5 Reasons to Attend the Saint Paul Winter Carnival

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the annual Saint Paul Winter Carnival is here! This great Minnesota get-together (winter edition!) is a time-honored tradition following the centuries-old legend of King Boreas—and is arguably one of the best ways to enjoy winter in Saint Paul!

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a century-long tradition based here in the capital city, encompassing a 10-day festival centered on the legend of the eldest King Boreas and his brothers. As “King of the Winds,” Boreas assigned each of his brothers a place in the winds: Titan was assigned the blustery North Wind, Euros reigned over the irresponsible East Wind, Zephyrus was granted power of the bountiful West Wind, and Notos took over the balmy South Wind. Meanwhile, Boreas’ greatest enemy, Vulcanus Rex, resisted all efforts of a winter celebration. This resistance resulted in a push-back by King Boreas, creating what we now know today as the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

This year’s festivities will kick off on Thursday, Jan. 25 with the “Light Up the Park” event in Rice Park, and will continue through Sunday, Feb. 4. There are countless reasons to pay homage to this time-honored, hometown tradition — here are just a few:

1. New Events Every Year

This year, the carnival is introducing a some new events that will be added to the already-packed agenda. The Hunt for the Golden Beer Can at Saint Paul Brewing is on! Somewhere out on the public lands of Saint Paul, the Golden Beer Can lies hidden. The lucky (or is it clever?) person who finds it will win beer and cheer for a YEAR.

Want to Try Curling? Here’s your chance! Go to the Curling Open House at Frogtown Curling Club as instructors will be giving mini-lessons so you can get a taste of curling and learn how to throw a stone, sweep, and score.

And some new-ish events we are excited to see the return of:

For all you dog lovers, you won't want to miss Berners in the Park!
Partake in one of the largest meat-raffles this side of the Mississippi at the Star Tribune Steak Out
Enjoy lively performances and support BIPOC Rondo businesses at Rondo Night!

Check out the full calendar of both new events and traditional favorites on the Winter Carnival website.

Win beer for a YEAR!

BUY A WINTER CARNIVAL BUTTON AND SAVE AT LOCAL BUSINESSES

2. Family Fun for Everyone

Pictured: King Boreas Grande Day Parade

Go to the Parade

The annual Winter Carnival is the perfect place for family fun, with a multitude of all-ages winter activities to choose from.

Nearly all carnival events welcome children, with certain ones dedicated to children alone.

On Feb. 3, the Landmark Center will host Kids and Family Day, featuring cultural entertainers, booths from local businesses, and great giveaways.

There are also two parades—one during the day and one at night—that present opportunities to see the royal court in all its glory.

For a more interactive experience, check out one of the many scavenger hunts happening during the festival.

3. Friendly Competitions

Many of the events throughout the festival encourage a good dose of ol’ healthy competition—most notably, the annual button-designing contest. This year, local Hmong artist Kao Lee Thao took home first place, and her designs are available for sale both in advance and during the carnival.

Winter Carnival Royalty is another great competition where contenders work for the opportunity to represent the carnival for a full year—the new court is selected at the annual coronation ceremony.

Other contests include the Ice Sculpture and Snow Sculpture competitions, a magical winter tradition that dates back to the very first Winter Carnival.

The 2024 Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition along with a Laser Light Show to Light the Park will take place on Jan. 25 at Rice Park, and the Snow Park at the Fair begins on Jan. 26 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, where visitors can watch sculptors in action throughout the festival.

Pictured: Ice Carving Competition

Check out the Ice Carvings

4. 137-Year-Long Tradition

Pictured: Vulcan Snow Park at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Visit the Vulcan Snow Park

When considering how long the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has taken place, it seems only fair to recognize and honor the tradition and community pride.

For more than a century—138 years, to be exact—the people of Saint Paul have gathered during the coldest months of the year (something only Minnesotans would do, right?) to celebrate the season that is so often overlooked.

As the oldest winter festival in the United States, the Winter Carnival is a unique opportunity to showcase all the beauty of Minnesota winters.

5. Support the Saint Paul Community

Attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year—creating a significant economic impact to the city of Saint Paul and the state of Minnesota—the carnival relies on sponsors, fundraisers, and donations.

The Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit membership organization, organizes and carries out the annual celebration, including the many activities and events that take place over the course of the 10-day event.

By attending the festival, your support leaves an important impression on the city—not only commemorating its storied history and traditions but by bringing community together through kinship and pride.