This is the Saint Paul Winter Carnival: Coolest Celebration in Minnesota!
Get ready to embrace the chill and join us at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, where frosty fun and icy adventures await! ❄️🎉 #MYSAINTPAUL #WinterCarnival
Saint Paul Winter Carnival: Ultimate Guide
Hey there, fellow travelers! Jack and Kitty here from Travel with Jack and Kitty, and we’ve got some chilly news for you. The countdown to the St. Paul Winter Carnival has officially begun! 🥳❄️
Imagine a winter wonderland filled with parades, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking ice sculptures. That’s what the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is all about, and it’s returning in just 10 days! 🎉 This is the coolest festival in Minnesota!
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A Frozen Legacy
Back in 1886, some folks thought Minnesota was as cold as Siberia. Can you believe it? 🥶 That’s when the Winter Carnival was born, as a way to show the world that our state was not only habitable but also a place for fun and celebration. Over the years, it’s grown bigger and better, with local businesses joining the parade, athletes competing, and locals vying for the titles of King Boreas and Snow Queen. 👑❄️
Now, you might be wondering, “Jack and Kitty, how can I make the most of this winter extravaganza?” Well, fret not, because we’ve got you covered with our guide to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival happening from Jan. 25 to Feb. 4, 2024.
Need to Know Info
WHO: This festival is for everyone, no matter your age, height, or where you’re from. It’s a winter party for all! 🙌
WHAT: It’s the 138th edition of this snowy spectacle, and it’s all about celebrating the best of Minnesota’s winter. Get ready for ice sculptures, parades, and new events to make this year even more special. And guess what? The FREE Ice Sculpture Park is back at Rice Park! 🎆❄️
WHERE: You’ll find Winter Carnival events all over Saint Paul. Check out the event calendar for specific locations. 🗺️
WHY: The Winter Carnival started as a response to those who doubted our winter prowess. Read the legendary story behind it here or watch TPT’s episode if you’ve got an hour to spare. It’s an epic tale! 📜
HOW: Most of the Winter Carnival events are free, so you can join in the fun without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to grab a collector’s button online or at local retailers; it not only gives you access to great prizes but also exclusive coupons for local businesses. 🎁💰
We can’t wait to see you having a blast at the Winter Carnival. Let’s make this winter the coolest one yet! ❄️✨
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to attend Saint Paul Winter Carnival?
A: Most Winter Carnival events and activities are offered at a low cost/free option. Some only require that you are wearing a 2024 Winter Carnival button. Check the individual event listing to see if there is a cost.
Q: Where and when are the activities?
A: Winter Carnival Ice Carvings, entertainment, warming house and other events will be back in Rice Park while the Snow Sculpture Park and Maze will be at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds (1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108), Union Depot (214 4th Street East, St. Paul, MN). They also hold events at the Landmark Center and the Saint Paul Hotel, to name a few. Other activities will take place all over the City of Saint Paul and surrounding communities.
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Q: What are the hours?
A: In Rice Park the hours are as follows:
- Thursday, January 25, 2024: Kick-off to Carnival! 5-9 pm: Laser Light Show at 6 pm, then warm up in our NEW warming house, featuring live music, beverages, pulltabs, food trucks, Winter Carnival merchandise and more! Ice sculpting kicks off too!
- Friday, January 26, 2024, 4-10 PM; Saturday, January 27, 2024, 10 am-10 pm; Sunday, January 28, 2024, 10 am-5 pm
- Monday, January 29-Thursday, February 1, 2024: Indoor scheduled events only. Please check the full calendar of events.
- Friday, February 2, 2024, 4-10 pm; Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10 am-10 pm
Q: How should I dress for this event?
A: Dress warm for the outdoor events. Please see specific events to determine if the event is outdoors or indoors.
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Q: Why should I buy a button?
A: Oh…lots of reasons! Button sales, one of the year’s largest fundraisers, help keep many events of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival free to the public. Buttons can be purchased online, through one of many retailers OR through many individuals and organizations selling them. Also, having a button gains you discounted admission into many Saint Paul Winter Carnival events and local businesses. Also, they are cool collector’s items that can be kept for many years!
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Mark Your Calendars for Winter Carnival Fun!
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is just around the corner, happening from January 25 to February 4, 2024! We know you can’t wait to dive into the frosty festivities, so here’s a sneak peek at some of the fantastic events and activities lined up:
- Jan. 1 – Feb. 4: Ice Fishing Tournament – Get ready to participate digitally through the FishDonkey Mobile App. Find out how!
- Thursday, Jan. 25: The Carnival kicks off with a bang! Enjoy Walking Tours with CynCity Tours, witness the magical Light the Park-Kickoff to Carnival! featuring a Laser Light Show, and be amazed by the Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition.
- Friday, Jan. 26: Explore the Snow Park at the Fair with Snow Sculptures and More! Don’t miss the Winter Carnival Memorabilia Display, Presented by St. Croix Hospice.
- Saturday, Jan. 27: Challenge yourself with the Winter Carnival Puzzle Contest, Presented by PuzzleTwist. For cat lovers, the Saintly City Cat Show is a must-visit. Witness the grand Vulcan Reveal and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Winter Carnival Orchid Show. Try your hand at curling with the Curling Open House at Frogtown Curling Club. And of course, the highlight of the day is the 2024 King Boreas Grande Day Parade, followed by the Rock the Palace Post Parade Party and the Klodike Kate Cabaret.
- Sunday, Jan. 28: Join the action-packed Saint Paul Winter Carnival Fire & Ice Winter Run, followed by the Hot & Cool Classic Concert and the 33rd Annual Vulcan VS Royal Guard Food Shelf Benefit Hockey Classic.
- Monday, Jan. 29: Marvel at the skills on display at the Individual Block Ice Carving Competition, Artisan Division, and the Individual Ice Carving Competition Professional Division. Kids can get creative at Ice Carving for Kids, a cool collaboration between Children’s Minnesota and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.
- Jan. 30 through Feb. 3: Enjoy special events like Frozen Family Fun Night on Jan 30 and Rondo Night on Feb 1.
- Friday, Feb. 2: Spread the goodness on Winter Carnival’s Day of Good, experience the Klondike Kate Artic Sizzle, witness the Saint Paul Bouncing Team Tryouts, and feel the adrenaline at the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo.
- Saturday, Feb. 3: It’s a day for our furry friends with Doggie Depot and Berners in the Park. Bring the whole family for Kids & Family Day, have a blast at BEAR’ly Open Golf On Ice, and dance the night away at the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, Overthrow of King Boreas & Fireworks, and the Vulcan Victory Dance at InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront.
For a full listing of events by day and more details, be sure to check the calendar. Winter Carnival 2024 promises non-stop fun and excitement for everyone! ❄️🎆🥳
