Forty Ice Sculptures Dot Winter Landscape at 2026 Delmar Loop Ice Carnival

Previously scheduled for January 24, the free, family-friendly event will instead take place on January 31, 2026, featuring a day of fun with more than 40 ice sculptures, live performances and a drone show in the heart of the Delmar Loop.

The 19th Annual Loop Ice Carnival will now take place on Saturday, January 31, from 11am to 7:30pm in the historic Delmar Loop in place of its original date on January 24 due to the severe weather forecast in the region. The rescheduled date reflects a collaborative effort between the East Loop, University City, and Delmar Loop businesses to preserve this beloved event, which draws thousands of visitors to the district each year.

“This event has had successful cold years before, but the addition of a severe snow or ice storm would have significantly impacted both safety and the overall experience for our guests, vendors, and businesses,” announced Samantha Smugala, executive director of the East Loop Community Improvement District. “This is a beloved annual tradition and signifi cant business name for the district in a traditionally slow month. I’m so grateful for our team of partners and vendors that we were able to quickly pivot to next week in place of a much more safe alternative of canceling.”

Now in its 19th year, this free, all-ages winter tradition was founded by Joe Edwards and has grown into one of the Delmar Loop’s most anticipated annual events. Attendees are invited to take photos with 40 ice sculptures by Full Spectrum Ice, ice carving demonstrations, stilt walkers, fi re dancers, and an evening drone show alongside interactive games and activities spread throughout the district.

Event Highlights

● Ice Sculptures & Carving Demonstrations: Over 40 stunning ice sculptures will be on display.

● Ice Sculpture Scavenger Hunt: Participants can use the Loop Passport mobile app to seek out specifi c Ice Sculptures for a chance to win a prize!

● Meet Louie: The lovable St. Louis Blues mascot will make special appearances throughout the day.

● Family Fun and Carnival Games: Adults and children alike can engage in carnival games, inflatable games and a bounce house, and Ice Cornhole.

● Flux Infernos Fire Dancers & Live Music: Thrilling performances and lively music will keep spirits high throughout the event.

● Drone Show: As night falls at 7pm, spectators will watch in awe as drones light up the sky with intricate patterns and colors.

This year’s carnival is not just about ice; it is a celebration of community spirit and winter joy. Families and friends are encouraged to come together for a day fi lled with laughter, entertainment, and unforgettable memories.

Samantha Smugala, Executive Director of the East Loop Community Improvement District, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “The Loop Ice Carnival invites the community to come out for the ice—explore the new Ice Sculpture Scavenger Hunt, enjoy games, drinks, and live performances, visit one of the 10+ new restaurants and businesses that opened in 2025, and end the night with the crowd-favorite Drone Show.”

New this year is the Ice Sculpture Scavenger Hunt, which guests can access through the Loop Passport mobile app (previously listed as the Trolley Passport). The app, which saw great success during the summer of 2025, was originally launched as a way for Loop Trolley riders to access dining and entertainment deals and is now usable year-round, not just during trolley season. Thousands of users have enjoyed discounts and free perks along Delmar, including buy-one-get-one fl oats at Fitz’s, 50% off mini golf at Magic Mini Golf, buy-one-get-one appetizers at Eclipse, and dozens more.

“The addition of the Loop Passport App is a new and exciting way for attendees to interact with the festival,” Smugala continues. “In addition to informing users about promotions and events, the self-guided adventures like the Ice Sculpture Scavenger Hunt allows visitors to access the Delmar Loop and our events to their fullest. Over 2,000 people have utilized the app to experience the Loop in a new way."

Additional carnival activities include

● Ice Corn Hole

● Ice Throne Photo Opportunity

● Pour Decisions Cocktails

● Snowman Igloo Bounce House

● Penguin Escape Infl atable Game

● Snow Throw Infl atable Game

● Rainbow Stilt Walkers

● Flux Infernos Fire Dancers

● Live Ice Carving Demonstration

● And much more!

In addition to the East Loop CID and the University City LSBD, this event is made possible by Missouri Arts Council, Washington University and St. Louis Magazine.

The Loop Ice Carnival is a perfect way for attendees to enjoy winter while creating lasting memories with loved ones. For more information about the event, interested parties can visit the event page at visittheloop.com.

Navigating the Festival

About the East Loop Community Improvement District

Recognized for world class music venues and a variety of arts, entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities, the East Loop Community Improvement District (DBA the Delmar Loop) serves as a renowned walkable community that is welcoming, diverse, and inclusive of minority, immigrant, and women-owned businesses. Through strong, vision-driven leadership and management, deliver measurable improvements to the East Loop Community Improvement District in the areas of economic development, safety, and security by establishing a welcoming and secure community with enhanced services, amenities, and physical improvements, while promoting and preserving the area’s distinct character and cultural vitality.

About the Loop Special Business District

Recognized for world class music venues and a variety of arts, entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities, the East Loop Community Improvement District (DBA the Delmar Loop) serves as a renowned walkable community that is welcoming, diverse, and inclusive of minority, immigrant, and women-owned businesses.

Through strong, vision-driven leadership and management, deliver measurable improvements to the East Loop Community Improvement District in the areas of economic development, safety, and security by establishing a welcoming and secure community with enhanced services, amenities, and physical improvements, while promoting and preserving the area’s distinct character and cultural vitality.