A Calendar to Warm Up Your Winter
Winter in Alberta isn’t just about snow; it’s about finding the magic in ice castles, crackling bonfires, and twinkling winter lights! Here’s a list of some of the province’s most delightful winter festivals that the whole family can enjoy. Pack up your mittens, thermoses, and sense of wonder, and get ready for a season of festive fun!
November and December: Kick Off the Festive Season
1. ZOOLIGHTS at the Calgary Zoo
Where: Calgary
When: Late November to early January
What to Expect: ZOOLIGHTS transforms the Calgary Zoo into a sparkling wonderland with over 2 million twinkling lights. Families can stroll through themed light displays, visit the giant Christmas tree, and even try out outdoor skating or the zoo’s classic “Tunnel of Light.” There are crafts and activities for little ones, and lots of warming stations with fire pits for those chilly evenings.
Pro Tip: Bundle up! It’s an outdoor event, and it can get cold in the evenings.
2. Banff Christmas Market
Where: Banff Heritage Train Station
When: Late November (typically runs over two weekends)
What to Expect: The Banff Christmas Market is a charming, European-inspired market that captures the magic of the holiday season. Families can explore the beautifully decorated stalls featuring local artisans, Christmas crafts, and festive treats. With horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, cozy fire pits, and Santa meet-and-greets, it’s a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. The market also offers warming beverages like mulled wine for adults and hot cocoa for kids.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds, and keep an eye out for special events like Christmas crafting workshops for the little ones.
January to February: Embrace the Magic
3. Ice Magic Festival
Where: Lake Louise
When: Late January to early February (10-day festival)
What to Expect: This festival is all about ice carving and winter wonder. Watch expert ice carvers create stunning sculptures on the frozen shores of Lake Louise, then skate around the lake with towering ice castles as your backdrop. Families can enjoy sleigh rides, hot cocoa stands, and evening ice sculpture illuminations.
Pro Tip: The carvings can get busy on weekends, so arrive early and dress warmly—it’s extra chilly lakeside!
4. Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
Where: Edmonton
When: Mid-January
What to Expect: This community-driven festival transforms Edmonton’s 118th Avenue into a wonderland with ice and snow sculptures, wagon rides, and interactive art installations. The festival celebrates winter cultures from around the world, so there’s a mix of Métis, Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, and other global traditions. Don’t miss the ice slide, live music, and local food vendors serving up hearty stews and hot drinks.
Pro Tip: Look for activities like ice curling or making maple syrup taffy in the snow!
5. Banff SnowDays
Where: Banff
When: Mid-January to early February
What to Expect: SnowDays transforms Banff into a snow-covered playground. Families will love the giant snow sculptures that line downtown, as well as the skating rinks and toboggan hills set up specifically for the festival. There’s also a play zone for little kids with snow-themed activities, plus local eateries offering special winter menus.
Pro Tip: Check out the Banff Hot Springs afterward to warm up!
February to March: Winter Fun Continues
6. Chinook Blast
Where: Calgary
When: Mid-January to Mid-February
What to Expect: Chinook Blast brings a celebration of art, music, and winter sports to downtown Calgary. Families can explore colorful light installations, enjoy pop-up performances, and try their hand at activities like ice biking or skating at Olympic Plaza. With local vendors, food trucks serving hot treats, and cozy fire pits, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained and warm.
Pro Tip: Visit the Central Library’s interactive exhibits and warm up inside while checking out family-friendly activities!
7. Boardwalk Ice on Whyte
Where: Edmonton
When: Late January to early February
What to Expect: A celebration of ice carving and frosty fun, Ice on Whyte offers a chance to see ice sculptors from around the world create elaborate frozen artworks. Families can try ice carving workshops, slide down ice slides, or warm up with a hot drink in the festival’s heated tents. The festival is located along Whyte Avenue, making it easy to explore Edmonton’s trendiest neighborhood while you’re there.
Pro Tip: Stop by the ice bar for a (non-alcoholic) mocktail for the kids and a unique winter experience for the parents!
8. Silver Skate Festival
Where: Edmonton
When: Mid-February
What to Expect: Silver Skate is Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival, blending sports, arts, and culture. Families can join in on the fun with activities like pond hockey, snow sculpting, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and night-time lantern walks through Hawrelak Park. There’s also an Indigenous winter village with traditional games, storytelling, and crafts.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the epic fire sculptures that are set ablaze at night—always a crowd favorite!
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Helpful Tips for Families Attending Winter Festivals:
Dress in Layers: Alberta winters can be unpredictable! Layers and warm footwear make it easier to adjust as needed.
Pack a Thermos: Bring your own hot drinks to keep kids toasty in between activities.
Plan for Early Bedtimes: Winter festivals can be tiring for little ones, so try to schedule nap times or quieter activities during the busiest parts of the day.
With this calendar of winter festivals, there’s no need to let the cold keep you indoors. Grab your toques and mitts and head out to make some cozy winter memories! If you’re planning to check out more than one of these festivals, consider making it a mini-road trip and hitting up scenic winter routes along the way. 
