Winterfest

Winterfest returns to Kiener Plaza on Saturday, November 21, marking the eleventh year of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation's holiday tradition. It's a seven-week celebration built around ice skating, s'mores stations, and heated igloos under 100,000 twinkling lights, all in the shadow of the Gateway Arch. This year's edition is presented by Bank of America and World Wide Technology.

Opening day, November 21, kicks off with the Winterfest 5K and a one-mile Fun Run/Walk. It's the sixth year for the 5K, which remains the only official race through Gateway Arch National Park, with proceeds supporting the Foundation's conservation, preservation, education, and community programs. That same night, the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights marks the opening with a tree lighting and a drone show.

There are a few new additions this season. The Winterfest Curling Cafe brings two synthetic-ice curling bays to the plaza, and the Winterfest Cafe features Mississippi Riverfront staples Ed's Food Shop and Pour Decisions. Throughout the run, kids skate for free on Fridays, and princesses and superheroes stop by for visits. The season wraps up on December 31 with 'Neon Nights,' a New Year's Eve party featuring The Dirty Muggz, a DJ, fire dancers, and characters, followed by a family-friendly fireworks spectacular.

Opening day runs from 8 AM to 8 PM. After that, the plaza is open Thursdays and Fridays from 4 PM to 8 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM to 8 PM. It's closed December 25, then open daily from noon to 8 PM from December 26 through January 3. Ice skate rentals are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 15, though you can bring your own skates for free. Heated igloos start at $100 for a 90-minute reservation, s'mores kits are $18, and curling is $65 for up to four people per 90-minute session.