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 22-February 1, 2026.
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.
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.
Day of Doing Good
January 30
Saint Paul College
Join the Legend Characters to come together as one and support Saint Paul College's community initiatives during the Winter Carnival's Day of Doing Good. Donate non-perishable food items, hygiene products, cozy winter gear, and more for community members in need.
Memorabilia Display
Through February 1, 2026
Corner of Grand Avenue & Victoria Street
Presented by Tommy Barret and the Grand Avenue Business Association featuring historic pieces from Wescott Station Antiques that showcase the Winter Carnival through the years.
Ice Sculpture Park
January 22-February 1, 2026
Rice Park
Enjoy one-of-a-kind creations crafted by talented ice sculptors during all 10 days of the festival.
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.
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.
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
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.
Saint Paul is Lit 🌟
Watch Capital City businesses light up the night from January 22 to February 1 with festive teal light displays and specialty cocktails and mocktails for winter carnival eventgoers.
Click through the locations on the map below to discover more about participating establishments, their drink specials and more!
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Alary’s Bar
Get DirectionsServing Downtown Saint Paul for over 75 years, this beloved sports bar features great American fare, free parking evenings and weekends, a large patio, shuttle service to most Grand Casino Arena, CHS…
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Amsterdam Bar and Hall
Get Directions (612) 285-3112Looking to be entertained? Well look no further! From a late night food menu to the dozens of different parties and events, Amsterdam Bar and Hall contains all the entertainment essentials. The…
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Lost Fox
Get Directions (651) 493-4694We're a cozy little coffee shop, restaurant, and bar in Lowertown St. Paul, serving fresh and delicious local coffees, espresso drinks, and sandwiches by day, and full bar and dining by night…
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Kincaid’s
Get Directions (651) 602-9000Branch of an upscale American chain preparing steaks, seafood, and cocktails in a sophisticated space. Choice American classics are delivered to your table each and every evening. Make a reservation to enjoy…
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New Bohemia Wurst + BierHaus
Get Directions (651) 330-8267Their sausages range from traditional favorites like craft beer infused bratwurst the "Tommy Knocker" or their Smoked Elk, to more exotic choices like the Alligator Bayou, Rattlesnake & Rabbit or the spicy…
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Patrick McGovern’s Pub
Get Directions (651) 224-5821Cheery haunt in a circa-1888 redbrick building offering American pub food, sports on TV and a patio. This charming neighborhood pub is one of the favorite locations among Saint Paul dwellers. Stop…
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Ruam Mit
Get Directions (651) 222-7871We are committed to being a true family-owned and operated establishment. From the heart of our kitchen to the warmth of our service, we take pride in preserving the essence of our…
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Smorgie’s
Get Directions (651) 204-3730A restaurant and bar focused on affordable comfort food located across the street from the Xcel Energy Center.
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The Bulldog Lowertown
Get Directions (651) 221-0750Locally owned bar and restaurant with great craft beer and food. The Lowertown Bulldog has been a long time staple in St Paul, please stop by to get your fill on all…
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The Eagle StreetGet Directions
For nearly two decades, this restaurant served as a beloved neighborhood destination (just across the street from its current location) for fans, families and friends. Today, this downtown hotspot is now reimagined but still holds on to its rich tradition of great food, lively energy and top-notch hospitality.
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. Plus, 2026 Winter Carnival Button purchasers can win an extra $5,000 in the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt if they find the medallion.
Parking & Transportation
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
Fuel Up
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.
