The One Annual Winter Festival In Minnesota Every Minnesotan Should Bundle Up For At Least Once
By Betsy Rathburn|Published January 11, 2022
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Just because it’s cold and snowy doesn’t mean we can’t go outside! Minnesotans know that – and we prove it every year by heading out into the outdoors no matter the conditions. There are many activities that allow you to do just that, from snowmobiling to ice fishing to downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. And that doesn’t even scratch the surface! Minnesota is also home to a multitude of fun winter festivals, including the one we want to introduce today. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a must-visit annual winter festival that every Minnesotan should bundle up for at least once. Check it out:
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival is an annual winter festival in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It dates back to 1886! Many of the activities are held in Rice Park, but some are held all over the city. This is a great chance to explore all that Saint Paul has to offer!
There's plenty to see and do during the carnival. Rice Park - and many other places in the city - are decked out in fun, colorful lights. The trees look particularly beautiful, though there are many other interesting light displays brought in for the occasion as well.
In addition to light displays, there are elaborate ice sculptures. Subject matter ranges from Minnesota pride to wildlife, winter, and beyond. At night, the sculptures are lit up with colorful lights, creating a magical backdrop for your visit.
In some years, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is home to an elaborate ice palace that dominates the scene. The last ice palace year was in 2018. But even if you visit on a year without an ice palace, we believe that you will be dazzled by the sculptures, lights, and general winter merriment.
The parades are popular events at the carnival. The King Boreas Grande Day Parade is a procession of music, floats, and - of course - the newly crowned King Boreas, whose coronation is the day before. At night, a torchlight parade lets you see the event in a whole new way.
There are many other activities as well. Hockey and ice skating are possible, as are ice fishing competitions, a scavenger hunt, puzzle contests, and even an annual cat show. There is truly something for everyone!
And of course, if you're looking for an excuse to play in the snow, a trip to the Vulcan Snow Park is a must! Bundle up to take in snow sculptures, climb a snow mountain, find your way through a snow maze, and more. This event is one of the most fun winter festivals in Minnesota!
In 2022, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is held throughout January and early February, with the main events held on the weekend of Friday, January 28 through Sunday, January 30. For more information about the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, including attractions, dates and times for specific events, and more, visit their website and Facebook page.
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