Ultimate Guide to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival 2026

Carnival History

Events

Transportation & Parking

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Winter Fun

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The Coolest Celebration on Earth

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. Enjoy ice sculptures in Rice Park, a parade on Grand Avenue, snow-centric activities, live music performances, and more!

Celebrating 140 Years!

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.

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Winter Carnival Events

Discover the coolest way to partake in the fun from lively parades and a royal coronation to ice sculptures and animals galore. Browse some of the carnival's can't miss gatherings below, or head to the Winter Carnival website to view the complete schedule of events during this 10-day celebration.

View Full Carnival Schedule

Ice Park

January 22-February 1, 2026
Rice Park

Kick off the start of this winter celebration with beverages from the ice bar and marvel at the laser light show as the ice carvers begin their one-of-a-kind creations.
Ice sculptures from the carving competition will be available for viewing during all 10 days of the festival.

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Food Festival

January 22-31, 2026
Rice Park

Delve into delicious bites from local vendors in the heart of all the action. Check back to see the full lineup of offerings.

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Vulcan Snow Park at the Fair

January 22-February 1, 2026
Minnesota State Fairgrounds

See awe-inspiring snow sculptures crafted by local artists at the grounds of the Great Minnesota Get Together during all 10 days of the festival.

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Waziya Winter Wind Celebration

January 24, 2026
Battle Creek Winter Recreation Area

Learn about ancestral Dakota teachings, Indigenous artistry, and partake in community activities that honor the beauty and significance of Winter.

This event will feature snowshoe making, live snow sculpting, delicious Indeginous foods to try, a Makers Market to shop, and outdoor winter activities like skiing, sledding, snowboarding, and kicksledding.

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King Boreas’ Grande Day Parade

January 24, 2026
Grand Avenue

Beginning at Dale Avenue and ending near Lexington, this exciting march will feature dozens of bands, seasonal floats, and the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family.

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Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

January 24-25, 2026
Union Depot

Connect with hundreds of puzzle enthusiasts from around the country and partake in a series of riveting competitions.

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Winter Carnival Orchid Show

January 25, 2026
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Step into a tropical paradise during one of the chilliest periods in the year. This stunning showcase inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is perfect midwinter escape for nature lovers.

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Frozen Family Fun Night

January 27, 2026
Landmark Center

The snow never bothered us anyway! Enjoy an evening with the Winter Carnival Legend Characters and Frozen Characters for meet and greets, story time, and a Frozen sing-along, and snow-themed activities

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Rondo Night

January 29
Landmark Center

Learn about Rondo's rich history, savor delicious bites, connect with community artists and organizations, and discover iconic local business during this vibrant night of celebration.

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Berners in the Park

January 31, 2026
Rice Park

Watch the snow-loving Bernese Mountain dogs embrace what the Winter Carnival is all about, enjoying the great outdoors all year round!

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Vulcan Torchlight Victory Parade and Fireworks Show

January 31, 2026
West Seventh Street to Rice Park

Vulcanus Rex will light up the streets of downtown as they parade down West 7th Street to 5th Street. Follow the crowd to the steps of the Jame J. Hill Library for the Vulcan Overthrow and a fireworks show to follow in Rice Park.

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Doggie Depot

February 1, 2026
Union Depot

Start the day with dog yoga, shop local pet vendors, and watch the crowning of the 2026 Saint Paul Winter Carnival Canine King & Queen.

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Getting There

From January 22-31, 2026, enjoy FREE Metro Transit passes for transportation to and from the Saint Paul Winter Carnival events.

Free Transit Passes

Driving into the city? Discover the most convenient locations to park your vehicle to maximize your winter fun

Parking Info

Winter Carnival Buttons

Support Local & Celebrate Saint Paul's Story

The four button designs nod to the rich history of Saint Paul by showcasing iconic Capital City landmarks and traditions that have with withstood the test of time. The designs were created by Artist Randall Peterson who captured these iconic scenes through pointillism, a drawing technique that uses many small, distinct dots rather than lines to create images.

Your purchase of a button also provides you with a chance to win great prizes and grants you access to exclusive coupons to Saint Paul businesses.

Purchase Your Button

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We can’t wait to see how much fun you’re having at Winter Carnival. Share with us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL and #WinterCarnival.