Courtesy of Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The 139th edition of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is just around the corner, and it promises to be a celebration you won’t want to miss. The “Coolest Celebration on Earth™” will run from Thursday, Jan. 23 to Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, marking the return of Minnesota’s oldest and most beloved winter festival.
For months, the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, led by President and CEO Lisa Jacobson, along with their dedicated Board members and volunteers, have been busy planning events that celebrate everything great about a Minnesota winter. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the festival invites everyone to embrace the chilly fun with a variety of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and community-focused events.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights of this year’s Winter Carnival, with a mix of exciting new features and traditional favorites. Most events are free or low-cost, and everything takes place in St. Paul unless otherwise noted.
Courtesy of Saint Paul Winter Carnival
New for 2025
ICE PARK Presented by Securian Financial
Rice Park, a historic hub for the Winter Carnival’s ice carving competitions, is transforming into ICE PARK this year! In addition to watching talented carvers create beautiful ice sculptures, visitors will find an array of frozen artworks, both professional and amateur, scattered throughout the park. The park will also feature a range of icy activities that promise to delight attendees of all ages. Ice carving competitions will begin on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 23, and sculptures will be on display throughout the duration of the festival (weather permitting).
Outdoor Adventure for All: New Partnership with Melanin in Motion
In an effort to connect more people to the outdoors, the Winter Carnival has partnered with Melanin in Motion, a program of the Cultural Wellness Center, to offer two exciting outdoor experiences for BIPOC youth, adults, and families:
- Saturday, Jan. 25 – Slow Snow Glow: A laid-back winter bike ride, or “slow roll,” that begins and ends at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, celebrating the historic Rondo neighborhood.
- Sunday, Jan. 26 – Walk-Up Snowboarding: From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Battle Creek Regional Park, professional snowboarders will offer free lessons and demos to newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Winter Carnival Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Presented by AARP
This popular competition is getting even bigger in 2025! Already known as the largest jigsaw puzzle event in the country, the Winter Carnival Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will span two days: Jan. 25-26 at Union Depot. New this year are the 500-Piece Solo and 500-Piece Teams Open contests, making the event more competitive and fun than ever before.
Winter Play Day at Crosby Farm – Saturday, Jan. 25
A brand-new addition to the festival, Winter Play Day at Crosby Farm, invites attendees to explore the great outdoors with various activities hosted by the Great River Passage Conservancy, the city of St. Paul, and local outdoor recreation partners.
Around the World in a Day Kids & Family Day – Saturday, Feb. 1
This family-friendly event at Landmark Center will make attendees feel like they’ve traveled the globe without leaving St. Paul. Local cultural groups will share their traditions through performances, food, crafts, and more, offering a truly immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Timeless Traditions
In addition to the exciting new events, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival will continue to feature beloved activities and attractions that have become staples of the festival over the years. Whether you’re watching the ice sculptures take shape in Rice Park, enjoying the fireworks, or taking part in one of the many outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone at this iconic winter celebration.
Thursday, Jan. 23 – Sunday, Jan. 26: Ice Carving Competitions in Ice Park, presented by Securian Financial
Throughout the first weekend of the Winter Carnival, Rice Park will transform into a hub of creativity as ice artists sculpt 300-pound blocks of ice. Teams of carvers will have 48 hours to complete their intricate designs using 20 blocks of ice, while individual competitors will have five hours on Sunday to craft their own masterpieces from a single block. These frozen works of art will be on display for the duration of the Carnival, weather permitting.
Friday, Jan. 24 – Sunday, Feb. 2: Vulcan Snow Park and the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition
The Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition, hosted at the State Fairgrounds, kicks off on Friday, Jan. 24. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival Vulcans will organize a series of family-friendly activities throughout the grounds, while sculptors work their magic in the snow. The competition wraps up with an awards ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 26, during Vulcan Fun Day.
Courtesy of Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Grande Day Parade on Grand Avenue – Saturday, Jan. 25
The Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation has teamed up with the Grand Avenue Business Association (GABA) to relocate the famed daytime parade to Grand Avenue. The King Boreas Grande Day Parade, presented by Russell’s St. Paul and the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors (SPAAR), will start at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. The parade will kick off at Dale Street and travel to Lexington Avenue, offering a fresh view of this iconic event.
Saturday, Feb. 2: Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade presented By Blaze Credit Union
As the grand finale of the Winter Carnival, Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe will light up downtown St. Paul in an evening torchlight parade. The procession begins at 5:30 p.m. at 5th and Wacouta and makes its way toward Rice Park. After the parade, join the Krewe for the dramatic Overthrow of Boreas at the steps of the St. Paul Library, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.
Courtesy of Saint Paul Winter Carnival
More Cool Highlights
Jan. 1–Feb. 2: Saint Paul Winter Carnival Ice Fishing Contest
Join this digital ice fishing tournament via the FishDonkey app. Compete for prizes with a $20 entry fee.
Beginning Jan. 19: 2025 Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt
Solve clues to find the elusive medallion and win up to $10,000. Clues are published daily in the Pioneer Press and online.
Jan. 23–Feb. 2: CynCity Walking Tours
Explore St. Paul’s history through themed tours, including ghost stories, gangsters, and skyway tours. Private tours available.
Thursday, Jan. 23: Kick-Off to Carnival at Klondike Kates’ Red Feather Saloon Cabaret & Casino Night
Celebrate the start of the Carnival with an evening of entertainment from the Mistresses of Song & Merriment. Tickets available here.
Friday, Jan. 24: Royal Coronation presented by Hamernick’s Flooring Solutions
The 2025 Royal Family is crowned at a gala event at the St. Paul RiverCentre, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 25: King Boreas Grande Day Parade presented by RUSSELL’S and SPAAR
The King Boreas Grande Day Parade, presented by Russell’s St. Paul and the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors (SPAAR), will start at 2 p.m. The parade will kick off at Dale Street and travel to Lexington Avenue, offering a fresh view of this iconic event.
Jan. 25 & 26: Winter Carnival Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
Union Depot hosts this massive puzzle contest, now spanning two days. Events include team and solo challenges with prizes. Register at wintercarnival.com.
Saturday, Jan. 25: Vulcan Krewe Reveal
Meet Vulcanus Rex and the 2025 Krewe at 10 a.m. at Saint Paul College on Marshall Avenue.
Saturday, Jan. 25: Winter Play Day
A fun-filled outdoor event at Crosby Farm with activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and s’mores from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free to attend.
Saturday, Jan. 25: Slow Snow Glow with Melanin in Motion
Join a winter bike ride at 4 p.m. starting at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, celebrating St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood. Bikes provided.
Jan. 25 & 26: Saintly City Cat Show
The 48th Annual Cat Show takes place at the RiverCentre. Visit saintlycitycatclub.org for details.
Jan. 25 & 26: 50th Anniversary Winter Carnival Orchid Show
Marvel at stunning orchids at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Sunday, Jan. 26: Fire & Ice Run/Walk
A 5K, 10K, and more at the State Fairgrounds, beginning at 8 a.m. Register here.
Sunday, Jan. 26: Walk-Up Snowboarding with Melanin in Motion
Free snowboarding lessons at Battle Creek Regional Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 26: Hot & Cool Classics
The St. Paul Civic Symphony presents a free concert at Landmark Center, 2 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 26: Vulcan vs Royal Guard Hockey Classic
Watch the legendary game at Doug Woog Arena, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., benefiting local food shelves.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Frozen Family Fun Night
A “Frozen”-themed evening at Landmark Center with singalongs, stories, and meet-and-greets, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 30: Saint Paul Brewing Steak Out
A free, public meat raffle at Saint Paul Brewing, 5:30-9 p.m., with entertainment and raffle prizes.
Jan. 31 & Feb. 1: Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo
Xcel Energy Center hosts two nights of pro rodeo action. Pre-show events start at 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31: Winter Carnival Raffle Drawing
Join the raffle at Joe & Stan’s at 8 p.m. to win prizes like a Winter Carnival Fun Pack or $500 cash.
Friday, Jan. 31: Winter Carnival Day of Good powered by Xcel Energy
Donate nonperishable food and winter gear at Landmark Center for the community.
Saturday, Feb. 1: Around the World in a Day Kids & Family Day
Landmark Center hosts cultural performances, arts and crafts, and food vendors from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 1: BEAR’ly Open Golf on Ice
Play on custom 9-hole courses on White Bear Lake to support the local food shelf. Register here.
Saturday, Feb. 1: Union Depot’s Doggie Depot
Paws-itively fun activities for dog lovers at Union Depot, beginning at 10 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 1: Vulcan Victory Dance
After the Torchlight Parade, join the celebration at the InterContinental Riverfront starting at 7:30 p.m., featuring live music by Rhino. Get tickets here.
Courtesy of Visit Saint Paul
To stay up to date on all the latest details and get involved in the 2025 Winter Carnival, visit wintercarnival.com.
