Festival of Lights

Winterfest returns to Kiener Plaza on Saturday, November 21, marking the eleventh year of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation's holiday tradition. The season runs from that opening day through January 3, 2027, right in the shadow of the Arch. Opening day is a long one, from 8 AM to 8 PM, and the rest of the season follows a set schedule: Thursdays and Fridays from 4 PM to 8 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8 PM.

The day kicks off with the Winterfest 5K, a one-mile fun run that's the only official race through Gateway Arch National Park. The day then builds toward the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights, which lights the Salvation Army tree of lights. From there, the plaza fills out with the things that make this a destination: ice skating, s'mores stations, and heated igloos to keep you warm while you hang out. This year the layout spans the entire plaza and adds interactive light displays, a curling cafe, and trivia nights. There are three new igloos added this season, too, because they've been in high demand.

Inside the Greater St. Louis, Inc. Lodge, there's a Holiday Expo with live cooking demos from local chefs, a session on holiday décor tips, and mixology. Executive Director Ryan McClure says families come back every year to introduce someone new or create their own milestone memory. The whole season wraps up with a New Year's celebration and fireworks.

Admission is free, and if you bring your own skates, skating is free as well. Rentals are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 15. The plaza is at 500 Chestnut Street in St. Louis, MO 63101, inside Gateway Arch Park.