Guide to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival
With so many snow-filled activities, it can be hard to keep track of when things are happening at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
Use this guide to maximize your fun at the Twin Cities’ finest winter celebration on Jan. 25 - Feb. 4, 2024.
Who
The Winter Carnival is for everyone. And we mean everyone — young, old, short, tall, locals and visitors alike.
What
The 138th edition of Saint Paul's jam-packed winter extravaganza, that’s what. 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's so many great ways to experience the Coolest Celebration on Earth. We are thrilled to welcome the FREE Ice Sculpture Park back to Rice Park this year, along with some new events plus those you have come to know and love.
Winter Carnival Fun Pass
Free with your Winter Carnival Button
WINTER CARNIVAL DATES: Jan. 25 - Feb. 4, 2024
(For a full listing of events by day and details, check the calendar):
Jan. 1 - Feb. 4
- Ice Fishing Tournament (Participate digitally through the FishDonkey Mobile App. Find out how)
Thursday, Jan. 25
- First Day of Winter Carnival
- Walking Tours with CynCity Tours
- Light the Park-Kickoff to Carnival! Plus, Laser Light Show
- Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition
Friday, Jan. 26
- Snow Park at the Fair-Snow Sculptures and More!
- Winter Carnival Memorabilia Display, Presented by St. Croix Hospice
Saturday, Jan. 27
- Winter Carnival Puzzle Contest, Presented by PuzzleTwist
- Saintly City Cat Show
- Vulcan Reveal
- Winter Carnival Orchid Show
- Curling Open House at Frogtown Curling Club
- 2024 King Boreas Grande Day Parade
- Rock the Palace Post Parade Party
- Klodike Kate Cabaret
Sunday, Jan. 28
- Saint Paul Winter Carnival Fire & Ice Winter Run
- Hot & Cool Classic Concert
- 33rd Annual Vulcan VS Royal Guard Food Shelf Benefit Hockey Classic
Monday, Jan. 29
- Individual Block Ice Carving Competition, Artisian Division
- Individual Ice Carving Competition Professional Division
- Ice Carving for Kids: A cool creative collaboration between Children's Minnesota and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Jan. 30 through Feb. 3
- Jan 30: Frozen Family Fun Night
- Feb 1: Rondo Night
Friday, Feb. 2
- Winter Carnival's Day of Good
- Klondike Kate Artic Sizzle
- Saint Paul Bouncing Team Tryouts
- Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo
Saturday, Feb. 3
- Doggie Depot
- Berners in the Park
- Kids & Family Day
- BEAR'ly Open Golf On Ice
- 101.3 KDWB Party Zone with PJ the DJ
- Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade
- Overthrow Victory Torchlight Parade
- Overthrow of King Boreas & Fireworks
- Vulcan Victory Dance (InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront)
Winter Carnival Royalty
Royalty events leading up to Winter Carnival
Jan. 5: Past Princess Soiree
Jan. 6: 2024 Junior Royalty
Jan. 10: Klondike Kate Contest
Jan. 16: Queen of Snows Candidate Gala
Jan. 19: Fire & Ice Dinner
Jan. 21: Annual Queens' Tea
Jan. 26: Royalty Coronation
Where
Winter Carnival events take place at a variety of locations in Saint Paul. See the full event calendar for locations.
Why
It’s kind of a long story, actually, but it began in 1886 in response to a few misguided East Coast reporters who called Minnesota "another Siberia, unfit for human habitation." You can read the full legend surrounding our mid-winter festival here or, if you've got an hour, check out TPT's episode — The Legendary Winter Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
How
Most 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.
Enter to Win a Winter Carnival Prize package valued at $1250!
