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 16, 2024
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 30, 2024
Luminaria
Don't miss your chance to take in the candlelight, starlight, peace and tranquility at Luminaria. 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.
December 13-15, December 20-22, & December 27-29, 2024
Chiseled: Edmonton's International Ice Carving Competition
Embark on an icy adventure at Chiseled: Edmonton’s International Ice Carving Competition in the ICE District! See the work of some of the world’s elite carvers. Artists have thirty-four hours to complete their work, with the full splendour revealed on the final day!
Returning in 2026
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 18-19, 2025
Winterruption YEG
Bust out your puffer jackets and your dancing shoes, because Winterruption YEG is hitting downtown Edmonton with a bang! This multi-venue music and arts festival is not just about beats; it's a celebration of inclusivity and winter wonders. The lineup is always a melting pot of talent! This year, Winterruption will feature iconic names such as Nap Eyes, Reignwolf, Dead Ghosts, The Secret Beach & so many more! This Edmontonian-favourite event is the perfect start to 2025.
January 22-26, 2025
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!
January 29 - February 1, 2025
Silver Skate Festival
Enjoy a celebration spanning 35 incredible years at the Silver Skate Festival—Edmonton's longest running, winter festival! Silver Skate strives to create unique winter experiences through arts, culture, recreation and sports. 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 FREE 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, explore the Folk Trail, and more.
February 7-17, 2025
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 7-9, 2025
UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships
Don't miss the groundbreaking UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships and YEG Ice Fest! Edmonton's ACC Ice Wall will be found in Louise McKinney Park this year, boasting a massive 18-meter climbing structure. Brace yourselves for an unforgettable experience with community competitions, expert-led clinics, gear demos, local bites, and a winter market. Conquer the climb, embrace the chill, and make this 3-day event a winter calendar essential!
February 27-March 2, 2025
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 6-16, 2025
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