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Embrace the Magic of Cold Days: 11 Winter Festivals in Edmonton
I know how cold it gets in Edmonton, but that’s not a reason to stay indoors! We’re Canadians, we were made for the chilly weather and the cold never really bothered us anyway!
So many fun festivals in Edmonton can get us to leave our cocoon blankets. Whether you want to try sweet delights or are looking to see musical acts or if you just want to go skiing, Edmonton has got it all for you!
So, don’t let the snow stop you from going outside—just because it’s winter doesn’t mean there aren’t fun events to do out there in the frosty weather.
Grab your coat and check out our favourite winter festivals in the city that are worth it for the memories alone!
Silver Skate Festival
Media credit: silverskatefest
Website: https://silverskate.ca/
Location: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park – 13221 Buena Vista Rd NW (2023 venue, subject to change)
Contact: (780) 488-1960, [email protected]
When: February
Admission: Free
Silver Skate Festival is a fun-filled 10-day family-oriented event held every year. It has been a staple in Edmonton for the past 33 years, usually held in Hawrelak Park until recently, when it closed for a multi-year renovation.
This winter festival is as diverse as the city, with various outdoor events that highlight sports and culture. There’s an ice skating rink, a winter slide, a snow build zone, a Folk Trail, and ice sculptures.
There are also Fire Sculpture Burns at the festival, which celebrate renewal and the release of bad or sad thoughts that chase love from our hearts.
Pro Tips:
There’s going to be limited parking around the venue. We recommend taking public transportation to get to the festival to avoid parking headaches.
Ice skating won’t be available every day during the festival because it depends on the ice conditions. Visit the City of Edmonton’s page to check the ice conditions on the rink.
Glow Edmonton
Media credit: glow_edmonton
Website: https://glowyeg.ca/
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre – 7515 118 Ave NW
Contact: [email protected]
When: December – January
Admission:
- General (ages 16 – 64): $22.99 – $25.99
- Seniors and Children (ages 4 – 15 and 65+): $16.99 – 19.99
- Children 3 and under: Free
A winter wonderland that is sure to bring you fun and excitement is Glow Edmonton. Bring the whole family because there are plenty of activities for all ages!
The Glow Stage is all about live entertainment with over a hundred performers. Expect to hear winter melodies and see character shows for interactive storytelling—maybe the kids will meet Elsa and Anna?
This festival is where you should bring the kids to meet Santa! There’s also a play area, a fun zone, a scavenger hunt, and even an LED dance floor for epic fun!
You cannot leave without visiting the Merry Makers Market. It’s the perfect place to complete your holiday shopping while supporting local and small businesses.
Pro Tips:
Purchase your tickets online because there’s a chance time slots might be sold out at the door.
Only purchase tickets from the Glow website or exclusive partners. There might be fraudulent tickets out there, so be vigilant.
All Is Bright
Media credit: shop124street
Website: https://124street.ca/event/all-is-bright-2024/
Location: 124 Street & 108 Ave NW
Contact: 1 (780) 413-6503, [email protected]
When: November
Admission: Free
Welcome the winter season with All Is Bright, an annual festival by 124 Street & Area Business Association. All ages are welcome, and if you’re a traveller, this is the perfect destination to bring out your holiday spirit!
This winter street party is held at 124th Street, where you can participate in fun activities, appreciate the art space, and taste delicious meals. There are also live performances on the main stage from very talented artists.
Keep an eye out for the program because there might be events you want to join in—they frequently add new ones. In the last festival (2023), they hosted a Puppy Party for your furry companion and an 80s party to boogie the night away!
Pro Tip:
Check the map even if it’s just a straight road. It’s helpful if you need to look for the Porta Potties.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
Media credit: deepfreeze_fest
Website: https://www.deepfreezefest.ca/
Location: 90 – 95 St 118 Ave NW
Contact: [email protected]
When: January
Admission: Free
Revel in the festivities celebrating diverse cultures, including Indigenous, French Canadian, and Franco-African communities. A must-visit winter oasis is the Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival.
There’s a different theme each year, so expect to be wowed every time. But what’s permanent is the loads of fun you and your family can experience.
Expect to see the magnificent light installations, engage in sports activities, watch live performances, marvel at the detailed ice sculptures, and tap into your inner lumberjack and join the Canadian traditional log sawing.
Your cravings will be satisfied at this Edmonton festival. Taste sweet delights that are sure to complete your holiday, like frozen maple syrup lollipops. If you’re a traveller, this is a Canadian treat you wouldn’t want to miss!
Pro Tip:
While the festival has free admission, you can donate to support Deep Freeze. No amount is too small because every loonie counts.
Winter Whyte Light Up
Media credit: oldstrathcona
Website: https://oldstrathcona.ca/winter-whyte-light-up/
Location: McIntyre Park
Contact: (780) 437-4182, [email protected]
When: November
Admission: Free
Kick off epic festivities in Edmonton with Winter Whyte Light Up, where Old Strathcona turns into a winter oasis. It’s the ultimate family-friendly weekend that will have you all embracing the holiday spirit.
This is truly a night to remember, where vibrant decorations will flood the streets, musicians will serenade you, the streetcar will take you on a short trip, and arts and crafts activities will bring out your creativity!
You’ll probably disappoint your dentist with the amount of sugary treats you’re sure to have, like the very Canadian maple taffy. And since this is a pet-friendly place, look out for shops selling winter-inspired pet treats, like the dog nog (a spin on eggnog!).
Pro Tip:
Some activities aren’t free, so bring some cash. They won’t be expensive, though, so don’t worry about the prices!
Chiseled: Edmonton’s International Ice Carving Competition
Media credit: chiseledyeg
Website: https://iceonwhyte.ca/
Location: ICE District Plaza – 10360 102 St NW
Contact: [email protected]
When: January – February
Admission: Free
The ICE District Plaza turns into an icy paradise with Chiseled: Edmonton’s International Ice Carving Competition. This is where you’ll be amazed at the frost ice sculptures carefully and masterfully carved for over 30 hours!
These carvings, which typically weigh over 2,000 kg, will be judged by professionals. But there’s also a People’s Choice Award, so you can vote for your favourite.
The best part? You can watch the participants turn ice blocks into intricately designed sculptures in real time. You can even come by after watching a hockey game, so catch these before they melt away!
Pro Tip:
Visit when it’s dark out to better see the ice sculptures. There’s lighting for each sculpture that shows the details more.
Flying Canoë Volant
Media credit: yegcanoevolant
Website: https://www.flyingcanoevolant.ca/
Location: French Quarter & Mill Creek Ravine (Google Maps link is for 2024 activities)
Contact: (780) 463-1144, [email protected]
When: January – February
Admission: Free
Flying Canoë Volant is not your typical festival. This was inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe as well as French Canadian, First Nations and Métis traditions.
At this multi-day event, get ready to marvel over the bright and vibrant snowy trails of Mill Creek Ravine, where you can join in on the epic canoe races. If you’re not up for a canoe relay, you can see amazing performances and art exhibits from local artists.
Your tummy won’t go hungry because there are plenty of food trucks you can try—the maple taffy is a must! The ice bar is also a must-try to complete your winter experience.
Pro Tips:
Check out the shuttle service if you don’t want to bring a car. Remember not to park at the residential properties nearby.
Since there’s no specific entrance to the festival, look for the pedestrian signs once you’re on Mill Creek Ravine.
Winterruption YEG
Media credit: winterruptyeg
Website: https://www.winterruptionyeg.com/
Location: Edmonton Downtown Core
Contact: [email protected]
When: January
Admission: $69 per person (subject to change)
Winterruption YEG is a music and arts festival brimming with talented performers who are sure to captivate the audience. This music fest happens in the downtown core of Edmonton in multiple venues, turning the place into an ever more exciting space!
There are many performers, such as comedy acts who will make sure you’re bursting with laughter and musicians who will serenade you. With the huge number of performers, you can watch your favourites and discover new ones!
And as a Rainbow Registered business, this music fest welcomes the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Guests even include drag queens (including RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants) who will sashay to the stage!
Pro Tips:
Book early bird tickets to save some money. The price is usually $10 lower than the regular ticket.
Plan your schedule accordingly. There are going to be many performers at this winter fest, so you might want to arrange your schedule so you can watch as many acts as you want.
Winterval
Media credit: edmontondtwn
Website: https://www.edmontondowntown.com/winterval-2/
Location: 104th St, block of Jasper Ave, Downtown Edmonton
Contact: (780) 424-4085, [email protected]
When: Beginning of December
Admission: Free
Experience the unique charm of downtown Edmonton at this ultimate winter festival. 104 Street transforms into a vibrant and epic venue with live music, lights and art installations, a food hub, and outdoor activities!
So, grab your coat and bundle up because you’ll be jumping and singing along at this winter festival. Musical acts will perform to keep everyone’s spirits high and beer gardens will make you feel warm in this chilly weather.
Explore the shops and restaurants along 104th Street. Businesses participate by offering special menus, free samples, discounts, and amazing deals just for this winter festival.
Make sure your pup is part of the community spirit. They can join in on the fun and even meet Santa!
Pro Tip:
Plan your schedule if there are specific performers you want to see. Also, keep an eye out for your favourite 104th Street restaurants. Many will offer amazing deals during specific hours you wouldn’t want to miss
Festival of Trees
Media credit: yeg_fot
Website: https://festivaloftrees.ca/
Location: Edmonton Convention Centre – 9797 Jasper Ave (subject to change and may include several venues)
Contact: 1 (833) 448-3843, [email protected]
When: November – December
Admission: Ticket prices depend on the event
A long-running and beloved winter festival in Edmonton is the Festival of Trees, presented by Landmark Homes. This annual fundraising event supports the University Hospital Foundation.
It brings the community of Edmonton together. This event focuses on a future world that’s free from heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and transplant waitlists.
There are many festivities to support the cause, such as a gala and a soiree. Kids get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Breakfast, where they can eat and play games together with family and friends.
Pro Tip:
Tickets at the Festival of Trees are limited, so if you cannot purchase one, you can donate to show your support instead.
Canadian Birkie Ski Festival
Media credit: canadianbirkie
Website: https://canadianbirkie.com/
Location: Edmonton and the surrounding areas (exact locations vary per event)
Contact: (780) 430-7153
When: February
Admission: To be determined; depends on the event
Get your skis ready and head over to the snowy mountains! No winter is complete without hitting the slopes! The Canadian Birkie Ski Festival happens every second Saturday in chilly February.
This is like a fun run, but they take it up a notch because you’ll be skiing down the mountains. There are different ski distances for all skill levels, all done with classic-style skiing.
Here, you and the fam can join in. There’s an event for everyone, even if you’re not an experienced skier—the Barnebirkie Family Ski is a family-friendly classic-style ski event available for kids.
Pro Tip:
You can practise skiing before the race—stick to classic style only. You’re allowed to check the snow conditions beforehand at the Staging Areas.
