Though the pandemic has brought some changes to the 135th St. Paul Winter Carnival – the cancellations of the King Boreas Grand Day and Torchlight parades are probably the biggest – there are a few favorites still happening live, some new events and some that have gone virtual. Winter Carnival runs Jan. 28 through Feb. 7.
Information and registration and updates can be found at the Winter Carnival website: wintercarnival.com.
WHAT’S NEW AT THE ST. PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL
Drive-Thru Ice and Snow Sculpture Park at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
The traditional ice carving competition has moved from downtown St. Paul to the Fairgrounds, where it joins the Snow Sculpture event. And people can see the icy artistry from the comfort of their vehicles. Every day during Carnival, this drive-thru offers a view of the snow sculptures and ice carvings. There will be 16 ice carvings, 17 snow sculptures, hot air balloons, special theme days and gift bags. Visitors can download an app at the entrance and play Winter Carnival Trivia, as well as vote on favorite sculptures and carvings. General admission starts at $20 per vehicle (plus fees), with tickets available at wintercarnival.com.
RELATED: Here’s what to expect from the St. Paul Winter Carnival’s Drive-Thru Ice and Snow Sculpture Park
The Torchlight Parade, traditionally on the last Saturday night of Carnival, will be a “reverse parade” at the Drive-Thru, with many of the usual parade units along the route. This year, the parade-goers move through the parade. Visitors are asked to bring non-perishable food items to the Drive-Thru to donate to Second Harvest Heartland.
St. Paul Scavenger Hunt
Three different themed scavenger hunts will be available on the GooseChase app for smartphones: One looks at parks in the Capital City, with a family-friendly theme; one focuses on St. Paul history and notable landmarks; the third “Fun & Attractions” scavenger hunt looks at businesses, places to eat and entertainment venues. The hunts are on the app starting Jan. 28 and space is limited.
King Boreas Tour de Phalen Classic Cross Country Ski Event
It’s not a race or competition (but of course, you can always go for your personal best…). The Tour de Phalen Classic is for cross-country skiers of every level on a 7K groomed course. It starts at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 30 at the Phalen Golf Course and includes a “Minne-Tour” of 1.5K for kids.
CRAFTED: A Winter Carnival Craft Drink Experience
A drink passport program will feature specially crafted Winter Carnival drinks at breweries, artisan coffee shops, restaurants and more throughout St. Paul and the east metro from Jan. 28-Feb. 28. Participating establishments include Sencha Tea Bar, Groundswell, St. Paul Brewing, Parlour Bar St. Paul, and 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery. Each location will offer an exclusive onsite discount to passport users and a chance to win prizes.
Daily Winter Carnival History Lessons
To celebrate Winter Carnival’s 135th anniversary, organizers are providing a St. Paul Winter Carnival history lesson via social media and member newsletters. Topics include the Royal Legend, Carnival buttons, ice palaces and the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade and overthrow of Boreas. More info on the website.
