2019 Saint Paul Winter Carnival

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the 133rd Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the “Coolest Celebration on Earth” since 1886. The Winter Carnival continues to bring family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area. 

  • Most events are FREE and open to the public.
  • Events primarily take place in downtown Saint Paul, in and around Kellogg Mall Park and the Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 
  • Enjoy live entertainment in Kellogg Mall Park, watch ice carvers compete to create the best masterpiece, visit vendor booths, and more!
  • Enjoy hot mulled wine, beer, and other beverages at the ice bar in Kellogg Mall Park.

Individual Block Ice Carving Competition, Artisan Division

The 2024 Individual Block Ice Carving Competition, Artisan Division, starts on January 28 at 9 AM.

Each artisan team will be given 6 suspenseful hours and a couple blocks of ice to bring their frozen masterpieces to life. The Individual Block Ice Carving Competition is guided by a strict set of rules, requiring artists to utilize their best creative thinking and remain incredibly attentive to every detail. Judging immediately follows the completion of the contest.

Be sure to check out the live carvings and the completed designs, which will be on display in Rice Park for the duration of Winter Carnival (weather carnival)!

 

Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition

The 2024 Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition starts Thursday, January 25 at 7 pm and ends Saturday, January 27 at 7 pm.

Each team will be given 48 suspenseful hours and several blocks of ice to bring their frozen masterpieces to life. The Multi-Block Ice Carving Competition is guided by a strict set of rules, requiring artists to utilize their best creative thinking and remain incredibly attentive to all details. Judging immediately follows the completion of the contest.

Be sure to check out the live ice carving and the completed designs, which will be on display in Rice Park for the duration of Winter Carnival (weather permitting)!

Saint Paul Winter Carnival Ice Carvings

Completed carvings may be viewed throughout the Winter Carnival (see open hours below).

This signature Winter Carnival event returned as blocks of ice were transformed into beautiful masterpieces. Endless photo opportunities are available in Rice Park with the completed creations.

Both team and individual ice carving competitions are guided by a strict set of rules, requiring artists to utilize their best creative thinking. Additionally, competitor’s sculptures must be consistent with a sketch that was proposed and selected by the Selection Committee.

The final designs can be viewed throughout Rice Park during the 10 days of Carnival (January 26-February 4, 2023), weekdays 4-10 pm, Saturdays 10 am-10 pm and Sunday 10 am-5 pm.