The Ultimate Winter Destination

Bring your handwarmers and your layered clothing - it's winter in Saint Paul! Despite the cooler temperatures, the Capital City is alive with one-of-a-kind 'cool' events to take in winter in all its glory, warm drinks to heat you up from the inside out, kiddo-friendly winter activities to burn off some steam and so much more.

Saint Paul is Lit
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Winter Carnival
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Saint Paul is Lit 🌟

Watch the Capital City light up the night from January 23 to February 1 with a nightly laser show—featuring artwork by local Native American artist Marlena Myles—on the Landmark Center overlooking Rice Park (through Jan 31), and festive teal light displays and specialty cocktails at participating restaurants for winter event-goers.

Click through the locations on the map below to discover more about participating establishments, their drink specials and more!

Sponsored by: ECOLAB, Visit Saint Paul, Saint Paul Winter Carnival and Saint Paul Downtown Alliance

Learn More About Artist Marlena Myles

Marlena Myles is a self-taught Native American artist located in St Paul, Minnesota. Her art brings modernity to Indigenous history, languages and oral traditions while using the land as a teacher. Growing up on her traditional Dakota homelands here in the Twin Cities, she enjoys using her artwork to teach Minnesotans of all backgrounds the Indigenous history of this place we call home.

The artwork featured in the laser light show displayed on Landmark Center from January 23-31 features elements from her new coloring pages that celebrate winter!

Download your own coloring pages here!

Learn More About Marlena & Her Work
Pictured: A coloring page of Wazíya, Spirit of the North Wind
Credit: Marlena Myles

Wazíya, the Power of the North Wind

The north is the home of Wazíya, Spirit of the North Wind, and of the winter season, Waníyetu. Sometimes depicted as a giant, Wazíya is the strongest and most formidable of all the winds, commanding both respect and caution from the Dakota people and the Animal Nations. With an icy breath that can freeze living flesh into stone within moments, Wazíya embodies the immense power and danger of winter.

He is often at odds with his brother Okáǧa, the Spirit of the South Wind, who brings the warm, gentle breezes of summer. Together, their opposing forces shape the cycles of the seasons, reflecting the delicate balance of nature and the resilience needed to thrive within it.

Warm Up at these Indoor Attractions

The State of Hockey in The Capital City

Saint Paul Winter Carnival

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.

Check out our guide to maximize your fun at the Twin Cities’ finest winter celebration on January 23 - February 1, 2025.

Learn More

Unique Dining

Dumpling Passport graphic featuring a Curry Puff from Ruam Mit
Curry Puff from Ruam Mit

Enjoying the thrills and chills of winter in the capital city? Share your experience with us on Instagram, Facebook and X by tagging Visit Saint Paul and using the hashtag #MYSAINTPAUL.

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