Twelfth Afternoon Ball Celebrates for Old Times’ Sake

The Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch photo courtesy of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation

Keep the merriment of the holiday season going with the Twelfth Afternoon Ball at the Gateway Arch.

The ball on Saturday, Jan. 8, will commemorate how St. Louisans celebrated the end of the holiday season 250 years ago, with music and dancing that were popular in 1772.

Dancers perform during the 2018 Twelfth Afternoon Ball at the Old Courthouse. This year’s event will be held at the Gateway Arch Visitor Center. photos courtesy of Gateway Arch National Park

Highlights include live music from Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Espirit Creole and dancing by living history interpreters dressed in authentic 18th-century clothing. In addition, food historian (and Gazelle cuisine contributor) Suzanne Corbett will display 18th-century French Creole holiday treats.

The event, held in recognition of the 12 days of Christmas that lead to Mardi Gras, takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at the Gateway Arch Visitor Center. The event is free and open to public; no reservations are required.

Previous Twelfth Afternoon balls have been held in the Old Courthouse. This year, it will be held on the mezzanine level in the Visitor Center of the Gateway Arch.

Note that face coverings are required for everyone ages 2 and older in all federal buildings, regardless of vaccination status. For more information on COVID-19 guidelines, visit the Gateway Arch National Park’s official website.

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