Parades are a favorite of every festival and the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has two to keep you entertained. Visit both of these great parades!
King Boreas Grande Day Parade, NOW ON GRAND AVENUE!
Saturday, January 25th, 2 pm
The King Boreas Grande Day Parade is our daytime procession NOW on Grand Avenue, from Dale to Lexington and disassembly will start just past Lexington, featuring dozens of units, floats and, of course, the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family.
- Businesses, governmental agencies, community groups are all welcome to participate.
- Location start: Dale on Grand Avenue to Lexington.
- Warm Up In Our OFFICIAL WARMING HOUSES, listed here soon!
Sponsored By:
Q&A on the change in location for the Grande Day Parade:
Q. Why did you make the change? A. We have seen fewer and fewer parade viewers for Grande Day over the past couple of years, even when it was so warm in 2024. To keep the tradition of having the Grande Day Parade alive, when we were approached with the idea, we looked long and hard at the pros and cons. We are hopeful that more people will attend to watch the parade on Grand Avenue and we will be able to support local bars and restaurants that become “Official Warming Houses” of the Winter Carnival. As a nonprofit organization (SPFHF) that puts on the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, costs also matter. On Grand Avenue, we will be able to save money on police, parking meters (there are none on Grand Avenue), jersey barriers, porta-potties and street permits.
Q. The Parades have always been on West 7th. How could you move it? A. Over the years, our parades have moved around to various routes for various reasons. The Torchlight Parade, which recently ran from Lowertown up to Rice Park and didn’t come down West 7th will remain on West 7th, as it has been the past two years. We anticipate huge crowds on Torchlight Night, supporting those local restaurants and bars, especially those that become “Official Warming Houses” of the Winter Carnival as well.
We understand that change is hard for many, but we truly hope that you know the leaders make changes to keep the Winter Carnival going, to increase the number of people participating and to help local businesses and organizations.
Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, Saturday, February 1st, 5:15 pm
Vulcanus Rex will use his wily ways to light up the streets of downtown Saint Paul for the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, Presented by Xcel Energy. The evening parade route starts at West 7th at Smith to 5th Street to Washington to 4th Street and disassembly will start at Market and 4th. Disassembly will continue to Wabasha. St Paul Hotel Guests will be directed to Kellogg and Market for entry and exit Market to 5th street.by Rice Park. After the parade, follow Vulcanus and his Krewe to the library steps for the ever-dramatic Overthrow of Boreas. The production will be followed by a fantastic fireworks show.
- Businesses, governmental agencies, community groups are all welcome to participate.
- Spectators are welcome to watch along 5th Street or find a warm place in the skyway system
- Businesses, governmental agencies, community groups are all welcome to participate.
- Location start: Smith Avenue, along West 7th Street to 5th Street. Disperse on St. Peter to Kellogg
- Location end: Rice Park, stay for the Vulcan Overthrow on the library steps to learn more about our legend
- Fireworks to follow this event in Rice Park
- Warm Up In Our OFFICIAL WARMING HOUSES- local bars and restaurants that financially support the Saint Paul Winter Carnival through the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation…please visit them often! COMING SOON!