The cold never bothered us anyway, right? Not when there are winter carnivals to peruse, Elsa-esque ice castles to see, ice bars to huddle around, and so much more to explore this cold-weather season. Bundle up and get on out there!
Ice Castles in Maple Grove
The Utah-born Ice Castles is back in Minnesota for another year. Cruise down ice slides and a tubing hill, explore sculpted caverns and archways, or grab a drink at the ice bar at the Polar Pub. As with all ice castle events, activities are available depending on weather conditions, so keep an eye on the mercury when planning your outing. Tickets may be available onsite, but buy online (and well in advance!) to get the best pricing. Tickets that need to be changed for weather or other circumstances can be adjusted with at least 24-hour notice. 12500 82nd Ave. N., Maple Grove, icecastles.com
The Minnesota Ice Maze at Viking Lakes
Wind your way through the colorful passageways of The Minnesota Ice Maze at Viking Lakes in Eagan. Nearly a half-mile long and made of more than 500 tons of ice, the maze walls are lit with multicolored lights to guide your path. The ice maze is part of the Minnesota Ice Festival, which opens January 5 and includes a host of wintry activities like an ice slide and skating. There will also be multiple ice bars and the very first Minnesota Ice Sculptures Ice Carving Competition. 2645 Viking Cir., Eagan, minnesotaicemaze.com
2024 World Snow Sculpting Championships in Stillwater
Back for a third year, this popular Stillwater event attracts competitors from around the world. This event is sanctioned and judged by the pros, but will also include other community events and a people’s choice award for the snowy sculptures. The contest will run from January 17 to January 21, 2024. 201 S. Water St., Stillwater, greaterstillwaterchamber.com
The Ice Palace at Fountain Hill Winery
Leaning on their Scandinavian heritage, the Youngstrom family goes all out for the Ice Palace at Fountain Hill Winery in Delano. With more than 130,000 square feet of ice, food, sledding, and wine, this icy adventure also offers season passes for $59 in addition to regular single day tickets. Single day ticket prices vary by day of the week. 731 County Rd. 30 SE, Delano, theicepalaces.com
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Enjoy all things snow and ice at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. While there is no giant Ice Palace this year (the carnival only does them every decade or so, most recently for the 2018 Super Bowl), there’s a myriad of other events, including the Vulcan Snow Park. The Vulcan Snow park is not only for display, but also serves as a fundraiser for local food shelves through the Saint Paul Vulcans. Multiple locations, wintercarnival.com
Great Northern Ice Bar
This year, the Great Northern plans to install a record-breaking 100-foot ice bar on Nicollet Mall. The festival, a celebration of the cold and northern climate, is also bringing northern Indigenous bands to First Avenue’s main stage with “Broken Ice: Indigenous Sonic Salve from the North.” The festival returns Jan. 25-Feb. 4. Multiple locations, thegreatnorthernfestival.com