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Back in the fall of 1885, newspaper reporters from the East Coast visited Saint Paul and declared it was like “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation.”
Did Saint Paulites take that lightly? No, they retaliated and created the beloved wintertime festival that now boasts the claim of oldest winter festival in the country.
Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has provided family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area.
This year marks the 138th celebration of the “Coolest Celebration on Earth™.” More than 50 family-friendly, interactive, free or low-cost community events will be held all over Saint Paul beginning Thursday, January 25, through Sunday, February 4.
From our signature ice carving competitions, snow sculptures at the Vulcan Snow Park, the Grande Day Parade and Torchlight Parade, to newer events such as Rondo Night, Kids and Family Day and Winter Carnival’s Day of Good, this year’s schedule of events has something for everyone. And don’t miss the live music, food and beverages, and all sorts of fun in the new big and cozy Entertainment Chalet in Rice Park.
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival has expanded each year to provide new programming that reflects the city’s changing demographics and welcomes people of all cultures to celebrate winter with us. Join us as we showcase free entertainment activities from diverse cultures: music and dance by local artists, hands-on children’s activities, and food and merchandise booths.
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is produced by the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation and is funded by donations and corporate contributions. The Board of Directors, supported by hundreds of corporate and individual members, employs a small staff to help plan this festival. We welcome you to become a member of the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation and help support the growth and success of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival for years to come. Please visit wintercarnival.com for details.
Looking forward to seeing you at the 138th Saint Paul Winter Carnival!
-Lisa Jacobson
Lisa Jacobson is the president and CEO of the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, the producers of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Lisa is pictured above with Kao Lee Thao, the designer of the 2024 Winter Carnival buttons, sponsored by the Downtown Alliance and Visit Saint Paul.
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