The 13-day festival will bring winter to life in Stillwater, with the World Snow Sculpting Championship uniting 16 nations in breathtaking competition.
STILLWATER, Minn., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Every January, Stillwater, Minnesota, transforms into a celebration of winter unlike any other. The World Snow Celebration, returning January 13 to 25, 2026, will bring together international artistry, community festivities, and cultural experiences across 13 days of programming.
At the heart of the festival is the World Snow Sculpting Championship (January 14 to 17), where 16 elite teams from five continents will compete for the title of World Champion. Selected from a record 36 applications representing 24 countries, this year’s lineup includes:
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Canada
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Denmark
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Ecuador
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Great Britain
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India
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Lithuania
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Malta
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Mexico
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Mongolia
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New Zealand
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Peru
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Taiwan
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Thailand
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Turkey
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Switzerland
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United States of America
These elite sculptors will gather in Stillwater to transform massive blocks of snow into breathtaking works of art, each vying for the title of World Champion. Visitors can expect sculptures that blend cultural traditions, technical mastery, and boundless imagination, turning downtown Stillwater into an unforgettable outdoor gallery.
“This event brings the world to Minnesota in the most extraordinary way,” said Robin Anthony, President of the Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation. “The artistry and dedication of these teams elevate snow sculpting to the level of world-class performance, and Stillwater is proud to serve as the host city for such an international celebration of talent and creativity.”
Beyond Competition: A Celebration of Winter Culture
The World Snow Celebration is more than a championship; it is a festival of winter in all its beauty. Attendees can expect a dynamic program featuring live entertainment, family-friendly activities, regional food and beverage experiences, and opportunities to meet the sculptors as they work. Each day offers a chance to witness art in motion and join a community united by wonder and imagination.
Building Community Through Partnership
The Greater Stillwater Chamber Foundation is proud to partner with HealthPartners, returning as the title sponsor of the fifth annual World Snow Celebration. HealthPartners and Lakeview Hospital have long served the St. Croix Valley, a commitment that deepens with the construction of a new hospital campus, including a TRIA Orthopedics clinic and urgent care.
“We’re proud to partner again this year with the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the city of Stillwater to support the World Snow Celebration,” said Andrea Walsh, HealthPartners president and CEO. “Our winters are part of who we are, and events like this are a way to bring people together, embrace the season, and support a vibrant, healthy community.”
