2022 Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The 136th Saint Paul Winter Carnival is happening Friday, January 28 through Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022 in Saint Paul. The “Coolest Celebration on Earth™” will feature tons of events both old and new!
Most events take place in downtown Saint Paul at Rice Park, Landmark Plaza, Landmark Center, and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The majority of events are held in the City of Saint Paul!
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival was started in 1886 and is the oldest winter festival in the United States.
Bonus!! Most events are free and open to the public.
For the most current information, please visit wintercarnival.com. *Events are subject to change.
Ongoing Through January
Digital Ice Fishing Competition
January 1 through January 30
This year, Winter Carnival organizers are bringing back the ice fishing contest with a modern hook. Anglers of all ages are encouraged to compete in the new month-long fishing tournament using the mobile app, FishDonkey.
Daily Activities
Home sweet home! After a year of being away, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival will return to its longtime and traditional home of Rice Park (109 W 4th St.). The park will be a-buzz with an array of activities, as well as food vendors and merchandise for sale. At night, Rice Park will truly sparkle with Winter Carnival Lights presented by Bio-techne.
One of Winter Carnival’s signature events, the Ice Carving Competition, will return its dazzle to Rice Park. Carvers will begin their masterpieces on the first evening of Carnival; Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. Creations will remain on display and ready for their close-ups throughout the festival.
The popular Ice Bar will return to Rice Park and another location will be added on Landmark Plaza. Among the tasty beverages to be served will be a custom flavor of Northern Soda Company created in collaboration with the Winter Carnival: Minnesota Birch Beer.
Once again, adventurous Carnival fans of all ages may take part in Saint Paul Scavenger Hunts presented by St. Croix Hospice each day of the Winter Carnival. Choose one of four different themed hunts that will teach Saint Paul history and the Royal Legend along the way. Teams will pay a small fee and use the Goosechase app.
Schedule of Events: Kid Edition!
Friday, January 28
8 a.m. The Minnesota Snow Sculpting Competition begins at Vulcan Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds. Artists will have until 12 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30 to completetheir creations.
4 – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House powered by Sunbelt on Landmark Plaza
5:30 – 10 p.m. The pageantry and spectacle of Royal Coronation will commence at Saint Paul RiverCentre. Watch as the 2022 Royal Family, led by King Boreas and Queen of the Snows, are announced. This is a ticketed event.
Saturday, January 29
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Puzzle pros from all around will descend upon Landmark Center to compete in the Winter Carnival Jigsaw Puzzle Competition. The 2022 puzzle was designed by our button artist, Kevin Cannon, and was manufactured by the company behind PuzzleTwist® branded jigsaw puzzles. (For pre-registered contestants only)
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Saintly City Championship Cat Show at the Saint Paul RiverCentre – Roy Wilkins Exhibition Hall is the “purrfect” place to see hundreds of cats.Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. http://saintlycitycatclub.org/
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The 47th annual Winter Carnival Orchid Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory (1225 Estabrook Drive). This premier event showcases a glorious collection of orchid plants and creates a tropical wonderland where, instead of King Boreas, orchids rule. Tickets required. $5 for adults and $4 for children, seniors and members. https://comozooconservatory.org/winter-carnival-orchid-show/
10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House powered by Sunbelt on Landmark Plaza
2 p.m. The King Boreas Grand Day Parade presented by Hamernick’s Interior Solutions. Our annual daytime procession down West 7th Street will feature bands, floats and, of course, the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family. Festivities will culminate in Rice Park.
7 p.m. The Winter Carnival Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition concludes in Rice Park. Winners will be announced on Sunday evening.
Sunday, January 30
8:45 – 11 a.m. NEW NAME AND LOCATION: Saint Paul Winter Carnival Fire & Ice Winter Run/Walk presented by Xcel Energy. Gather up your thermal underwear and neck warmers for this 37th annual fundraiser for the Winter Carnival, now located at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Runners will have the opportunity to participate in a NoK (pay to not run), 5K, 10K and Kid’s Run, either in person or virtually. Register at wintercarnival.com
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House powered by Sunbelt on Landmark Plaza
10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. It’s Vulcan Fun Day at Vulcan Snow Park! In addition to viewing the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition and checking out the giant snow maze, festivities will include celebrity visits and Vulcan fire truck rides. mnsnowpark.com
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Professional and Artisan Individual Block Ice Carving Competition presented by the Minnesota Lottery in Rice Park. Each professional and amateur carver has just six hours to turn two blocks of ice into a frozen masterpiece.
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Saintly City Championship Cat Show continues at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Winter Carnival Orchid Show continues at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
2 – 5 p.m. NEW: Winter Carnival Ice Palace Minecraft Event. Winter Carnival Historian Bob Olsen, one of the world’s leading experts on ice palaces, has partnered with Victoria Theater Arts Center (VTAC) by creating and recording a lecture on the history and engineering of the regal abodes. Minecraft players will use the lecture to learn how create their own ice dwellings in a special arctic biome on the VTAC server. The public is welcome to participate for $5 (proceeds for SPFHF). victoriatheater.org/minecraft.html
Monday, January 31: Day of Good presented by Securian Financial
Times Vary NEW: Join the Royal Family, Vulcan Krewe, Klondike Kate and the Royal Guard, along with our alumni groups and volunteers, as we do what we do best – good in the community – during the inaugural Saint Paul Winter Carnival Day of Good presented by Securian Financial. The day will be filled with opportunities to do good through donations of food, blankets, and blood. You’ll also have the chance to spread cheer to seniors and children in the community. And a COVID vaccine station will be in service.
Tuesday, February 1
4 – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House powered by Sunbelt on Landmark Plaza.
5 – 8 p.m. Frozen Family Fun Night presented by Securian Financial outside at Landmark Plaza. It will be a royally fun time complete with snow princesses, a Frozen-themed bouncy house, and appearances by members of our own Royal Family.
Wednesday, February 2
4 – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House powered by Sunbelt on Landmark Plaza
Thursday, February 3
4 – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House powered by Sunbelt on Landmark Plaza
Friday, February 4
4 – 10 p.m. It’s finally Friday! Time to kick back with a mulled wine or hot cocoa in the Warming House powered by Sunbelt. Take a stroll, check out the Ice Bar in Rice Park, and then boogie down in your winter boots to a great band.
Saturday, February 5
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Union Depot will transform into Doggie Depot – the bark of the Winter Carnival! There will be pet-friendly vendors for shopping, rescues for adopting, and the crowning of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival’s Canine King Boreas and Canine Queen of Snows at 10:30 a.m. Supported by Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota.
10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House powered by Sunbelt on Landmark Plaza
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Kids & Family Day presented by Securian Financial in Landmark Center. Kids will be able to exercise, watch performances, hear educational presentations, and participate in arts and crafts activities.
11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. BEAR’ly Open – Golf on Ice at Ramsey Beach, WBL (5050 Lake Ave.)
Taking place along the frozen shores of White Bear Lake, this fun-filled day will include golf on an 18-hole course complete with real pine trees. Enjoy music, food and beverages in the warming tent. bearlyopen.org/golf/
1 – 3 p.m. NEW: Pick-A-Prize Bingo in the Warming House powered by Sunbelt. It’s an all-ages bingo bonanza.
5:30 p.m. Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade presented by Xcel Energy – Join us for the spectacular nighttime parade hosted by Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe. The procession kicks off at Mears Park in Lowertown and works its way to Rice Park.
6:45 p.m. (approx.) After the culmination of the parade comes one of the most dramatic Winter Carnival traditions: the Overthrow of Boreas. The battle between the Boreas and his Royal Family and Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe. Will the Krewe bring the heat and prevail?
A fantastic fireworks show will follow.
Sunday, February 6
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. It’s the last day to check out Vulcan Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds. Don’t miss the fantastic snow maze and award-winning snow sculptures.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House powered by Sunbelt on Landmark Plaza
***Schedule subject to change.***
For the most current information and up-to-date calendar of events, please visit wintercarnival.com.
