The Coolest Celebration on Earth: Saint Paul Winter Carnival Highlights

The+ice+palace+is+one+of+a+number+of+features+in+Saint+Pauls+Rice+Park.

Fair Use Image from Saint Paul Winter Carnival website

The ice palace is one of a number of features in Saint Paul’s Rice Park.

Whose side are you on: King Boreas or Vulcanus Rex?

Follow the legend when the 131st Saint Paul Winter Carnival, or the “Coolest Celebration on Earth” kicks off on  Jan. 26. This year’s carnival hosts not only its traditional winter activities, but a variety of brand new events including an extended Frozen Family Fun Night on Jan. 31, and a number of outdoor concerts, culminating in a Prince tribute by Chase & Ovation on Feb. 4. Here’s a look at five Saint Paul Winter Carnival highlights:

Beginning Jan. 26, the signature Saint Paul Winter Carnival ice carving displays are free and open to the public in St. Paul’s historic Rice Park. Watch local artists create beautiful sculptures and compete for prizes through Jan. 29. These elaborate displays, including a miniature ice palace, will remain in Rice Park the duration of the Winter Carnival and are a must-see.

The following day, Jan. 27, the Snow Park and Snow Sculpting Competition open at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Great for families, the Snow Park includes a Giant Snow Slide and many kid-friendly activities. Watch how the giant snow blocks that are used in the Snow Sculpting Competition are made, and see the sculptors in action. Activities in the park run through Feb. 5, and are free and open to the public.

Want a chance to compete for $10,000? Join hundreds of treasure hunters in the annual Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, and search for a medallion hidden in Ramsey County.To qualify for the grand prize and others, including tickets to a Minnesota Wild game, purchase a Saint Paul Winter Carnival Button and register using the included pamphlet. The treasure hunt will run through Feb. 2, unless the medallion is found earlier, and daily clues will be posted here.

Layer up for the 32nd Securian Winter Run on Jan. 28! Register online for the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, and meet at Securian Center at the intersection of Sixth and Jackson streets. All three races kick off at 9 a.m. All proceeds from the Securian Winter Run will go to the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, in order to support future Winter Carnivals.

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival continues to bring family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area.

— Saint Paul Winter Carnival Website

Closing out the Saint Paul Winter Carnival on Feb. 4, the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade will recount the legend of the Vulcanus Rex and King Boreas. Watch as the Vulcan Krewe confronts King Boreas at his palace, and defeats him, ending the long winter season.  Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe begin their adventure at Fifth and Wacouta Streets, and viewers can follow them all the way to the ice castle in Rice Park. The parade ends in fireworks and a dramatic Overthrow of Boreas, on the steps of the James J. Hill Center. Live music from Chase & Ovation, the renowned Prince Tribute band, will follow the parade from 7:30-10 p.m.

According to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival website, the oldest winter festival in the United States “continues to bring family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area” as it celebrates its 131st year. Join in the winter fun and continue the legacy of the “Coolest Celebration on Earth.” For more information on the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, visit https://www.wintercarnival.com/.