Winterfest, a sure sign that the holidays are nigh, returns this weekend. The merry and bright experience runs from 4–8 p.m. Fridays and noon–8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through December 31 in Kiener Plaza downtown. Enjoy twinkling lights, ice skating, s’mores, igloos, and more at the Gateway Arch Park Foundation event.
“It’s uniquely tied to the spirit of the city,” says Camille Brooks, director of programming and events for the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. The setting—the Old Courthouse, the Gateway Arch, Ballpark Village—is rich with St. Louis icons. “It just celebrates the essence of the city,” says Brooks.
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Special nights include princess and superhero meet-and-greets, carol-oke holiday singalongs, and the New Year’s Eve “Neon Nights” celebration with fire dancers, fireworks, a DJ, photobooth, and more. Chef Juwan Rice returns to make culinary magic at Winterfest Café.
New this year: The Lodge at Winterfest, a pop-up in partnership with UKRAFT Brunch Café. “Holiday pop-up bars are a new thing in the country, and what better way to bring something new and fun to Winterfest?” Brooks says. It features seasonal cocktails, warm drinks, and small bites. If you’re in the market for a new profile pic, it’s also the place, with lots of sparkling, twirling lights. “It’s kind of a cozy, glammy, lodge experience,” says Brooks. “It’s designed to be kind of like a ski chalet, with warm soft seating and over-the-top décor.” Nice Hours (for the whole family) are from noon–3:30 p.m., while Naughty Hours (for ages 21 and up) are from 4–8 p.m.
The event has become a can’t-miss part of the St. Louis landscape, and over its nine years, the Winterfest footprint has grown. Brooks says she loves seeing families come back year after year to take their holiday card photos, and watching a proposal in one of the igloos is a favorite memory of hers.
“We are a nonprofit organization that works really hard to uplift our community,” she says. “If you haven’t thought about it before, we’d love for people to become a member.”
The event kicks off Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K, and the skating rink opens at 8 a.m. Skating is free during the first day, with adult skate rentals $15 afterward; kids’ skate rentals are $10 and free on Fridays.
The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights begins at 5 p.m., and the Salvation Army Tree of Lights ceremony is at 5 p.m., but the party runs until 8 p.m.
