If you’re looking for FREE winter fun in the Twin Cities, you’ll want to circle your calendar right now for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival!

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival returns Thursday, January 22nd through Sunday, February 1st, 2026, and this year is extra special—it’s the 140th anniversary of the oldest winter festival in the United States! Woohoo!

With dozens of free and low-cost family events, this iconic festival is one of the best ways to embrace winter without blowing the budget.

Why Frugal Families Love the Saint Paul Winter Carnival

✔️ Most events are FREE or very low cost
✔️ Events are spread out—come for an hour or make a full day of it
✔️ FREE Metro Transit rides on select Carnival days (Jan 22–25 & Jan 27–31!)
✔️ Tons of all-ages activities, especially for kids
✔️ Indoor + outdoor options (huge win during Minnesota winters!)

📌 Pro tip: Always double-check times and locations at wintercarnival.com, since events are subject to change.

Don’t Miss These FREE Family Favorites

Light The Park: FREE Kickoff to the Winter Carnival (Don’t Miss This!)

When? Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 6:00–7:00 PM
Where? Rice Park

Light The Park is the official kickoff to the 140th Saint Paul Winter Carnival—and it’s a fantastic free, family-friendly event to start the celebration!

Head to Rice Park to see Winter Carnival legend characters and special guests officially declare the Carnival open. Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Senator John Hoffman, along with his wife Yvette, are scheduled to take part in the ceremony.

Kids will love the brilliant laser light show, and the first 200 people to arrive will receive FREE glow wands. There will also be:

A live DJ
The Food Truck Festival
An ice bar for adults

Bonus: After the ceremony, stick around to watch the multi-block ice carving teams begin their incredible sculptures in Rice Park, then head inside Landmark Center to check out the Klondike Kates’ Cabaret.

This is an easy, fun way to experience the magic of Winter Carnival without spending a dime—and a great event to pair with dinner or an early bedtime for younger kids.

Ice Carving Competitions (FREE)

Where? Rice Park
When? Jan 22–25

Watching artists transform 300-pound blocks of ice into incredible sculptures never gets old—and kids LOVE seeing the tools and teamwork up close. Walk through anytime and come back again after dark when they’re lit up.

Vulcan Snow Park & Snow Sculptures (FREE)

Where? Minnesota State Fairgrounds
When? Jan 23–25 (peak family days)

This is a must-do with kids:

Snow maze
Giant snow sculptures
Kids’ Snow Treasure Hunt
FREE fire truck rides on Vulcan Fun Day (Jan 25!)

You can easily spend several hours here without spending a dime.

Parades + Fireworks (FREE!)

King Boreas Grande Day Parade
When? Saturday, Jan 24 at 2 PM
Where? Grand Avenue (Dale to Lexington)

A daytime parade = perfect for families with younger kids.

Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
When? Saturday, Jan 31 at 5:30 PM
Where? West 7th Street → Rice Park

Stick around afterward for:

Fireworks
FREE indoor dance party with PJ the DJ at Landmark Center

FREE Indoor Events (Perfect for Cold Days)

Frozen Family Fun Night (FREE)

When? Tuesday, Jan 27th from 5:30–7:30 PM
Where? Landmark Center

Meet Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff, enjoy a sing-along, storytime, and Winter Carnival characters. This is always one of the most popular family events—arrive early!

Around the World in a Day (FREE)

When? Saturday, Jan 31st from 11 AM–5 PM
Where? Landmark Center

An amazing all-ages cultural celebration with:

Live performances
Interactive activities
Educational presentations
Science Museum of Minnesota’s Liquid Nitrogen show

One of my top picks for elementary-age kids.

Ice Carvings for Kids (FREE)

When? Monday, Jan 26th from 1–4 PM
Where? Rice Park

Children’s Minnesota patients’ drawings are turned into real ice sculptures—such a meaningful and unique event.

Free Concerts & Performances

Hot & Cool Classics Concert – Sunday, Jan 25 at 2 PM (Landmark Center)
TPT’s “Legendary Saint Paul Winter Carnival” Film – Sunday, Jan 25 (FREE screening!)

FREE Outdoor Fun Beyond Downtown

Winter Play Day (FREE)

When? Saturday, Jan 24th from 10 AM–2 PM
Where? Crosby Farm

Try snowshoeing, explore winter activities, enjoy s’mores, and learn from local nature organizations. Equipment is provided!

Walk-Up Snowboarding (FREE)

When? Sunday, Jan 25th from 11 AM–4 PM
Where? Battle Creek Regional Park

Free snowboarding lessons + demos led by local pros—amazing opportunity if your kids want to try something new.

Kites on Ice (FREE)

When? Sunday, Feb 1st from 12–4 PM
Where? Como Lake

Colorful kites fill the winter sky while kids enjoy activities near the lake—simple, joyful winter fun.

Bonus Frugal Tips

FREE Transit Passes
Metro Transit is offering FREE rides to Winter Carnival events on select days—download passes at wintercarnival.com.

You Don’t Have to Do It All
Pick one or two events per day. Many families come back multiple times instead of trying to cram everything in.

Food Trucks Are Optional
The Food Festival is fun to browse, but packing snacks or eating before you go keeps costs low.

Final Thoughts

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is one of the best free family events in Minnesota, and the 140th anniversary makes 2026 extra special.

Whether you’re watching ice sculptures, dancing indoors after fireworks, or meeting princesses without paying for tickets, this festival proves that winter fun doesn’t have to be expensive.

There are MANY more events too!

For the most up-to-date schedule, visit wintercarnival.com. And save this post so you can plan your family’s favorites!

Want more free winter fun?

Print my FREE list of 32 No Spend Family Winter Activities:

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

Stay warm—and I’ll see you at the Carnival!

Note: Photos without my watermark are credited to the photographers for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.