Must-See Winter Festivals in Edmonton
Listen up, the chilly months are no time for hibernating. Leave that to the bears! Make the most of the season before it melts away with these spectacular winter festivals that are back and better than ever. Every season is festival season here in Edmonton!
Chiseled: Edmonton International Ice Carving Competition
Edmonton’s International Ice Carving competition – formally Ice on Whyte – is moving to the ICE District! See the work of some of the world’s elite carvers starting January 24th. Artists have thirty-four hours to complete their work, with the full splendour revealed on January 27th!
January 24-27
Activate Arts Alberta
Looking to try your own hand at ice carving? Ice on Whyte – now named Activate Arts Alberta – will be returning to McIntyre Park, with ice sculpting demonstrations, lessons, and more!
January 27-29
Flying Canoë Volant
Flying Canoë Volant is a creative, interactive, cultural event where you can celebrate local history and everything that is great about a long winter’s night. Inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe and French Canadian, First Nations and Métis traditions, this event celebrates Edmonton's beautiful Mill Creek Ravine and the newly established French Quarter. Channel your inner voyageur with light, music, legends and dance!
February 1-4
Silver Skate Festival
Celebrating over 30 years, the Silver Skate Festival is an extravaganza of arts, culture, recreation, sport and culinary delights! Some call it a winter wonderland, others call it a “true Canadian experience,” and you’ll likely have your own name for it after partaking in this snowy 10-day festival. Feel the breeze on your face as you glide along the city's largest skating pond while listening to a tuneful compilation of Edmonton-based music. After working up an appetite, indulge in some amazing culinary experiences!
February 10-20
A Festival for the Artist Within
Celebrating its 11th anniversary, Skirtsafire is a theatre and multidisciplinary arts festival featuring women artists! Be entertained and inspired by theatre, music, dance, comedy, visual art, spoken word, workshops, design and more. Taking place in various venues in the heart of Old Strathcona: theatre & dance in the ATB Arts Barns, comedy, music and art installations at The Gateway Theatre, and pop-up performances and art installations in various businesses on Whyte.
March 2-12
A Celebration of Diversity on Film
This festival started fourteen years ago as a short-film competition tackling day-to-day issues, talents and stories of the local Muslim community. The Mosquers film festival aims to educate, entertain and build bridges by showcasing talent and the diverse Muslim experience. Indulge in an event filled with incredible short films, feature entertainment, an award ceremony, and an after party for the ages.
TBA
All is Bright
One of Edmonton's hippest neighbourhoods flips the switch on its holiday lights at the All is Bright Festival. Witness some amazing fire and light dancers, cozy up in the beverage gardens, cook some delicious treats over the fire and much more. This outdoor party will be bumpin' no matter the cold because the real fun starts when temperatures drop! Find all the excitement on 124 Street at Helen Nolan Park.
November 2023, Dates TBA
Luminaria
This year, the legendary sell-out event, Luminaria, is back for the month of December. This means that even more visitors can safely take in the candlelight, starlight, peace and tranquility. A short forty-minute drive from downtown Edmonton you'll find the University of Alberta Botanic Garden — the largest botanical garden in the province. When the snow falls, the garden transforms into a true winter wonderland with snow sprites, glowing light sculptures, musical performances and more. Don't miss the magic!
December 2023, Dates TBA
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
Embrace our Northern climate and celebrate Ukrainian, Indigenous, and French-Canadian cultures at Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival. Experience winter panache, food, art, culture and fun—including races in actual deep freezers! Take an amazing stroll down Alberta Avenue district and be enchanted by magnificent ice sculptures, song, dance, and tasty delights. Forge your way to Deep Freeze Festival to celebrate all things winter and culture in our great city!
January 2024, Dates TBA
