The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is back!
Due to COVID, it was a drive-thru event in 2021. We went and it was super fun – but I’m happy that it’s back in-person this year with tons of free events for everyone!
The 2022 Saint Paul Winter Carnival, known as “The “Coolest Celebration on Earth,” starts Friday, January 28th and lasts 10 days through Sunday, February 6th!
Most events are free and open to the public. However, some require a fee which will support the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and its mission to continue to produce cool and legendary events.
Most events will take place in downtown Saint Paul, in and around Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
There are SO many events – snow sculptures, a cat show, a minecraft event, parades, and even fireworks!
There are tons of events going on…MOST of which are FREE (thanks to many sponsors), making me give it a high-five for frugal family-friendliness!
Here is a list of ALL events, both ongoing, and organized by date!
2022 Saint Paul Winter Carnival Events
Ongoing!
Activities galore! The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is back to its longtime and traditional home of Rice Park (109 W 4th St.). There will be activities, food vendors, and merchandise for sale. At night, Rice Park will truly sparkle with Winter Carnival Lights presented by Bio-techne.
Ice Carvings! One of Winter Carnival’s signature events is back in Rice Park. Carvers will begin their masterpieces on the first evening of the Carnival; Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. Creations will remain on display and ready for their close-ups throughout the festival. Great photo opportunities!
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.
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival Music Series will feature a variety of performers on the Minnesota State Lottery Entertainment Stage in Rice Park; January 28 – 30 and February 3 – February 6.
Winter Carnival festivities will expand to across the street from Rice Park onto Landmark Plaza (Market Street between 5th and 6th).
Landmark Plaza will be home to of many fun activities including the Warming House. (Hooray for heat!) This is a great gathering place for games and entertainment as well as a cozy respite from the C-O-L-D, with assorted drinks, including Summit beers, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Baileys, mulled wine, hot cocoa, coffee, and Northern Soda.
Among the NEW indoor festivities in the Warming House will be a Purse Bingo on Monday, Jan. 31, Karaoke on Tuesday, Feb. 1, and Game Night on Wednesday. Feb. 2.
Snow Park! Across town at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, there will be family fun at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Vulcan Snow Park. Daily attractions will include finding your way through a huge 75’ x 70’ snow maze and viewing spectacular snow sculptures. The Vulcan Snow Park will be open January 28 through February 6. mnsnowpark.com
NEW this year: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tours, January 27 – February 6. Stroll through skyways, inside buildings and along streets as CynCity Tours serves up history and hauntings in the heart of downtown Saint Paul throughout the Winter Carnival. Tickets are $20 per person with a portion of proceeds going to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. cyncitytours.com
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
I made larger the events that families will most want to check out! (Though of course – EVERYTHING will be fun!)
Thursday, January 27
Beginning at 7 p.m. Artistic teams participating in the Winter Carnival Multi-Block Ice Carving Contest will begin turning blocks of ice into frozen masterpieces in Rice Park. They’ll work around-the-clock carving and polishing their cool creations until quitting time at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29.
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 complete their creations.
4 – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House 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.
5 – 10 p.m. Live music on the Rice Park Stage
5 – 7 p.m. 23rd Hour
7:30 – 10 p.m. Austin Healy
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. (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. The Reveal of the Vulcanus Rex LXXXIV. Be a witness to this dramatic debut of Krewe ‘22 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on the Baldwin Stage (between Cooper and Cosgrove).
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 on Landmark Plaza
2 p.m. The King Boreas Grand Day Parade! This 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. Grand Marshals will include Minnesota sports greats Kent Hrbek of the Twins and Neal Broten of the North Stars as well as the family of Saint Paul’s own Olympic Gold Medalist Suni Lee.
Saturday, January 29
5:30 – 10 p.m. Live music on the Rice Park Stage
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. DJ Bakeshow Baker
8 – 10 p.m. Lipstick – N – Dynamite
7 p.m. The Winter Carnival Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition concludes in Rice Park. Winners will be announced on Sunday evening.
8 – 9:30 p.m. Join the Carnival’s mistresses of song and merriment at the Klondike Kate Cabaret at the Saint Paul Hotel. Enjoy an evening of song and entertainment as they showcase their newly sashed 2022 Klondike Kate Tina Hacker. Ticketed event. klondikekates.org
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Celebrate the triumphant return of King Boreas and his Royal Family to his winter playland at the Royal Guards’ Rock the Palace. Enjoy live entertainment by Uncle Chunk, a cash bar, and prizes. Ticketed event. https://rockthepalace.rsvpify.com
Sunday, January 30
8:45 – 11 a.m. NEW NAME AND LOCATION: Saint Paul Winter Carnival Fire & Ice Winter Run/Walk. 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 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 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. – 1 p.m. Take part in the 6th annual Summit Brewing Co. “Freeze Your Bags Off” Bean Bag Competition. The outdoor contest will take place on Landmark Plaza and will feature two 16-team bean bag battles. Teams must preregister. wintercarnival.com.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Winter Carnival Orchid Show continues at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.
12 – 2 p.m. NEW: Baileys & Bingo — B-I-N-G-O to the Warming House for an afternoon of dotting with daubers. Sip on a cozy cocktail of Baileys in coffee or cocoa and other refreshments. Beverages for purchase.
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
2 – 5 p.m. Live music on the Rice Park Stage
2 – 5 p.m. Legacy of the Loud
Monday, January 31: Day of Good!
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.
Monday, January 31
4 – 10 p.m. Meet friends downtown for some tasty food and beverages. Gather in the Warming House powered by Sunbelt to enjoy a Summit Beer or Topo Chico Hard Seltzer while chatting about your favorite ice sculpture.
6:30 – 9:30 p.m. NEW: Purse Bingo in the Warming House, Landmark Plaza. “B-4” you go shopping for your new handbag, for a fun evening of bingo – you may win a new designer purse! Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Tuesday, February 1
4 – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House on Landmark Plaza.
5 – 8 p.m. Frozen Family Fun Night 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 the Saint Paul Winter Carnival’s own Royal Family.
6 – 10 p.m. Journey into the Warming House and request your favorite Journey song during the festive Karaoke Party. Sip on some Baileys for an extra boost of confidence before you take the mic.
Wednesday, February 2
4 – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House on Landmark Plaza
6 – 11:30 p.m. NEW: Saint Paul Winter Carnival World Cup Watch Parties. The USMNT World Cup Qualifier is taking place at Allianz Field. Team USA will take on Honduras right here in our city! Support local establishments as they host their own Saint Paul Winter Carnival World Cup Watch Parties. Locations to be announced soon.
7 – 10 p.m. Drag Queen Bingo – On 2/2/22 there’s a fabulous night of fun entertainment at the Saint Paul Event Center (400 Wabasha). Admission is $22 (parking included) and Bingo is an additional $30. Food and beverage options will be available to purchase.
Thursday, February 3
4 – 10 p.m. Open hours for the Warming House on Landmark Plaza
6 – 10 p.m. It’s Cinco Night! Minnesota’s Iciest celebration meets Minnesota’s Spiciest celebration as Cinco de Mayo Saint Paul takes over Winter Carnival. Enjoy food and beverages while enjoying this cool fiesta. Live music on the Rice Park Stage.
6 – 10 p.m. DJ Angel Maldonado, live remote on Gala Tropical Radio
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.
6 – 10 p.m. Live music on the Rice Park Stage
6 – 10 p.m. The R Factor (formerly the Rupert’s Band)
Saturday, February 5
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Union Depot will transform into Doggie Depot! 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 on Landmark Plaza
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Kids & Family Day 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. It’s an all-ages bingo bonanza.
4 – 5:30 p.m. Live music in the Warming House
4 – 5:30 p.m. Bomber + Tara
6 – 10 p.m. Live music on the Rice Park Stage
6 – 10 p.m. Them Pesky Kids
5:30 p.m. Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade – this is a 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. Grand Marshal will be Twins Legend and Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Tony Oliva.
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.
7:30 – 11:30 p.m. Vulcan Victory Dance – The Hottest Party of the Winter Carnival – at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, featuring music by 8 Foot 4. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. vulcanvictorydance.com
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 on Landmark Plaza
Visit the St. Paul Winter Carnival website for more information and events!!!
And thank you to the many sponsors of this event, including Sunbelt, Xcel Energy, and many more!
