Happy New Year!! Now that the holidays are over it’s time to relax a little and take in some of the events in the Twin Cities this January 2024. January is a wonderful month in the Twin Cities. Even though many of the ice sculpting events have been canceled due to the unseasonably warm weather, there are still plenty of activities happening outside. January is also when the St Paul Winter Carnival begins!
Events in the Twin Cities this January 2024
Winter in Stillwater
When: January
Where: Various locations in Stillwater
Discover the historic riverfront district glimmering with charm and full of festivities December through March. Plan now for a holiday or winter season getaway!
Stillwater, Minnesota has always been a serene and romantic winter season destination and it is getting better every year! We are lighting up both sides of the Historic Lift Bridge this winter along with lining the tops of our historic buildings with twinkle and lighting a large tree on Chestnut Street Plaza starting December 2nd!
In 2024, you can look forward to the third annual World Snow Sculpting Championship January 17-21!
Rooted Legacy
When: January 2nd – 31st, 2024
Where: Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center
792 E 7th Street
St. Paul, MN
Join Urban Roots youth interns in celebrating the vibrant Hmong community, culture, and their resiliency in Paj Tsiab Peb Caug, or Hmong New Year season, by visiting our Rooted Legacy photo exhibit. This installation called Rooted Legacy, is photographed by Thia Xiong, Conservation Program Manager, and hosted by our partner organization, Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center. It will be available for public viewing beginning on December 2nd through the month of January.
The Ice Palace Minnesota
When: January 2nd – February 29th, 2024
Where: Delano Central Park
650 River Street N
Delano, MN
The Ice Palace returns in a new Central Park location for a bigger and better experience. One of the largest ice attractions in the state features more than 90,000 square feet of winter fun with brilliantly illuminated tunnels, ice slides, and towering structures. Located just 30 minutes west of Minneapolis, this family-owned operation offers food and beverage vendors, improved parking, cozy fire pits, and a dynamic event itinerary including fire dancers, ice princesses, and winter characters.
Night Trains
When: Saturdays in January & February
Where: Twin City Model Railroad Museum
668 Transfer Road, Suite 8
St. Paul, MN
The museum’s collection of model trains of all scales and toy trains of yesteryear come alive throughout the Museum. Night Trains Season magic begins as the lights are turned down and the buildings and street lights glow warmly, setting the scene for specially lighted models of operating vintage passenger trains. The make believe town of Matlin is buried in a blizzard, and throughout the Museum the layouts are adorned with miniature Christmas lights and decorations.
St Paul Skyway Food Tour
When: Saturdays in January & February
Where: Various location in the St Paul Skyway
Explore the best of St Paul food in the heart of downtown. You’ll learn about the Capital City’s robust food culture while exploring its rich history, including a lively gangster past. Tastings are based on our multicultural communities and the best water in the country for creating delicious craft beer. This tour is approximately 90% indoors and includes a number of city blocks at the beginning and end walking outside.
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration: One Dream. One Minnesota
When: January 11th – 15th, 2024
Where: Minnesota State Capitol
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
St. Paul, MN
The multi-day celebration will provide opportunities for everyone of all ages in Minnesota to experience One Dream, One Minnesota in a variety of ways.
Ice Castles
When: January 13th – February 18th, 2024
Where: 12500 82nd Ave N
Maple Grove, MN
Don’t miss your moment. Your moment of imagination, exploration, and magic awaits at Ice Castles. Escape into a world of ice caves, frozen waterfalls, and glaciers formed into archways, caverns, and tunnels. Time is limited, but memories last forever. Make them magical. Freeze Time.
World Snow Sculpting Championship
When: January 17th – 21st, 2024
Where: Downtown Stillwater
Stillwater, MN
Stillwater is honored to host the 2024 World Snow Sculpting Championship competition sanctioned by the Association Internationale de Sculpture sur Neige et Glace based in Finland. Teams from around the world will travel to Stillwater, Minnesota to create amazing snow sculptures while competing for prize money and the title of the World Champion. This will be a judged event and will include social events, activities, ceremonies, the people’s choice award, and will be fun for the whole family. Stay tuned for more information – keep checking back for updates and additional details.
51st Annual Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show
When: January 18th – 21st, 2024
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 Second Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
The 51st annual Discover® Boating Minneapolis Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive®, docks at the Minneapolis Convention Center Thursday, January 18 through Sunday, January 21. The premier destination to shop sales on hundreds of new boats from leading brands, the unique chance to meet face-to-face with a multitude of dealers, and enjoy a variety of immersive experiences for all ages, the Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show is the ideal place to dive into the boat life.
St Paul Winter Carnival
When: January 25th – February 4th, 2024
Where: Various location in St Paul
Join us for the 138th Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the “Coolest Celebration on Earth” since 1886. It is the oldest winter festival in the United States!
The Winter Carnival continues to bring family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area.
Dozens of free events, both traditional favorites and new attractions, will entertain those of all ages. Most events take place in downtown Saint Paul, in and around Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
Little House on the Prairie – The Musical
When: January 26th – February 9th, 2024
Where: Handful Performing Arts Center
4941 Long Avenue
White Bear Lake, MN
The timeless story of Laura’s real childhood offers a unique glimpse of life on the American frontier and tells the heartwarming, unforgettable story of a loving family. As the Ingalls family journeys westward and settles in South Dakota, Laura grows from a wild child who loves to run free into a woman who embraces the responsibilities of her own future while remaining true to herself. Having since swept the nation, come see this hit musical that originated in Minnesota.
Vinterfest At Gammelgården
When: January 27th, 2024
Where: 20880 Olida Trail North
Scandia, MN
Mark your calendar now for this fun-filled day at Gammelgården, the Scandia Community Center, and around town. Below are the activities that will be happening at Gammelgården on Saturday, January 27, 2024:
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Gammelgården Museum and Scandia Heritage Alliance join forces to offer free family activities:
– See a display of ice harvesting equipment
– Gather around a bonfire with s’mores and warm drinks
– Participate in a Kubb Tournament (an Ancient Viking Game)
– Use your creativity to do crafts
– Meet raptors
10:30 a.m. – 12 noon – Participate in the first puzzle competition at Gammelgården Museum!
