Winter Carnival Puzzle Contest Presented by AARP

Overview

Do you love jigsaw puzzles? Then this is the event for you! Grab your friends or come with your family for a fun and lively puzzle competition!

The Winter Carnival 2025 Event Is NOW TWO DAYS! Our puzzle contest will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025 AND Sunday, January 26, 2025, returning to the Union Depot in Downtown Saint Paul. The Union Depot has plenty of parking and is located on the light rail Green line for easy access. For teams visiting from out of the town, the Hyatt Place Hotel is right next door (see information below for a special Winter Carnival room rate).

SATURDAY COMPETITION SCHEDULE:

9-10:30 a.m.: 500 Piece Teams Challenge Contest – This contest is for those who want to compete with the fastest puzzlers or challenge themselves to complete the puzzle in under 90 minutes. Four person teams will have 90 minutes to assemble a new commemorative Winter Carnival PuzzleTwist puzzle. $60/team

11:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.: 1000 Piece Teams Contest – This contest is for anyone wishing for another challenge or wanting a longer puzzle experience. Four person teams will have 3 hours to complete a new commemorative Winter Carnival PuzzleTwist puzzle. $60/team

3-5 p.m.: 500 Piece Teams Open Contest – This contest is for those who want the more traditional 2 hour time to complete the puzzle. Four person teams will assemble the same puzzle used for the Challenge division. $60/team

SUNDAY COMPETITION SCHEDULE:

9:30-11:30 a.m.: Pairs 500 Piece Contest (Regular or Senior 60+) – Pair up with a pal and join us for our pairs contest. (or split your 4 person team to increase your puzzle contest fun!) This event is open to all. Two person teams will have 2 hours to complete a new commemorative Winter Carnival PuzzleTwist 500 piece puzzle. $50/pair

12:15 to 2:15 p.m: – Individual Solo 500 Piece Contest (Regular or Senior 60+) – *NEW for 2025!* A fun new Winter Carnival challenge! Individual puzzlers will have 2 hours to complete a new 500 piece puzzle from PuzzleTwist. The contest will be held at the same time as the Family division, using the same puzzle. $40/person

12:15 to 2:15p.m.: – Family Contest – This contest is for teams which include at least one member under 18 years of age. (No, you don’t have to be related, just have at least one child on your team!) Four person teams will have 2 hours to complete a 500 piece puzzle from PuzzleTwist. The contest will be held at the same time as the solo contest, using the same puzzle. $60/team

NEW 3-5 p.m: #2 500 Piece Teams Open Contest – This contest is for those who want the more traditional 2 hour time to complete the puzzle. Four person teams will assemble the same puzzle used for the Saturday Open and Challenge divisions. $60/team