Saint Paul Winter Carnival Events

Last year, I experienced my first winter carnival in Quebec City and became rather fond of these cold-weather gatherings. This past weekend the Saint Paul Winter Carnival kicked off; it runs through the end of the month. If you are traveling to Minnesota for this annual festival or live in the area, be prepared for good ol’ Minnesota fun and culture – and don’t forget to dress warmly.

My family took a day trip out to the carnival in downtown this weekend. The weather was crummy and we didn’t get to do everything we had planned, but we were still able to get a taste of this classic event. With seven days left of the carnival, there are still plenty of activities and events:

Ice Sculptures. What’s a winter carnival without ice sculptures? Always fascinating, this year even the live band stage is lined with a wall of ice blocks. The sculptures are located in Rice Park – across the street from the Landmark Center (see photo above).

Ice Fishing Contest. Not all of the events are held in downtown and this is one of them. This carnival contest hasn’t been part of the festivities in 25 years, but this year it returned. The big day is January 30 from noon-3pm at White Bear Lake.

Broomball Challenges. These fun games will be held daily starting at noon at the Landmark Ice Rink (the outdoor rink across from the Ice Sculpture Park).

Ice Skating. When the challenges aren’t being held, bring your ice skates, because the Landmark Ice Rink is open to the public.

Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade. Everyone loves a parade – and the last of this winter carnival’s parades is January 30th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Saint Paul.

Canadian Maple Taffy. When you visit the St. Paul Winter Carnival downtown, don’t miss the free samples of Canadian Maple Taffy in the sculpture park. Watching how it’s made is half the fun. Hot maple syrup is poured on snow, or shaved ice, then a popsicle stick is used to turn the combination into a lollipop taffy treat. Delicious.

After you’ve had your fill with the St. Paul Winter Carnival, there’s plenty else to do while you’re in downtown St. Paul. Check out the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center and the Children’s Museum of Minnesota (my kids love it), Excel Energy Center (we caught a free college hockey game a couple of days ago) and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the collection of Peanuts character statues throughout the city. There are a couple outside of the candy shop on Wabasha; even in winter, a vacation in Minnesota can be full of family-friendly activities.

Finally, if the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is in your plans, don’t forget this is Minnesota’s coldest month. Wear lots of layers! You will find vendors selling hot cocoa and other goodies at the carnival to help keep you warm. Most of all, have fun. There is nothing quite like the St. Paul Winter Carnival.