12 Magic Winter Festivals in Alberta to Discover with Your Kids
Winter festivals are our favourite reason to get outside in Edmonton - and beyond, during the colder season. From a trip to Sylvan Lake for the day, or magic found in ice sculptures during the Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival, there are a dozen or more winter festivals popping up in 2025.
2025 Alberta Winter Family-Friendly Festivals
Jasper in January in Jasper
January 10-26, 2025
Skiing! Sleigh rides! Hockey Tournaments, and more! Celebrate the lighter side of winter with glowing decorations and après options throughout town and many adventures beyond it.
Winter Village Firepit Nights at Sylvan Lake
January/February
Grab the kids and head down to the Winter Village to enjoy the thousands of twinkling lights and on specific dates over the winter season, enjoy sitting fireside in the Winter Village.
Banff Snow Days in Banff
January 17 - February 2, 2025
Every January, Banff and Lake Louise comes alive with the vibrant SnowDays celebration. The streets of downtown Banff transform into a winter wonderland, showcasing larger-than-life snow sculptures, while Lake Louise dazzles with its stunning ice sculptures during Ice Magic. The thrill of skijoring electrifies the atmosphere, with excited onlookers lining Banff Avenue to catch the action. Don’t miss the lively Play Zone, Bear Street Hub and evenings at SnowNights where even more exciting experiences await .
Deep Freeze Festival in Edmonton
January 18-20, 2025
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures that make up the fabric of Alberta Avenue District, including Ukrainian, French Canadian, Franco African, Indigenous (Métis, Inuit, Cree), Latin American, and Asian influences. Wander through the event to discover artistic creations, a homestead village, and musical celebrations that will delight your senses with music, art, and delectable treats.
Chiseled Ice Carving Festival in Edmonton
To be announced
Flying Canoe Festival in Edmonton
January 29, 2025
Flying Canoe Festival is a creative and interactive cultural celebration designed to engage local history and everything that is great on a long winter night. Inspired by the legend of flying canoeing and French Canadian traditions, of the First Nations and the Métis, the Flying Canoe Flying festival embraces the magnificent Ravin Mill Creek of Edmonton and the French-speaking Quarter of Edmonton.
Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival
January 29 - February 2, 2025
Hosted by The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, this spectacular carving festival is the most anticipated event in the Rocky Mountains this winter. Professional ice carvers work in teams to sculpt towering one-of-a-kind works of art from imposing blocks of solid ice on the shores of Lake Louise. With each ice block weighing a daunting 300 lbs, this exceptional art form involves grueling physical labour in a delicate balancing act with precision artistry.
Chinook Blast in Calgary
January 31 - February 17, 2025
Warm up your winter with Chinook Blast in Calgary. This winter festival features a dynamic mix of live music, outdoor sports, captivating art installations, and unique cultural experiences. Subscribe to our Newsletter for More Things to Do!
Sylvan Lake Ice Dragon Boat Festival
February 14-16, 2025
Gather your rowdiest bunch of teammates for this winter rowing event on ice! Race against other teams to take the 2025 Championship title at this unique winter sporting event. The first event of its kind in Western Canada! Practices take place on Saturday. On Sunday, teams will compete in the second annual Sylvan Lake Ice Dragon Boat Festival.
Sundre Winterfest in Sundre
February 16 and 17, 2025
Enjoy the Sundre Winterfest and the Mountain Survivalist Competition. Discover ice sculptures, wagon rides, music and merchants, tobogganing and challenges!
Silver Skate Festival in Edmonton
February 7-17, 2025
What began as a small annual skating event rooted in Dutch winter traditions has blossomed into an all-embracing celebration of winter sport, art, music, and recreation.
Photo Credit: Tourism Banff
