Home for the Holidays
Come one, come all to Gateway Arch National Park this holiday season, as the Arch, Old Courthouse and Riverboats will be abuzz with holiday cheer. Join us at one of our many family-friendly events:
A Spirited Holiday Past: Saturday, Dec. 1; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Courthouse
At this annual event, 26 historic houses, museums and privately-owned homes in St. Louis – including the Old Courthouse – join together for one grand tour. At the Old Courthouse, the Sperreng & Truman Middle School Fiddlers will perform holiday music from 12 to 1 p.m. Visit Historic Saint Louis for more information.
PJs & Pancakes Cruise with Santa Claus: Saturdays, Dec. 1 & 15; 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (board at 9 a.m.) at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
Cruise the Mighty Mississippi on a replica paddlewheel riverboat with Santa Claus! Come dressed in your favorite PJs and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, holiday activities, unique views of downtown and the Gateway Arch, and a photo with Santa. Buy tickets to this family-friendly cruise online.
Holiday Dinner Cruise: Fridays & Saturdays, Dec. 1-15; 7:30 to 10 p.m. (board at 7 p.m.) at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
Season’s greetings from the Riverboats! Celebrate with friends and family on the festively decorated Becky Thatcher. This 2.5 hour cruise includes a chef-prepared buffet with all the trimmings, a DJ spinning holiday favorites and popular tunes, and a cash bar (bar packages are available). Buy tickets online.
Winterfest Ice Rink: Daily through Jan. 1, 2019, at Kiener Plaza
Grab your skates and enjoy ice skating heart of Kiener Plaza. In the shadow of the Gateway Arch or under its new lights, it’s great winter destination with regular hours and special events. Admission is free; skate rentals are available ($12/adults; $7/children 3-5); children’s skate rentals are free on Thursdays and Fridays courtesy of the St. Louis Blues. Reserve skate rentals online or purchase your Arch Tram & Ice Skate Rental Combo here.
Free Holiday Concerts: Wednesdays, Dec. 5 & 12; 12 to 1 p.m. at the Old Courthouse
Join us in the Old Courthouse Rotunda for free mid-day holiday concerts. On Dec. 5, the Starlifter Jazz Combo of the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America will perform; on Dec. 12, the Mehlville High School Choir Select Ensemble will take the stage.
New Year’s Eve Cruise: Monday, Dec. 31; 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. (board at 9 p.m.) at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
Ring in the New Year with a view of the magnificent St. Louis skyline! This cruise features an elegant three-course dinner, open bar, DJ entertainment, and midnight champagne toast. Reservations are required; must be 21. Buy your tickets online.
1769 Twelfth Afternoon Ball: Saturday, Jan. 5; 12 to 4 p.m. at the Old Courthouse
Celebrate the end of the holiday season as St. Louisans did in 1769. This year’s ball highlights music, food and dancing from 1769. Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole will perform 18th-century music, Deborah Hyland will lead dances from the time period, and food historian Suzanne Corbett will demonstrate historical food recipes common to St. Louis dinner tables during the 1769 holiday season. King’s Cake will be served, and the king and queen of Mardi Gras will be crowned. Historical clothing is not required to participate.
Holiday Hours and Reminders
The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 24. Both the Arch and Old Courthouse are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Tram rides sell out early and often during the holiday season. It is strongly encouraged to purchase your Tram Ride to the Top tickets in advance at www.gatewayarch.com/buytickets. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your scheduled tram time. Entrance to the Museum at the Gateway Arch is free.
Photo Credit: National Park Service