As legend has it the Winter Carnival will last for ten glorious days, consist of feasting, dancing, fun and frolic and be reigned over by Boreas, King of the Winds and the Queen of the Snows. This year’s carnival takes place January 25 through February 10. Many of the events are low or no cost. The majority of the activities that take place at Rice Park and the snow park are FREE. The Landmark Center activities, including Family Day, an ice palace replica and memorabilia display are also FREE. For a full listing of the Calendar Events for the Winter Carnival click here.
New events this year include:
- Sugar Cube Ice Palace Fundraiser, January 16, 5-7 p.m., Midpointe Event Center, 415 North Pascal Street, $10 ticket includes, food and beverage samples, music and chance to vote on your favorite sugar cube palace.
- Autonomous Snowplow Competition, January 26-28, Rice Park, 109 4th Street West, teams are challenged to create autonomous snowplows using various technologies including GPS, laser and optical navigation, to create a machine that will clear snow.
- Winter Carnival Orchid Show, January 27-28, Como Park (Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive, $5 admission.
- Kid’s Day at the Landmark Center, January 27, 2-6 p.m., Landmark Center Cortile, 75 West 5th Street.
Upcoming events include:
- Moon Glow Pedestrian Parade, January 25, 5:15 – 8:00 p..m., Rice Park, 109 4th Street West.
- Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition, January 25 – 27, Rice Park, 109 4th Street West.
- Winter Carnival Craft/Vendor Show, January 26-27, Doubletree Hilton St. Paul, 411 Minnesota Street.
- Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition, January 26 – 28, Minnesota State Fair Grounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North.
- Vulcan Snow Park Snow Sculpture Viewing, January 26 – February 11, Minnesota State Fair Grounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North.
- Vulcan Snow Park Giant Slide, January 25 – February 11, Minnesota State Fair Grounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North.
- Winter Wonderland at Rice Park, January 25 – February 10, Rice Park, 109 4th Street West – enjoy the People’s Ice Palace, Ice Sculpture Garden, live music, parades, ice bars, Kid’s Day (January 27), Frozen Family Night (January 30), Disco Nigh (January 31), Family Day (February 3), Ladies Day (February 4). Check web site for hours of operation by day.
- King Boreas Grand Day Parade, January 27, 2 – 4 p.m., Rice Park, 109 4th Street West.
- Vulcan Fun Day, January 28, 9 a.m., Minnesota State Fair Grounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, fire truck rides, snow maze, more.
- Family Day at the Landmark Center, February 3, 12 – 11 p.m., Landmark Center Cortile, 75 W 5th Street.
- Wells Fargo Winter Skate, skating rink next to Landmark Center, through February 5, FREE open skate, $4 rentals (or FREE with Wells Fargo bank card), see web site for rink hours.
- Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, Rice Park, February 10, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., parade starts at approximately 6 p.m., starting from 5th and Wacouta, ending at Rice Park.
- St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Carvings, January 25 – February 10, Rice Park, 109 4th Street.
- Vulcan Snow Park, January 26 – February 11, Minnesota State Fair Grounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, Click here for the Snow Park web site. Snow Park activities include snow stomp, snow block building, snow sculpture viewing, Giant Snow Slide ($2 per run), state snow sculpting competition, Tow Up Throw Down, Vulcan Snow Park Polar Plunge, Kid’s quarter scale car races, Barstool ski races, lawn mower races, Vulcan Fun Day.
- Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, first clue published January 21, last clue published February 1 or until medallion found, successful hunter could win up to $10,000.
- Frozen Family Night, January 30, 4 – 9 p.m., Rice Park, 109 4th Street.
- Doggie Depot at Union Depot, January 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. , Union Depot Building, 214 4th Street East, take advantage of the only time you can bring your dog to the Union Depot,
