What to Expect at This Year’s St. Louis Winterfest

Celebrate the winter season in St. Louis at this year’s Winterfest.

The event kicks off Nov. 23 and runs all through the holidays until New Year’s Eve, every Friday 4–8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m.

Taking place at Kiener Plaza, with the iconic Gateway Arch in the background, this festival provides a pristine setting filled with 100,000 holiday lights, fire pits (outfitted with s’mores kits, of course), heated igloos and an ice-skating rink.

If you can catch the fest’s first day, you can participate in Winterfest 5K (Don’t worry; there’s a 1-mile fun run/walk for those who don’t fancy a run). Or check out the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights, tree lighting and end-of-day fireworks display. All throughout the month, though, Winterfest offers a packed calendar of events, ranging from holiday karaoke to gift markets to other entertainment.

The free festival is just one reason to visit St. Louis over the winter. The destination touts it has more free world-renowned attractions and events per capita than any other destination.