Minnesota winters may be cold, but the spirit of Saint Paul is anything but. From January 23 to February 2, 2025, the 139th Saint Paul Winter Carnival will bring together over 50,000 people to celebrate winter’s beauty and the enduring vibrancy of the Twin Cities.
Dating back to 1886, the Winter Carnival was born out of resilience. Eastern newspapers once described Saint Paul as “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation,” but Saint Paulites turned that slight into an opportunity to highlight the charm of their frosty home. The result? The oldest winter festival in the United States, and a testament to the pride, creativity, and unity of this community.
This year, the Winter Carnival expands its reach with Melanin in Motion, a partnership with a local nonprofit dedicated to connecting BIPOC youth, adults, and families to opportunities for active living and personal development through adventure-based experiences.
The initiative introduces two exciting events: Slow Snow Glow, a reflective winter bike ride through Saint Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, and Walk-Up Snowboarding, a day of free snowboarding lessons and friendly competitions at Battle Creek Regional Park. These events celebrate the city’s rich cultural history while encouraging participation in outdoor winter fun.
Event Highlights by Date
January 23, 2025
- Official Winter Carnival Merchandise Store Opens
- Klondike Kate’s Red Feather Cabaret & Casino Night
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Willie’s Restaurant
- Ice Park Carving Competition Kickoff in Rice Park
January 24, 2025
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Alary’s
- Vulcan Snow Park Opens at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds (Snow Sculptures in Action: January 24–26)
- Royal Coronation at the Saint Paul RiverCentre
January 25, 2025
- Winter Carnival Puzzle Contest at Union Depot
- Saintly City Cat Show at the Saint Paul RiverCentre
- Vulcan Reveal at Saint Paul College
- Winter Play Day at Crosby Farm Regional Park
- 50th Anniversary Winter Carnival Orchid Show at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
- King Boreas Grande Day Parade on Grand Avenue
- Slow Snow Glow – A winter bike ride through Saint Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, with warming s’mores and bike rentals available. 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., Martin Luther King Community Center, 271 N. Mackubin St, St. Paul.
- Slow Snow Glows at Martin Luther King Community Center
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Joe & Stan’s
January 26, 2025
- Fire & Ice Winter Walk & Run at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Russell’s
- Walk-Up Snowboarding – Free lessons and demos from professional snowboarders, with friendly competitions. 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Battle Creek Regional Park, 2300 Upper Afton Rd, Maplewood.
- Walk-Up Snowboarding at Battle Creek Regional Park
- Hot & Cool Classics Concert at the Landmark Center
- 34th Annual Vulcan vs. Royal Guard Food Shelf Benefit Hockey Classic at Doug Woog Arena
January 27, 2025
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Camp Bar
January 28, 2025
- Frozen Family Fun Night at the Landmark Center
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Bennett’s Chop & Railhouse
January 29, 2025
- Winter Carnival Bingo Blitz at Joe & Stan’s
- West Wind Dinner at Town & Country Club
January 30, 2025
- The Great Steak Out at Saint Paul Brewing
January 31, 2025
- Day of Good Powered by Xcel Energy at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
- Klondike Kate Arctic Sizzle at The Camp Bar
- Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center
- Winter Carnival Raffle Drawing at Joe & Stan’s
February 1, 2025
- Doggie Depot at Union Depot
- Mayor’s Cup at TRIA Rink
- Food Festival at Landmark Plaza
- Berners in the Park Presented by Mairs & Power at Rice Park
- Around the World in a Day for Kids, Seniors, & Families at the Landmark Center
- Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade at Rice Park
- Overthrow of King Boreas & Fireworks at Rice Park
- Vulcan Victory Dance at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
February 2, 2025
- Ice Park in Rice Park (Presented by Securian Financial)
- Vulcan Snow Park at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Plan Your Visit
The 139th Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a can’t-miss event that celebrates the beauty and resilience of our Minnesota winters. Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of ice sculptures, the thrill of live performances, or the joy of community gatherings, there’s something here for you.
Bundle up, bring your loved ones, and join in on the “Coolest Celebration on Earth.” For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit wintercarnival.com.