Must-See Winter Festivals in Edmonton
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!
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 2024, Dates TBA
Winter Whyte Light Up
Kick off the holidays in Old Strathcona at the Winter Whyte Light Up! McIntyre Park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering free family-friendly activities, live music, street performers, and previews of the Flying Canoë Volant festival. Warm up with hot drinks, winter treats, and cozy fire pits!
November 2024, Dates TBA
Chiseled: Edmonton's International Ice Carving Competition
Embark on an icy adventure at Chiseled: Edmonton’s International Ice Carving Competition in the ICE District! With just 15 blocks of ice and 34 hours, these artists will create wonders that will leave you awestruck. After the show, vote for your favorite sculpture for the People's Choice Award until February 28. Best part? It's free for everyone!
January 2025, Dates TBA
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
Embrace winter 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.
January 2025, Dates TBA
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 Edmonton's French Quarter. Channel your inner voyageur with light, music, legends and dance!
February 2025, Dates TBA
Silver Skate Festival
Enjoy a celebration spanning three decades at the Silver Skate Festival—an extraordinary fusion of arts, culture, recreation, sport and winter joy! 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 ice in the heart of Laurier Park, then marvel at the enchanting Snow Sculpture Garden, the Folk Trail, and more.
February 2025, Dates TBA
Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival
Channel your inner adventurer, strap on your skis and whip around the loppet when you take on the Canadian Birkebeiner! Feel the rush as you glide across the final stretch of track before falling into a blanket of white snow. The fatigue only lasts an hour or so, but the sense of accomplishment and appreciation for one of winter’s oldest sports will last forever!
February 2025, Dates TBA
UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships
Don't miss the groundbreaking UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships and YEG Ice Fest! Witness history as the World Cup Finals come to Canada for the first time outside Europe. Edmonton's ACC Ice Wall boasts a massive 18-meter climbing structure. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable experience with competitions, expert-led clinics, gear demos, local bites, and a winter market. Conquer the climb, embrace the chill, and make this 4-day event a winter calendar essential!
February 2025, Dates TBA
Skirtsafire Festival
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 2025, Dates TBA
Edmonton's Best Hotels
Level up your next Edmonton festival adventure with a some extra spending cash! Edmonton’s Best Hotels offers the best accommodations at the best price.
Book and receive free rewards:
- Stay one night and receive $50
- Stay two nights and receive $150
- Stay three nights and receive $225
