Winterfest Opening Day

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 CelebrationWHEN: 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.