World Snow Celebration 2026

Celebrate the beauty of winter in charming Stillwater, Minnesota, at the World Snow Celebration—a spectacular annual festival that brings together art, culture, and community. The highlight of the event is the World Snow Sculpting Championship, where talented teams from around the globe transform giant blocks of snow into breathtaking works of art, all competing for prize money and the coveted title of World Champion.

Founded in partnership with the Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation, the City of Stillwater, and HealthPartners, this celebration has quickly become one of Minnesota’s most anticipated winter traditions. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly activities, cultural performances, and delicious regional food and drink, all set against the backdrop of Stillwater’s historic downtown and scenic St. Croix River.

More than just a competition, the World Snow Celebration is a gathering of creativity, connection, and community spirit. It’s where locals and visitors alike come together to share the wonder of winter, admire incredible artistry, and make unforgettable memories.

Bundle up, bring your friends and family, and experience the magic of winter in Stillwater—where snow becomes art and the whole community comes alive!

Admission:

No fee to view the snow sculptures. Lowell Park is open to the public

Location:

Lowell Park – Downtown Stillwater

Parking:

FREE shuttles will run Saturday and Sunday during the World Snow Sculpting Championship event! Parking will be in the Harbor Freight parking lot and riders will be dropped off at the Pedestrian Plaza next to the public restrooms and 

The Daily Grind Espresso Cafe in downtown Stillwater.

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, January 15
Official Kick-Off – 8:45 am – Location: Lowell Park
Post Kick Off Bloody Mary Bar – 9:00 am – Location: Water Street Inn
Opening Ceremony – 5:00 pm – (SOLD OUT)

– Location: JX Venue-

Thursday, January 16
Teams will be sculpting their creations all day and into the evening –

come watch their progress! – Location: Lowell Park

Friday, January 17
Teams will be sculpting their creations all day and into the evening –
come watch their progress! – Location: Lowell Park
Candlelight Winter Walk – 5 – 8 pm – Location: North end of Lowell Park 
Lakeview Lodge Indoor Market – 3 – 9 pm – Location: Water Street Inn
Heated Concession Tent – 10 am – 10 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Snow Slide – 4 – 9 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Saturday, January 18
Closing Ceremony and Awards – 6 pm – Location: Lowell Park
World’s Coolest Block Party – 6:30 – 9 pm – Location: Lowell Park
Lakeview Lodge Indoor Market – 10 am – 5 pm – Location: Water Street Inn
Heated Concession Tent – 10 am – 10 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Snow Slide – 10 am – 9 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Sunday. January 19
Sunday Funday – 9 am – 5 pm – Location: Lowell Park
Lakeview Lodge Indoor Market – 10 am – 5 pm – Location: Water Street Inn
Heated Concession Tent – 10 am – 6 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Snow Slide – 10 am – 6 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Monday. January 20

Figure Skating Performance – 12 – 3:30 pm – Location: Water Street Inn Ice Rink

Tuesday. January 21

Accessibility Day – 10 am – 6 pm – Location: Lowell Park

Thursday. January 23

Figure Skating Performance – 5:30 – 6:30 pm – Location: Water Street Inn Ice Rink

Friday. January 24

Figure Skating Performance – 7 – 8 pm – Location: Water Street Inn Ice Rink

Saturday. January 25

Frozen Flannel Mini Curling Competition  – 9 am – Location: Lowell Park

Sunday. January 26 
Fat Tire Bike Rally – 10 am – 2 pm – Location: River Siren Brewing
Open Skate with Saint Croix Valley Figure Skating Club – 10 am – 12 pm

– Location: WSI Ice Rink

Additional Activities:
Taste of the Nations: At participating Restaurants, January 1 – 31
Find Stilly the Snowman: At participating stores, January 1 – 26
Button Discounts: At participating stores, January 13 – 26

 

For more information CLICK HERE to visit the World Snow Celebration Website.