Guide to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival welcomes an incredible lineup of events for visitors to experience around the Capital City.
Use this guide to maximize your fun at the Twin Cities’ finest winter celebration on January 23 - February 1, 2025.
We know a thing or two about the cold here in Minnesota and the Winter Carnival showcases our favorite season in all of its glory.
There are so many great ways to experience the Coolest Celebration on Earth. Enjoy ice sculptures in Rice Park, a parade on Grand Avenue, snow-centric activities, live music performances, and more!
The Winter Carnival is the oldest winter festival in the United States. Dating back to 1886, this seasonal bash was kindled by Eastern newspaper correspondents that compared the Capital City to "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation."
Retaliating against these claims, business owners rallied together to create a city-wide wintertime festival to showcase the beauty of Minnesota winters.
Pre-Carnival Events
Experience the excitement of this winter extravaganza through a collection of exclusive events around the Twin Cities Metro.
- December 7: Public Button Reveal
- December 14: Northern Soda Winter Carnival Release Party
- December 15: Saint Paul Christmas Cheer
- December 18: WintercarnivALE Launch Party and Bingo
- January 1: Ice Castles
Winter Carnival Royalty
Royalty events leading up to Saint Paul Winter Carnival:
- January 3: Past Princess Soiree
- January 4: 2025 Junior Royalty Coronation
- January 8: Klondike Kate Contest
- January 14: Queen of Snows Candidate Dinner
- January 16: Senior Royalty Coronation
- January 17: Fire & Ice Dinner
- January 18: Crowns and Gowns Fashion Show
- January 19: Annual Queens Tea
- January 24: Royal Coronation
Winter Carnival Events
January 23
- Official Winter Carnival Merchandise Store Opens
- Kick-off to the Carnival: Klondike Kate's Red Feather Cabaret & Casino Night
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Willie's Restaurant
- Ice Park Carving Competition Kick Off in Rice Park
January 24
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Alary's
- Royal Coronation at the Saint Paul RiverCentre
January 25
- Winter Carnival Puzzle Contest at Union Depot
- Saintly City Cat Show at the Saint Paul RiverCentre
- Vulcan Reveal at Saint Paul College
- Winter Play Day at Crosby Farm Regional Park
- 50th Anniversary Winter Carnival Orchid Show at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
- King Boreas Grande Day Parade at Grand Avenue
- Slow Snow Glows at Martin Luther King Community Center
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Joe & Stan's
January 26
- Fire & Ice Winter Walk & Run at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Russell's
- Walk-Up Snowboarding at Battle Creek Regional Park
- Hot & Cool Classics Concert at the Landmark Center
- 34th Annual Vulcan VS Royal Guard Food Shelf Benefit Hockey Classic at Doug Woog Arena
January 27
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Camp Bar
January 28
- Frozen Family Fun Night at the Landmark Center
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Bennett's Chop & Railhouse
January 29
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Joe & Stan's
January 30
- Steak Out at Saint Paul Brewing
January 31
- Day of Good Powered by Xcel Energy at the Hallie Q Brown Community Center
- Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center
- Winter Carnival Raffle Drawing at Joe & Stan's
February 1
- Doggie Depot at Union Depot
- Berners in the Park Presented by Mairs & Power at Rice Park
- Around the World in a Day for Kids, Seniors & Families at the Landmark Center
- Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade at Rice Park
- Overthrow of King Boreas & Fireworks at Rice Park
- Vulcan Victory Dance at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
Exclusive Saint Paul Deals
Most of the Winter Carnival events are free unless otherwise noted. Buy a collector’s button when they become available online or at local retailers. Your button also gives you a chance to register for great prizes and grants exclusive coupons to local businesses.
We can’t wait to see how much fun you’re having at Winter Carnival. Share with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL and #WinterCarnival.
