Chicago Blackhawks fall to St. Louis Blues in NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The NHL Winter Classic returned to Chicago, with the Blackhawks hosting the Blues at Wrigley Field.

The Blues defeated the Blackhawks 6-2, but before the game, a free fan festival got underway.

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The Blackhawks posted a video on X of some of their players taking a CTA train to Wrigley Field just after 12:30 p.m.

The players were then seen carrying some of their gear, walking up to Wrigley.

Before the puck dropped, celebrations began at the free NHL pre-game festival at the Cubs parking lot on Grace Street. The free event was open to the public, and began at 10:30 a.m. It wrapped up at 3:30 p.m.

The NHL pre-game offered fans of all ages family-friendly hockey interactive games and attractions, food, giveaways, special appearances and the opportunity to take a picture with the greatest trophy in sports, The Stanley Cup!

There was also a top-shelf experience where you could take your best shot, a giant air hockey table and a Q&A featuring Wayne Gretzky at 1 p.m.

Fans ABC7 talked to say it was the atmosphere of outdoor hockey and the iconic Wrigley Field that made this game a can't-miss experience.

Maria and Brian Simon live in Florida. They are visiting their daughter, who now lives in Chicago, a move cemented by their beloved Blackhawks.

"We watched the Winter Classic on TV, but to actually come down here and see everything that's being built up and everything, it's just amazing," Maria Simon said.