The Moonrise’s Twilight Room. Food and drink are available for purchase, and ticket-holders get a themed beanie hat, in addition to a great view. (It’s also free to watch from the ground, of course.)

And speaking of The Moonrise, the hotel’s traditional night-before event, the Snowball Costume Party, happens Friday at the Rooftop Bar. It runs from 4 p.m.–1 a.m., with the crowning of a King and Queen of Snowball capping off the festivities. This year’s theme is Northern Lights, and entry is free, with food and drinks for purchase.

“We’re excited to welcome people back for this iconic event,” Smugala says of the Delmar Loop Ice Carnival, adding that the business district’s streets and sidewalks are looking good and the frigid temps we’ve been having should be gone by Saturday. “The Ice Carnival continues to grow and bring community to the vibrant Delmar Loop. We’re happy to offer families a reason to celebrate the winter season and come out and play!”