Winterfest at Kiener Plaza
Visitors can ice skate on the outdoor rink in the shadow of the Gateway Arch or relax inside private heated igloos in the Igloo Village. Guests can toast marshmallows at fire pits with s'mores kits, try street curling on synthetic ice lanes under a tent, and purchase food and drinks from the Winterfest Cafe. The plaza is illuminated by 100,000 twinkling lights and hosts activities like ice carving demonstrations, holiday markets, and character appearances.
What to Expect
Ice skating and heated igloos beneath 100,000 lights by the Gateway Arch.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown St. Louis
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Food & Drink
The Winterfest Cafe serves local favorites from Ed’s Food Shop and Pour Decisions, including fresh-cut fries, chicken strips, crab Rangoon and egg rolls; food and drink packages are also available as igloo add-ons.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and groups looking for outdoor winter activities
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission. Ice skate rentals: $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3–15; bring your own skates and skate for free. The page also lists free skating all day on opening day and kids skate free on Fridays (ages 3–15). Heated igloos start at $100 for a 90-minute reservation; food and drink packages are available as add-ons. S’mores kits are $18. Curling sessions are $65 for up to four people per lane for 90 minutes.
- Hours: Main hours: Thursdays and Fridays 4–8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays noon–8 p.m. December 26–January 3: open daily noon–8 p.m.
Tips & Advice
- Reserve your skating time in advance. Rentals are also sold on site, but booking ahead secures your spot on the ice.
- Bring your own skates if you have them, because skating is free when you don't need a rental.
- If you're both skating and renting an igloo, book the igloo for after your skate session so you get your full 90 minutes inside.
- Leave outside snacks at home if you've booked an igloo, since no outside food or drink is allowed inside; add an on-site food and drink package instead.
- Book a curling bay ahead of time, since there are only two bays and advance reservations are strongly encouraged to secure a session.
Special Events & Promotions
- Opening day, Nov 21: free skate rentals all day, plus the Winterfest 5K and the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights with a tree lighting, drone show and fireworks.
- Fridays: kids ages 3–15 skate free.
- New this year: street curling at the Winterfest Curling Cafe, in 90-minute sessions for up to four per lane.
- Free special events (RSVP, space limited) include Chanukah @ The Arch (Dec 10), Ice Carvings + Holiday Market (Dec 12) and an Art Gallery (Dec 19).
- New Year's Eve 'Neon Nights' (Dec 31): The Dirty Muggz in concert, a DJ, fire dancers, characters, party favors and fireworks. RSVP required.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book ice skating ahead?
You can buy skate rentals on site, but reserving your skating time in advance is strongly encouraged to secure your spot on the ice. If you bring your own skates, skating is free.
What are the heated igloos like?
They're private heated igloos in the Igloo Village, seating up to six people, booked in 90-minute reservations. No outside food or drink is allowed inside. You can add an on-site food and drink package to your booking.
What food is there?
Ed's Food Shop and Pour Decisions run the Winterfest Cafe, serving fresh-cut fries, chicken strips, crab Rangoon and egg rolls. You can also buy a s'mores kit, which makes up to four s'mores and gets you a spot at one of four marshmallow-toasting fire pits.
How does the curling work?
The Winterfest Curling Cafe is new this year. It has two bays under a tent with seating around each lane and synthetic ice for street curling. Sessions last 90 minutes for up to four people per lane, and booking ahead is strongly encouraged.
Do I need tickets for the special events?
Space is limited, and some special events need a free RSVP ticket. The Holiday Spirits Tasting on Dec 26 is different: it's a paid, 21+ event that needs a ticket.
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