Stillwater doesn’t just endure winter, it celebrates it with world-class events, outdoor adventures, and cozy experiences that make the cold months something to look forward to. The excitement of the winter holidays is over, but Stillwater has a calendar full of winter events in January and February. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or peaceful winter escapes, winter in Stillwater offers something magical for everyone.
World Snow Celebration: A Global Winter Spectacle
The crown jewel of winter in Stillwater is undoubtedly the World Snow Celebration, running from January 13-25, 2026. It is an internationally recognized event that draws talented artists from across the globe to compete in the World Snow Sculpting Championship. Teams from 16 countries will descend upon Stillwater to transform massive blocks of snow into breathtaking works of art, competing for prize money and the coveted title of World Champion.
The competition itself is a marvel to witness. As you stroll through downtown Stillwater during these two weeks, you’ll encounter intricate snow sculptures that push the boundaries of what’s possible with frozen water. The detail, creativity, and sheer artistry on display are truly remarkable. The Closing Awards Ceremony takes place on January 17, where sculptors will be recognized with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place honors, along with the People’s Choice Award, and the Artist Choice Award, selected by fellow sculptors who understand the technical mastery required for these frozen masterpieces.
But the World Snow Celebration extends far beyond sculpture viewing. Throughout January, visitors can participate in the “Find Stilly the Snowman” scavenger hunt, picking up stamp cards at participating downtown businesses. It’s a perfect way to explore Stillwater’s charming shops and restaurants. Food enthusiasts will delight in the “Taste of the Nations” experience, where local restaurants feature dishes inspired by the 16 countries represented in the snow sculpting championship.
On Friday, January 16, the Candlelight Winter Walk at Mulberry Point transforms Browns Creek Trail into an enchanting evening experience. From 5-8 pm, walk along a candlelit path beside the scenic St. Croix River, enjoying hot cider hosted by HealthPartners. The approximately one-mile route welcomes walkers at their leisure, making it perfect for families, couples, or anyone seeking a peaceful winter evening under the stars.
For runners and active families, the World Snow Frosty Fox 5K on Sunday, January 18, provides an exhilarating challenge. The event features three races: a Mascot Race, a Kids Race, and the main 5K at noon. The scenic course along the St. Croix River treats participants to views of internationally renowned snow sculptures and finishes with a breathtaking vista of Stillwater’s iconic Lift Bridge. It’s an opportunity to earn your hot chocolate while experiencing the artistic and natural beauty that defines winter in Stillwater.
The First Annual Lift Bridge Frozen Classic brings broomball to downtown Stillwater on January 24, 2026. This one-day tournament on the scenic St. Croix River banks invites six-person teams to compete for the Golden Broom Award, which will be proudly displayed inside Charlie’s Pub. Whether you’re a seasoned broomball player or new to this uniquely winter sport, the event promises a full day of icy competition and community spirit.
Cycling doesn’t stop when snow falls, it just gets more adventurous. The Stillwater Fat Bike Rally on Sunday, January 25, now part of the World Snow Celebration festivities, offers riders the choice to casually ride or competitively race the downtown course.
Skiing & Snowboarding in Minnesota: Premium Slopes Near Stillwater
Winter in Stillwater provides easy access to some of the best skiing in Minnesota. Just a short drive away, three excellent ski resorts offer varied terrain for all skill levels.
Afton Alps stands out as the premier skiing destination near Stillwater, featuring nearly 300 acres of skiable terrain along the St. Croix River in Denmark Township. With 350 feet of vertical drop, 50 trails, and 3 terrain parks, Afton Alps caters to everyone from beginners taking their first tentative turns to expert skiers carving through challenging runs. The resort’s proximity to Stillwater makes it perfect for a morning of downtown exploration followed by an afternoon on the slopes. Afton Alps is owned by Vail and included in their Epic Pass for the season.
Trollhaugen offers a more intimate skiing experience with 30 trails, including 3 terrain parks. Beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding, Trollhaugen features snow tubing that requires advanced reservations due to limited tubes per time slot.
Wild Mountain in nearby Taylors Falls rounds out the skiing in Minnesota options, with a projected opening day of Friday, November 14. The resort also has a unique Starlight Snow Tubing experience. The floodlights are dimmed are colorful lights and laser displays illuminate the slopes, creating a magical atmosphere for tubing enthusiasts.
For those who prefer tubing without skiing, Green Acres opens in mid to late December with an open hill format rather than tubing lanes, offering a different tubing experience closer to Stillwater.
Ice Skating in Stillwater: Glide Through Winter
Ice skating in Stillwater provides quintessential Minnesota winter experiences. The Riverside Ice Skating Rink at Water Street Innv offers a seasonal outdoor rink with stunning views overlooking the iconic lift bridge. There’s something magical about gliding across ice with the historic downtown as your backdrop, the St. Croix River flowing nearby, and the lift bridge standing sentinel over the scene.
For indoor skating options, the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center houses two NHL-style ice sheets plus a third sheet at Lily Lake Ice Arena. The facility offers open skating sessions, open hockey, group skating lessons, and freestyle ice. It’s an excellent option for anyone wanting to practice their skating skills regardless of outdoor weather conditions.
Ice Fishing on the St. Croix River: A Cozy Winter Tradition
No guide to winter in Stillwater would be complete without highlighting one of Minnesota’s most beloved cold-weather pastimes: ice fishing. The frozen St. Croix River becomes a hub of activity once the ice is thick enough, and there’s no better way to experience this quintessential winter tradition than with Croix Boys. The guides at Croix Boys don’t just provide equipment; they share valuable local knowledge that can significantly improve your chances of landing a good catch. They know where the fish are biting, what they’re after, and the techniques most likely to succeed on any given day. This expertise is invaluable, especially for those new to ice fishing or unfamiliar with the St. Croix River’s unique characteristics.
Croix Boys offers shared ice fishing trips on the St. Croix River that redefine comfort on the ice. Their spacious 16′ x 20′ Grizzly wall tent is set up right on the frozen river, complete with a wood-burning stove that keeps you toasty warm even on the coldest Minnesota days.
The beauty of fishing with Croix Boys is the complete lack of preparation required. No need to invest in expensive gear, drill holes through thick ice, or figure out the logistics of shelter setup. They provide everything you need, whether you’re planning to drop a line for just an hour or settle in for a full day of fishing.
Unique Winter Adventures
Wahoo Adventures brings snowshoeing to the forefront with their signature Ice Luminary Snowshoe event at 7 Vines Vineyard. Now in its 8th year, this evening experience combines the serenity of snowshoeing through a vineyard with live music, a crackling bonfire, a glass of mulled wine, and BINGO with prizes throughout the night. Snowshoes are included or you can bring your own.
February Events in Minnesota: Winterfest Continues the Celebration
As January transitions to February, winter in Stillwater shows no signs of slowing down. Stillwater Winterfest, running February 15-23, 2026, offers another community-wide celebration embracing everything winter has to offer. This annual event enhances local business revenue, strengthens community atmosphere, and supports local charities.
The Winterfest lineup includes a Talent Show at JX Venue on Sunday, February 15; fireworks viewing from Papa’s Rooftop on Friday, February 20; a Casserole Cookoff on Saturday, February 21; and the Best Bartender in the Valley Competition on Monday, February 23. With many more events still being planned, Winterfest ensures that February remains vibrant and engaging for residents and visitors alike.
Embrace Winter in Stillwater
Winter in Stillwater is a season to celebrate, explore, and embrace. From world-class snow sculptures and international culinary experiences to premiere skiing in Minnesota and intimate ice skating in Stillwater, this river town proves that winter can be just as appealing as summer’s warmth. The January events and February events create a two-month festival atmosphere that transforms cold days into cherished memories.
The Aurora Staples Inn is a perfect home base for exploring all of Stillwater in winter. At the end of the day, curl up in front of the gas fireplace in your room with a cup of coffee. Then curl up under Comphy sheets and dream of tomorrow’s adventures.
Whether you’re racing down slopes, gliding across ice, dropping a line through the ice on the St. Croix River, snowshoeing through vineyards, or simply warming yourself by a fireplace after viewing magnificent snow art, Stillwater offers the quintessential Minnesota winter experience. So bundle up, venture out, and discover why winter in Stillwater has become a destination that draws visitors from around the world.
