Downtown Park Happenings
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Rice Park
January 22 to February 1, 2026
Experience ten days of festive events, ice sculptures, parades, and family-friendly activities in Rice Park and all over Saint Paul!
Bold North Breakaway
Rice Park
December 26 to January 5
This December, the World Juniors takes over Saint Paul and Minneapolis — with Rice Park and Saint Paul RiverCentre transforming into the Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival. Celebrate the spirit of Minnesota hockey with interactive games, live entertainment, photo ops, and free winter fun for fans of all ages.
The Snow Queen’s Gambit — a Winter Carnival event
The Snow Queen’s Gambit will have you exploring, investigating, and learning! Help solve a mystery at this year’ interactive winter carnival event! Take on the role of a detective, solve clues, and interview suspects. In the process, you’ll explore the Pioneer Endicot building on your mystery adventure.
Two dates are available for mystery fun: January 30, 5-8pm & January 31, 3-6pm.
- Please note arrivals will be accepted within one half hour of the start of the event.
- Food and libations will be available in Gambit Brewing Co.
Lowertown Farmers Market
Lowertown
Saturdays, 9am-1pm
Outdoor Farmers' Market: 290 5th St E (across from CHS field)
Indoor Farmers' Market: 308 Prince St. E
GLOW Holiday Festival
CHS Field
Nov. 20, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026
Featuring over a million lights, the Enchanted Forest, Vixen’s Zip Line, and Giant Slide, GLOW is a must-see experience. The elves have been busy gussying up the place with new exhibits to make sure your holidays are shiny & bright.
Visit Pedro Park
Pedro Park
The newest downtown park is open and ready for use! Located at 114 10th St E.
Amped Art
Four talented artists painted 16 electrical boxes downtown, bringing vibrant artistry and storytelling to life through thoughtful and unique art. The colorful electrical boxes enlighten the downtown area.
Learn more about each artist by exploring their artist biographies and statements about their installation pieces below.
by_a.thread :: downtown saint paul stories
In summer 2025, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation was proud to partner with artist and storyteller Katie McNamara Howie for a special storytelling project in Downtown Saint Paul. "By_a.thread :: downtown saint paul stories" celebrates the people and spirit of downtown each week through Katie's unique blend of portraiture and narrative, creating a living tapestry of hope, connection, and community. Read the stories and see the images below.
