Known as Canada’s ‘Festival City’, Edmonton is set to captivate locals and visitors alike with an array of vibrant winter festivals in early 2025. Celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage, artistic diversity, and love for outdoor adventure, these festivals transform Edmonton into a unique winter wonderland.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival will take place January 18 to 19, 2025, in the Alberta Avenue District. This year’s theme, Barnyard Blitz, highlights Alberta’s agricultural heritage with a celebration of art, performances, and cuisine inspired by Ukrainian, French Canadian, Franco-African, Indigenous, Latin American, and Asian traditions. Visitors can explore the Pipon Village, featuring snowshoeing, bannock by the fire, cultural storytelling, deep freezer races, and whimsical ice sculptures.
Winterruption YEG
With a focus on inclusivity and diversity, Winterruption YEG is a celebration of music, comedy, and drag performances while fostering strong ties to the local business and arts communities. This winter music and arts festival is scheduled for January 22 to 26 in downtown Edmonton.
Flying Canoë Volant
From January 29 to February 1, Flying Canoë Volant will bring to life the legend of the Flying Canoe through a nighttime celebration in Edmonton’s French Quarter and Mill Creek Ravine. Guests can explore illuminated trails, interactive art installations, and live performances inspired by French-Canadian, First Nations, and Métis traditions.
Canadian Birkie
The Canadian Birkebeiner cross-country ski festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary from February 7 to 9, 2025. Participants of all skill levels can choose from six ski events while experiencing the exhilaration of gliding through snowy trails. The festival provides an opportunity to embrace winter’s beauty and the timeless sport of cross-country skiing.
Silver Skate Festival and International Festival of Winter Cinema
Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival, the Silver Skate Festival, will return from February 7 to 17 to mark its 35th year. Highlights will include snow sculptures, the magical Folk Trail, fire sculpture burns, and activities in the Heritage Village. During this time, the International Festival of Winter Cinema, touted as “the world’s greatest free outdoor winter film festival”, will showcase local and international films on a giant snow screen, offering a unique cinematic experience.
UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup and YEG Ice Fest
From February 27 to March 2, the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup and YEG Ice Fest will take center stage at Louise McKinney Park. This event will feature thrilling ice climbing competitions, a family fun zone, a winter market, and entertainment for attendees of all ages.
Edmonton’s winter festivals offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the city’s cultural richness and adventurous spirit. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips early and take part in the magic of winter in Canada’s Festival City.
