Winter Carnival preview 2026

winter carnival st. paul 2026 — Photo by St. Paul Winter Carnvial
The multi-block ice carving competition is held Jan. 22-24 in Rice Park,
and the individual competition is held Jan. 25.

Winter Carnival preview 2026
By Tim Spitzack | Editor | January 2026

Mark your calendar! The kickoff to the 140th St. Paul Winter Carnival begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22 at Rice Park, and the evening will be all about light. It includes a stunning laser light show and a community gathering with the Winter Carnival Royal Family and the Vulcans – all are invited to bring a glow stick or wear lighted swag. The first 200 people to arrive at the park will receive glow wands. Stick around to watch the ice carvers begin crafting their magnificent ice sculptures, and to enjoy beverages at the ice bar. For a full schedule of events and to download free Metro Transit passes to the carnival, visit wintercarnival.com.

The carnival will feature its signature events and some new ones, including the Frosty Art Affair, held 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Landmark Center. Here you’ll be able to view and purchase the work of local artists, including the creations of several artists who have designed past Winter Carnival buttons.

One of four commemorative buttons designed by Randall Peterson

As usual, Rice Park will be the hub of activity. The multi-block ice carving competition is held Jan. 22-24, and the individual ice carving competition takes place Sunday, Jan. 25. The sculptures can be viewed through Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The Food Truck Festival provides hot eats Jan. 22-31, with tables available for dining. Diners may also take their food inside the Landmark Center. Return to Rice Park on Saturday, Jan. 31 for Bonfire in the Park, held 2-5 p.m., complete with s’mores.

Outdoor activities
Winter Play Day is 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 at Crosby Farm Regional Park, featuring guided hikes, outdoor photography sessions, s’mores, birding, Winter Sound Garden, a special appearance by Smokey Bear, traditional winter activities with Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi, and more. Free.

Waziya Winter Wind Celebration, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 at Battle Creek Regional Park. The event features snow sculpture and snowshoe making demonstrations, crafting, storytelling, an Indigenous Makers Market, Indigenous foods and outdoor activities like skiing, sledding, snowboarding, kick sledding and Dakota winter games.

Vulcan Snow Park, Jan. 22-Feb. 1 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Watch professional and amateur snow sculptors work their magic Jan. 23-25. Visitors may view their creations throughout the carnival.

The carnival also offers outdoor events, including free ice skating and snowboarding opportunities, ice fishing and hockey tournaments, a Fat Tire bike ride, Winter Walk & Run, and the St. Paul Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt. The hunt starts on Sunday, Jan. 18. A new clue appears daily in the Pioneer Press (print and online) for 12 days, or until the medallion is found. The person who finds the medallion wins $5,000. Additionally, they can win an extra $5,000 if they have the 2026 commemorative Treasure Hunt Patch and $5,000 more if they also have a 2026 Winter Carnival Button.

Indoor fun
Landmark Center will host several events within its toasty confines.

Frozen Family Fun Night is 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27. Have your picture taken with the “Frozen” characters, participate in story time and a singalong, and enjoy other family-friendly activities. There will also be special appearances from the Legend Characters of the Winter Carnival. Activities are free. Food will be available for purchase.

Around the World in a Day for Kids, Seniors & Families, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31. The event features interactive and intergenerational activities, including dancing to music by DJ Ola, performances by local groups, educational presentations and other activities. Vendors will also sell their wares and food will be available for purchase at the outdoor Food Festival.

Winter Carnival Orchid Show, Jan. 24-25 at Como Zoo & Conservatory. $8; discounts for seniors and children.

The Klondike Kate Contest, 6-10 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the Inwood Oaks Event Center, 484 Inwood Ave. N., Oakdale.

Klondike Kate’s Red Feather Saloon Cabaret & Casino Night, 6:30-10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22 at the Landmark Center. Must be age 21 or older. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at klondikekates.org.

Vulcan Reveal, 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 at St. Paul College auditorium.

Jigsaw puzzle competition, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25 at Union Depot.

Saintly City Cat Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25 at RiverCentre. $10; discounts for seniors and children.

Doggie Depot, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 1 at Union Depot. Includes the crowning of the Canine King & Queen, giveaways, marketplace, and visits with pet experts.

Bingo and live music will be featured at various venues.

Photo by St. Paul Winter Carnvial
The Vulcan Overthrow is held at the Central Library on January 31.

Parades

King Boreas’ Grande Day Parade is held 2-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 on Grand Avenue, from Dale to Lexington. It features dozens of bands, floats and the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family.

Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, 5:15-7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31. Vulcanus Rex will use his wily ways to light up the streets of downtown, marking the Vulcan march to overthrow King Boreas and bring summer back to the city of St. Paul. The parade begins at West 7th and Smith and travels eastbound to 5th Street, to Washington, to 4th Street and ends at Rice Park. Stay for the Vulcan Overthrow on the steps of the Central Library and watch as Vulcanus Rex storms the magnificent “ice” castle and confronts the Royal King’s Guard. Upon the good counsel of the Queen, Boreas waves farewell to the people of his winter Capitol, and Vulcanus once again rules the land. An impressive fireworks show will follow the dethroning. Finally, make your way to the Landmark center for the Warm-Up Dance Party with PJ the DJ, 7-9:30 p.m., then to the InterContinental hotel and purchase a ticket to the Vulcan Victory Dance. Tickets are $25 ordered in advance at vulcans.org/dance-tickets, or $30 at the door.

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