Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to attend Saint Paul Winter Carnival?

A: Most Winter Carnival events and activities are offered at a low cost/free option. Some only require that you are wearing a 2024 Winter Carnival button. Check the individual event listing to see if there is a cost.

Q: Where and when are the activities?

A: Winter Carnival Ice Carvings, entertainment, warming house and other events will be back in Rice Park while the Snow Sculpture Park and Maze will be at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds (1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, MN 55108), Union Depot (214 4th Street East, St. Paul, MN). We also hold events at the Landmark Center and the Saint Paul Hotel, to name a few. Other activities will take place all over the City of Saint Paul and surrounding communities. Please see specific events for more information.

Q: What are the hours?

A: In Rice Park the hours are as follows:

Thursday, January 25, 2024: Kick-off to Carnival! 5-9 pm: Laser Light Show at 6 pm SHARP, then warm up in our NEW Hamernick’s Flooring Solutions Entertainment Chalet, featuring live music, beverages, pulltabs, food trucks, Winter Carnival merchandise and more! Ice sculpting kicks off too!

Friday, January 26, 2024, 5-10 PM; Saturday, January 27, 2024, 10 am-10 pm; Sunday, January 28, 2024, 10 am-6 pm

Monday, January 29-Thursday, February 1, 2024: Indoor scheduled events only. Please check the full calendar of events.

Friday, February 2, 2024, 5-10 pm; Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10 am-10 pm

Q: How should I dress for this event?

A: Dress warm for the outdoor events. Please see specific events to determine if the event is outdoors or indoors.

Q: Where do I find information about family-friendly events?

A: Visit our event calendar soon and select family-friendly events as a category.  This will then provide a list of activities.  Other categories include What’s New and Outdoor Activities!

Q: Can I bring my dog to the Winter Carnival?

A: Yes!  Dogs are welcome in Rice Park, the MN State Fairgounds and Landmark Plaza Park, but unfortunately not inside the Entertainment Chalet.

Q: Can I be a vendor at this event?

A: Yes!  Please visit the Forms page for more information and to see what opportunities are available.

Q: Can I volunteer at this event?

A: Yes.  We use over 200 volunteers throughout the course of the 10 days and we would love your help!  Please visit our volunteer page to learn more about the opportunities available.

Q:  Why should I buy a button?

A:  Oh…lots of reasons!  Button sales, one of the year’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 local businesses.  Also, these are a collector’s items that can be kept for many years!

Q: I have a question that isn’t listed here. Now what?

A: 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 lisaj@spfhf.org or give us a call at 651-223-7400.  We’d love to hear from you.