Joe dietrich sculpture ice carving

Minnesota winters may be cold, but the spirit of Saint Paul is anything but. From January 23 to February 2, 2025, the 139th Saint Paul Winter Carnival will bring together over 50,000 people to celebrate winter’s beauty and the enduring vibrancy of the Twin Cities.

Dating back to 1886, the Winter Carnival was born out of resilience.

Eastern newspapers once described Saint Paul as “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation,” but Saint Paulites turned that slight into an opportunity to highlight the charm of their frosty home. The result? The oldest winter festival in the United States, and a testament to the pride, creativity, and unity of this community.

This year, the Winter Carnival expands its reach with Melanin in Motion, a partnership with a local nonprofit dedicated to connecting BIPOC youth, adults, and families to opportunities for active living and personal development through adventure-based experiences.

The initiative introduces two exciting event