General FAQs
Is there a 140th Winter Carnival Update?
Since 1886, the mission of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has been to foster a sense of community, belonging, and connectedness through fun and educational experiences.
With this in mind and after careful consideration, the 2026 festival will occur as planned. We look forward to marking the 140th anniversary of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival January 22 – February 1, 2026.
We are aware that guests travel from around the corner and around the world to celebrate with us in the Capital City. Please know the Winter Carnival management team and Saint Paul Festival and Heritage board of directors, along with our community partners and the City of Saint Paul, are monitoring current activities closely.
The safety of our guests, volunteers, sponsors, staff, and the community continue to be our top priority as we celebrate our rich history of embracing winter through entertaining and enlightening outdoor and indoor activities.
Please refer to our website (wintercarnival.com) and social media channels for updates or any changes to planned events. We look forward to seeing you and share in the fun, family spirit that makes the Saint Paul Winter Carnival so special.
Where and when are the activities of the 140th Saint Paul Winter Carnival?
Winter Carnival runs from January 22 to February 1, 2026.
Ice Carvings and other events will return to Rice Park while Vulcan Snow Park and the Minnesota State Snow Sculpture Competition will once again be at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds (1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul). The Union Depot (214 4th Street East, St. Paul) will also be home to our Puzzle Competition and we host events at the Landmark Center (75 W. 5th Street, St. Paul), as well as our Parades on Grand Avenue and West 7th.
Why should I buy a button?
Oh…lots of reasons! Each button is literally a work of art by local pointillism artist Randall Peterson. Button sales, one of the Winter Carnival's largest fundraisers, help keep many events of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival free to the public. Buttons can be purchased online, through one of many retailers OR through many individuals and organizations selling them. Also, having a button gains you discounted admission into many Saint Paul Winter Carnival events and BACK THIS YEAR for the 140th: When you have a 2026 Saint Paul Winter Carnival AND you find the St Paul Pioneer Press Medallion, you will receive an additional $5,000 in prize money! Buy your buttons here.
I have a question that isn’t listed here. Now what?
Contact us! The Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation is the organizer of this event and is more than willing to answer any and all of your questions. Please shoot us an email at info@spfhf.org or give us a call at 651-223-7400. We’d love to hear from you.
When is the SPFHF Office open?
The office is open throughout the year. Since our hours do fluctuate a little, check out our contact us page for hour changes. During Winter Carnival week, the SPFHF office in Suite 429 of the Landmark Center is open from 10 am to 5pm Monday-Friday.