TrekUnity
When
January
Attendance
~250,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Dating to 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is one of the oldest and largest winter festivals in the U.S. — a late-January celebration built to prove that Minnesota's winters are for enjoying, with elaborate ice and snow sculptures, parades, ice-skating, a treasure hunt, and (in special years) a towering ice palace.
Rooted in a whimsical legend of the Vulcans and King Boreas, it turns downtown St. Paul and Rice Park into a wonderland, embracing the cold rather than hiding from it.
Want to go? Turn Saint Paul Winter Carnival into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Late January into early February (about 10 days)
Admission
Free to attend · some activities ticketed
Parking
Downtown garages plus light rail; Rice Park and the core are walkable.
Nearest airport
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP) — ~15 min
Typical weather
Deep Minnesota winter — often teens to 20s °F (or colder); serious cold-weather gear is a must.
Official website
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Where to stay
The Saint Paul Hotel
Historic hotel on Rice Park, in the middle of it all.
InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront
Riverfront hotel downtown.
Minneapolis hotels
More options a short light-rail ride away.
Where to eat & drink
Mickey's Diner
Iconic 24-hour dining-car diner downtown.
Cossetta
Beloved Italian market and eatery.
Downtown St. Paul eateries
Warm-up spots around Rice Park.
Nearby attractions
Rice Park & Landmark Center
The festive heart of the carnival.
Minnesota State Capitol
The grand marble capitol nearby.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Riverfront museum for a warm indoor break.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + Rice Park
- •Fly into MSP
- •Afternoon: ice sculptures at Rice Park
- •Dinner: Cossetta
2Carnival day
- •Morning: snow sculptures + activities
- •Afternoon: a parade
- •Evening: warm up at a museum
3Capitol + depart
- •Morning: State Capitol
- •Head to MSP
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Dress for serious cold — this is deep Minnesota winter.
- Base yourself on Rice Park to be in the middle of the sculptures.
- Duck into the Science Museum or a café to warm up between events.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Saint Paul Winter Carnival?
Late January into early February, over about ten days.
Is there an ice palace every year?
No — the famous towering ice palaces are built only in special years, but ice and snow sculptures are a fixture every carnival.
Is it free?
Yes — most of the carnival is free; some activities are ticketed.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Saint Paul Winter Carnival or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.