St Paul Winter Carnival 2021
St. Paul Winter Carnival
The 135th edition of the winter tradition will move forward in a new form this year in light of the pandemic. The socially distanced events begin January 1 and run through February. Visit wintercarnival.com for a full calendar. Highlights include:
• Ice sculptures can be viewed ($20/vehicle) in a drive-through ice and snow sculpture feature at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds (1265 Snelling Ave. N.), Jan 28–Feb 7 on weekday evenings or weekends from 9am-10pm.
• Ice-Fishing Competition (Jan 1–Feb 7): A digital contest in which you submit photos of your catch, the competition will award Minnesotans from across the state with prizes spanning categories such as largest walleye, largest northern pike bass, and others.
• Craft Drink Experience (Jan 15–Feb 14): Participating restaurants, local breweries and coffee shops around St. Paul will offer a “passport” program with which you can enjoy discounts and collect “stamps” from the retailers that make you eligible for prizes.
• Art Show (Jan 9–Feb 21): Taking place at AZ Gallery (308 Prince St.), the show celebrates Minnesota artists.
• Scavenger Hunts (Daily Jan 28-Feb 7): The festival is organizing socially distanced scavenger hunts for all ages—one exploring the city’s parks, another its historic landmarks and another its shops and attractions. Find out more on wintercarnival.com.
• Puzzle Competitions (morning of Jan 30): Known as the nation’s largest puzzle contest, this year’s will take place in-person and socially distanced at Landmark Center. A virtual puzzle contest will be conducted via Zoom on January 31.
• Winter Run (Jan 30): The fundraiser will take place with a 5K fun run around Lake Phalen. Runners can also participate virtually.
• Hot Cocoa Drive-up (Jan 30, 12-3pm): The historic St. Paul Hotel is bringing their traditional hot cocoa and rice crispy bars event outdoors.
• Orchid Show (Jan 31): Hundreds of orchids will transform the Como Conservatory into a tropical wonderland. Visit comozooconservatory.org for more information.
Minnesota Birch Beer Collaboration Launches
Northern Soda Company and the St. Paul Winter Carnival have once again come together to support each other with the creation of a limited-edition soda: Minnesota Birch Beer. The non-alcoholic soda is now available at grocers and other retailers in St. Paul. “This collaboration shows what can happen when small businesses and local organizations come together and support each other,” said Deb Schaber, president and CEO of the Saint Paul
