The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is back in-person this year with tons of free events for everyone!
The 2023 Saint Paul Winter Carnival, known as “The “Coolest Celebration on Earth,” starts Thursday, January 26th and lasts through Sunday, February 5th.
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!
And there are a TON of FREE family events (thanks to many sponsors), making me give it a high-five for frugal family-friendliness!
Here is a list of highlighted events! (Note there are many more on their website, and all are subject to change.)
2023 Saint Paul Winter Carnival Events
Ongoing!
Activities galore! The Saint Paul Winter Carnival has activities in downtown Saint Paul, Rice Park (109 W 4th St.), the Landmark Center, and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. There will be activities, food vendors, and merchandise for sale.
Rice Park Stage: Daily
Rice Park, Entertainment Schedule Varies
An array of local entertainers performing a variety of musical styles will take to the stage throughout Carnival. Visit wintercarnival.com for the complete schedule.
Warming House: Daily
Landmark Plaza, Market Street & 5th Street
Stay warm in this heated tent that’s even bigger this year! Enjoy assorted craft beers, hard ciders and seltzers, our own Northern Soda Flavor (Vanilla Creme Soda), Bailey’s and Cocoa or Coffee, mulled wine. There will be live entertainment from local musicians and DJs on the stage.
CynCity Walking Tours: Throughout Carnival
Downtown Saint Paul, Dates and Times Vary.
Stroll through skyways, inside buildings and along streets as CynCity Tours serves up gangsters, haunts, and history in the heart of downtown Saint Paul throughout the Winter Carnival. Check schedule at cyncitytours.com
Signature Events!
Ice Carving Competitions: Thursday, Jan. 26th through Sunday, Jan. 29th in Rice Park
Teams will begin carving their multi-block (20 at 300+ pounds each) sculptures on January 26th at 7 p.m., and have 48 hours to complete them. On Sunday, ice artists will have five hours to carve in the single block competition beginning bright and early at 8:00am. You’ll be able to see these sculptures in Rice Park throughout the Carnival (as long as it stays cold enough!).
Vulcan Snow Park: Friday, Jan. 27th through Sunday, Feb. 5th
Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Hours Vary
Organized by the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Vulcans, the Fairgrounds will be full of family fun activities including a snow maze and visits by the Vulcans. There will also be a Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition. mnsnowpark.com
Royal Coronation: Friday, Jan. 27th
Saint Paul RiverCentre, Dinner at 5:30 p.m., Coronation Program at 8:00pm
Here the Winter Carnival Legend comes to life as King Boreas the LXXXVI, Aurora, Queen of the Snows and the 2023 Royal Family members are announced. You need tickets for this event.
King Boreas Grande Day Parade: Saturday, Jan. 28th
This popular parade starts at 3:00pm and goes from West 7th Street to Rice Park. There will be dozens of bands, floats, and the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family.
Winter Carnival’s Day of Good: Friday, Feb. 3rd at the Landmark Center
The day will be filled with opportunities for the public to help, such as donating blood at Landmark Center and collecting non-perishable food items, and new or gently used mittens and hats.
Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade: Saturday, Feb. 4th
Like the King Boreas Parade, this one goes from West 7th Street to Rice Park but starts at 5:30pm, Following will be the ever-dramatic Overthrow of Boreas and FIREWORKS!
Calendar – Highlighted Events
I made larger the events that families will most want to check out! (Though of course – EVERYTHING will be fun!)
Thursday, January 26th
5:30 – 7:00pm: Light Up The Park – the Kick Off to Carnival in Rice Park. The first 200 people to arrive at the park will receive a glow wand. Then at 6:00pm there’s a Laser Light Show! Afterwards, you can watch ice carving teams start their masterpieces and see a lip sync contest in the Warming House.
7:00 – 9:00pm: Vocal Interpretations in the Landmark Plaza Warming House
Friday, January 27th – Sunday, February 5th
8:00am The Minnesota Snow Sculpting Competition begins on January 27th at Vulcan Snow Park at the State Fairgrounds.
Saturday, January 28th
8:00am – 5:30pm Puzzle pros will be at the Landmark Center to compete in the Winter Carnival Jigsaw Puzzle Competition. (For pre-registered contestants only)
9:00am – 5:00pm 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 $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children. http://saintlycitycatclub.org/
10:00am The Reveal of the 2023 Krewe and Vulcanus Rex LXXXV. Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Parkway N, Saint Paul, MN.
10:00am – 4:00pm The 48th 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/
2 p.m. The King Boreas Grand Day Parade! Parade Route: West 7th at Smith to 5th Street to Washington to 4th Street.
9:00am The Winter Carnival Ice Carving Competitions take place in Rice Park.
Sunday, January 29th
9:00am – 4:00pm 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 $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children. http://saintlycitycatclub.org/
10:00am – 4:00pm The 48th 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/
2:00 – 3:00pm Hot & Cool Classics Concert at Landmark Center. The Saint Paul Civic Symphony will present a free concert featuring song and dance music by Ruth Gipps, Rachmaninoff and Duke Ellington.
2:00 – 5:00pm Winter Carnival Ice Palace Minecraft Event. Minecraft players can watch and learn about ice palaces and create their own ice dwellings in a special arctic biome we have created on our server! $5 registration fee. victoriatheater.org/minecraft.html
Tuesday, January 31st
5:30 – 7:30pm Frozen Family Fun Night outside at Landmark Plaza. Meet and Greet from 6-7pm with the Frozen characters including a photo opportunity along with story time and a Frozen singalong, snow activities with Junior Royalty, giftbags and other family-friendly activities. There will also be special appearances from the Legend Characters of the Winter Carnival! This event is FREE!
Friday, February 3rd
Winter Carnival’s Day of Good in Landmark Plaza. The day will be filled with opportunities to do good, through donations of food, blankets and blood, or to spread cheer to seniors and children in the community.
Saturday, February 4th
10:00am – 3:00pm Union Depot will transform into Doggie Depot! Plenty of paw-some activities like the crowning of the Canine King & Queen, giveaways, marketplace, interviews with pet experts.
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 & crafts activities! Vendors will also be selling their wares and a new Winter Carnival Concession Stand will feature some yummy items.
5:00 – 7:30pm Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade – this is a spectacular nighttime parade hosted by Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe. Parade Route: West 7th at Smith to 5th Street to Washington to 4th Street.
7:00 – 7:15pm 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. Located outside of James J. Hill Library near Rice Park. A fantastic fireworks show will follow.
Visit the St. Paul Winter Carnival website for more information and events!!!
And thank you to the many sponsors of this event, including Priority Courier Experts, so most events can be FREE!
Want more free winter fun?
Check out my FREE printable winter scavenger hunt here:
Looking for more family fun?
Check out my guide: The Ultimate List of Minnesota Family Fun
