It’s finally here! The Saint Paul Winter Carnival kicks off January 25 – February 10, 2018. Don’t miss out on any of the fun with this roundup of the top attractions from the Winter Carnival website:

All of these attractions are located at Rice Park.

1. Ice Carving Displays

One of Winter Carnival’s signature events, the ever-sparkly ice displays, are free and open to the public and are on display all 17 days of carnival in Rice Park during regular park hours.  The beautiful masterpieces are created by area artists using an array of tools including knives, chainsaws and other tools.  See the artists at work (and competing for prizes and bragging rights) the first Thursday through Sunday of Carnival.

The displays are lighted at night and are a great time to be downtown Saint Paul to take in other activities.   Endless photo opportunities are available during the competition as well as with the completed creations.  The creations are removed when Saint Paul Winter Carnival ends – so be sure to stop by the see them!  

2. Pabst Winter Carnival Music Series in Rice Park

Enjoy live music performed on the Treasure Island Stage.  Also, enjoy a red, white wine or mulled wine from the Winter Carnival Partners at Cannon River or Summit Beer.  For a complete listing of times and artists please Click Here. 

3. Frozen Family Fun Night

Bring the kid’s to Rice Park for Frozen Family Fun Night! With food trucks, ice carvings, dance, sing along and ice skating at the Wells Fargo WinterSkate, there’s something for the entire family. There will also be a special appearance from the newly crowned Saint Paul Winter Carnival Royalty and the Saint Paul Mounted Police! Don’t forget share your photos on Twitter and Facebook and include #wintercarnival.

4. From Ice to Spice Cinco Night hosted by Boca Chica Restaurant y Cantina and El Burrito Mercado

Minnesota’s Iceist celebration (Saint Paul Winter Carnival!) meets Minnesota’s Spiciest celebration (Cinco de Mayo West Side Saint Paul) as Cinco de Mayo takes over Rice Park. Come enjoy live entertainment, your favorite foods from Saint Paul’s West Side AND a jalapeno eating contest!

5. “Not Your Father’s” Happy Hour

Get a head start on the weekend, grab some friends and join us in Rice Park for happy hour. Enjoy a Not Your Father’s Root Beer, beer, or glass of wine. Plus, hang-out with the MN Roller Girls and enjoy live music.

6. Parades

All three Winter Carnival parades — the Moon Glow Pedestrian, Grand Day and Torchlight — all end in Rice Park. Plus, the post Torchlight Parade Overthrow of Boreas pageantry takes place across the street on the steps of the James J. Hill Library.

7. Ice Bar

The Ice Bar will return to refresh Carnival goers. Try a glass of wine from Cannon River Winery, Vulcan’s Revenge Red or Boreas White Reserve blended exclusively for the Winter Carnival or HOT spiced mulled…Yum! Try a Winter Ale, Saga or EPA from Summit, our Exclusive Craft Beer of the 2018 Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Also available to wet your whistle Pabst, Not Your Father’s Root Beer, Old Style & more!

For a full calendar of events, visit the calendar on the Winter Carnival website.


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