The weather outside may generally be a bit frightful in January (unless we’re experiencing one of those fun Midwestern winter heat waves), but that has never stopped us St. Louisans from exploring all that our city has to offer. Set your goals, bundle up and start 2026 off right. Catch the end of Winterfest at Kiener Plaza, plan your restaurant stops during Clayton Restaurant Week, take part in Veganuary and much more.
Family Night with Fredbird
The countdown to Opening Day begins with Family Night with Fredbird at Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar. Kids 12 and under eat free from 5-9 p.m., with one complimentary kids’ meal available per adult entrée purchased for dine-in. Guests will also have the chance to meet the Cardinals’ mascot, Fredbird, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Families can enjoy games, win prizes and kick off the upcoming baseball season with a fun night out. Additional Family Night dates include February 18 and March 4. Reserve your spot on OpenTable.
Jan. 7 – 5 p.m., Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar, 601 Clark St.,
St. Louis, mlb.com/cardinal
Winterfest
There’s still time to experience the Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s 10th annual Winterfest, which launched in late November at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis. Enjoy ice skating, a s’mores station, local shopping, food vendors and festive photo opportunities. You can also reserve a heated igloo for up to six guests, complete with customizable themes. New this year is the Greater St. Louis, Inc. Lodge at Winterfest, a 2,000-square-foot heated welcome hub featuring free, ongoing family programming, including “carol-oke” nights, themed entertainment and holiday workshops.
Now through Jan. 11 – Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St., St. Louis, archpark.org/winterfest
Cursed Beignets Pop-Up at Sugarwitch
A New Orleans delicacy is making its way to Sugarwitch in the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, now through Valentine’s Day. Sugarwitch will host the Cursed Beignets Pop-Up every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering classic powdered beignets along with rotating specials and new flavors such as caramel-pumpkin cheesecake, Banoffee pie, and even savory options like garlic knot-style herby cheesy butter beignets. Pair your beignet with a cup of chicory drip coffee and chicory syrup for that true NOLA flair. Follow them on Instagram @sugarwitchic for their weekly special flavors.
Every Saturday through Feb. 14 – Sugarwitch, 7726 Virginia Ave, St. Louis, sugarwitchic.com
‘Veganuary’ at Clementine’s Ice Cream
Calling all vegans and the vegan curious! Celebrate Veganuary with Clementine’s Ice Cream during their annual vegan takeover. January is nationally recognized as “Veganuary,” a month for exploring plant-based lifestyles, and what better way to dive in than with unique small-batch ice cream flavors and non-dairy options? Head to one of their nine locations and try one of their new flavors including Golden Mylk Biscoff, Horchata Kon Krispie, Earl Grey and Malt Chocolate.
Throughout January – Multiple locations, St. Louis, clementinesicecream.com
Clayton Restaurant Week
Start 2026 on a delicious note by exploring 18 of Clayton’s best restaurants during the annual Clayton Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants will feature flexible prix-fixe menus priced at $39, $59 or $79, giving guests the chance to enjoy a three-course experience with an appetizer, entrée and dessert. If you’re looking for a more interactive experience, Plates & Play combines dining, drinks and games at entertainment venues like Flight Club and Five Iron. Featured restaurants include The Bao, 801 Chophouse, Herbie’s, Pastaria, Bistro La Floraison, Ivy Café, and more.
Jan. 19-25 – Multiple locations, Clayton, dineclaytonmo.com
The Loop Ice Carnival
The 19th annual Loop Ice Carnival returns as a beloved winter tradition for all ages. Stroll through the Delmar Loop to admire enchanting ice sculptures, watch live ice carving demonstrations, or take in a drone show from the Moonrise Hotel rooftop. Visitors can also join the Temporary Tattoo Scavenger Hunt, meet Louie, the St. Louis Blues mascot, or test their skills at the Blues Street Team Slap Shot Game.
Jan. 24 – 11 a.m., Delmar Loop, University City, visittheloop.com
Fondue Nights at Bormio
Experience Bormio’s Alpine-inspired fondue nights every Wednesday and Thursday through March. Reservations are available from 4-8 p.m. for parties of two to six. Pricing is $36 per person for the Swiss fondue and $15 per person for the chocolate fondue. The Swiss fondue features a rich blend of Swiss Emmental and Italian Taleggio cheeses, served with turkey schnitzel, wurst, Frikadellen (German meatballs), potatoes, olives, gherkins, pickled onions, squash, carrots, pretzel and ciabatta. For something sweet, enjoy the chocolate fondue made with cinnamon-chocolate ganache and paired with amaretti cookies, elderflower pound cake, apricot schnapps marshmallows and fresh fruit. Reserve your table on ExploreTock soon as availability is limited.
Wednesdays & Thursdays this winter – Bormio, 5105 Westwood Drive, Suite A, St. Peters, bormiostl.com
Ford’s Gin Scavenger Hunt
Grab your friends and get ready to solve riddles at Ford’s Gin Scavenger Hunt. Explore Soulard as you and your team visit different neighborhood establishments, answer trivia questions, complete challenges and earn points along the way. Score extra points by purchasing sponsor cocktails at participating locations and showing your receipt at the post-party. The top team will win $1,000 in Soulard bar and restaurant gift cards. Stick around from 4:00-5:30 p.m. for the award ceremony, featuring complimentary snacks, Bud Light and Ford’s Gin cocktails. Tickets are available online.
Jan. 24 – noon, Soulard Market Park, 8th Street and Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, stlmardigras.org
Schlafly Art Inside
Celebrate art, culture and community at the second annual Schlafly Art Inside, highlighting the vibrant St. Louis art scene with more than 40 regional artists. Experience live tattoo demonstrations from local tattoo shops and musical performances by the Steve Ewing Band, Van Full of Nuns, School of Rock and more. Guests can try a special-edition Pale Ale can designed by St. Louis Blues Warrior Hockey, with 20% of proceeds from each 16-ounce can benefiting the Warriors Foundation. The event will also feature autograph signings from former Blues players and charity raffles supporting organizations including St. Louis ArtWorks and Artists First.
Jan. 30-Feb. 1 – times vary, Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust St., St. Louis, schlafly.com
This article appears in January 2026.