Saint Paul Winter Carnival 2026: 140 Years of Winter Fun for Families
Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has been a beloved Minnesota tradition, bringing people together through winter fun, creativity, and community pride. Now celebrating its 140th anniversary, the Carnival returns January 22–February 1, 2026, with more than 60 events across Saint Paul — many of them FREE or low cost and especially welcoming to families.
Events will be held throughout the city, with major hubs in Rice Park, Landmark Center, Grand Avenue, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Como Park, and Battle Creek Regional Park.
👉 Family-Friendly events are clearly noted below, making it easy for parents to plan outings that work for all ages.
Major Festival Highlights (Great for Families)
❄️ Ice & Snow Experiences
Ice Carving Competitions
📍 Rice Park | Jan. 22–25
🟢 Family-Friendly
Watch talented artists carve massive 300-pound blocks of ice into incredible sculptures. Kids love seeing the designs take shape in real time.
Vulcan Snow Park & Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition
📍 Minnesota State Fairgrounds | Jan. 23–Feb. 1 | 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
🟢 Family-Friendly
A winter playground featuring snow sculptures, a snow maze, viewing areas, and daily activities. Sculpting concludes with awards on Vulcan Fun Day.
🎉 Parades & Signature Carnival Moments
King Boreas Grande Day Parade
📍 Grand Avenue | Sat., Jan. 24 at 2 p.m.
🟢 Family-Friendly
A classic daytime parade with floats, bands, community groups, and the newly crowned King Boreas and Royal Family.
Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade
📍 Downtown Saint Paul | Sat., Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m.
🟢 Family-Friendly
An illuminated evening parade followed by the dramatic Overthrow of King Boreas, fireworks, and a FREE indoor dance party with PJ the DJ at Landmark Center.
Pre-Carnival & Ongoing Events
Saint Paul Winter Carnival Memorabilia Display
📍 Grand & Victoria | Now–Feb. 1
🟢 Family-Friendly
A window display showcasing vintage costumes, buttons, and memorabilia dating back to 1886.
Ice Castles
📍 Minnesota State Fairgrounds | Now–Feb. 17
🟢 Family-Friendly (Ticketed)
Ice slides, tunnels, caverns, an ice river, snow caverns, and nightly fire shows.
Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt
📍 Ramsey County | Begins Jan. 18
🟢 Family-Friendly
Solve daily clues and search for a hidden medallion for a chance to win up to $15,000.
Daily Happenings During Winter Carnival
January 22–February 1
140th Anniversary Photo Stops
📍 Rice Park
🟢 Family-Friendly
Photo backdrops including a snow globe, ice sculpture, and Troy’s Throne.
Spotlight on Winter Carnival Buttons Exhibit
📍 Minnesota History Center
🟡 Educational / Ticketed
CANCELLED: Winter Carnival Food Festival
📍 Market Street near Rice Park
🟢 Family-Friendly
Kid-favorite treats like mini donuts, kettle corn, pretzels, and Pronto Pups.
Day-by-Day Family Highlights
Thursday, January 22
-
Light The Park – Carnival Kickoff | Rice Park
🟢 Family-Friendly — laser light show, DJ, glow wands for kids -
Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition | Rice Park
🟢 Family-Friendly -
Winter Carnival Night at the Minnesota Wild Game | Xcel Energy Center
🟡 Family-Friendly / Ticketed
Friday, January 23
-
Winter Carnival’s Day of Doing Good | Saint Paul College
🟢 Family-Friendly — service opportunities and giving back -
Vulcan Snow Park Opens | State Fairgrounds
🟢 Family-Friendly -
Royal Coronation | RiverCentre
🟡 Ticketed
Saturday, January 24
-
Winter Play Day | Crosby Farm
🟢 Family-Friendly & FREE — sledding, hikes, s’mores, winter games -
Waziya Winter Wind Celebration | Battle Creek
🟢 Family-Friendly & FREE — Dakota culture, winter sports, crafts -
Winter Carnival Orchid Show | Como Conservatory
🟢 Family-Friendly (Ticketed) -
Minecraft Ice Palace Competition
🟢 Family-Friendly -
Night Trains | Twin City Model Railroad Museum
🟢 Family-Friendly (Ticketed)
Sunday, January 25
-
Fire & Ice Winter Walk & Run
🟢 Family-Friendly — includes a Kids’ Run -
Kids’ Snow Treasure Hunt | Vulcan Snow Park
🟢 Family-Friendly -
LIVE Ice Fishing Tournament | Lake Phalen
🟢 Family-Friendly -
Screening of The Legendary Saint Paul Winter Carnival Film
🟢 Family-Friendly & FREE
Monday, January 26
-
Ice Carvings for Kids with Children’s Minnesota | Rice Park
🟢 Family-Friendly
Tuesday, January 27
-
Frozen Family Fun Night | Landmark Center
🟢 Family-Friendly — singalong, storytime, Anna & Elsa visits
Saturday, January 31
-
Around the World in a Day for Kids, Seniors & Families
🟢 Family-Friendly & FREE -
Berners in the Park | Rice Park
🟢 Family-Friendly — snow-loving dogs -
Night Trains | Twin City Model Railroad Museum
🟢 Family-Friendly (Ticketed)
Sunday, February 1
-
Union Depot’s Doggie Depot
🟢 Family-Friendly & FREE -
Winter Carnival Kites on Ice | Como Lake
🟢 Family-Friendly
Post-Carnival
BEAR’ly Open Golf on Ice
📍 White Bear Lake | Feb. 7
🟢 Family-Friendly (Ticketed)
A Minnesota Tradition for All Ages
As the oldest winter festival in the United States, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival continues to shine as a celebration designed for families, kids, and the entire community. From snow play and parades to cultural events and creative experiences, there’s something for every age — even in the heart of winter.
📅 Events are subject to change.
For the most current information, visit wintercarnival.com or follow the Saint Paul Winter Carnival on social media.
