As it does every year, Edmonton is preparing to make the most of Central Alberta’s typically frosty winter weather with a host of activities and events in the New Year that will bring a city alive with light, music, and outdoor celebration.
Known as Canada’s Festival City – home to more annual events than there are weeks in the year – Edmonton embraces every season with creativity and community spirit, and winter is no exception, says Explore Edmonton.
Here’s a look at what’s in store in early 2026:
- After a five-year hiatus, Ice Castles returns to Edmonton in a new downtown location at Fan Park in January. This awe-inspiring attraction will feature frozen tunnels, archways, caverns, slides, and a one-acre playground – sculpted entirely from ice. Guests can explore hand-placed icicle formations, race down ice slides, and crawl through icy passageways in one of Edmonton’s most enchanting winter experiences.
- From Jan. 17 to 28, ‘Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival’ brings the Alberta Avenue District to life with ice sculptures, art, dance, and culinary experiences inspired by Ukrainian, French-Canadian, and Indigenous cultures. The family-friendly celebration showcases Edmonton’s diversity through creative storytelling and interactive winter activities.
- Winterruption YEG takes place Jan. 21-25, filling downtown venues with live performances spanning music, comedy, and art. Known for its inclusive and energetic atmosphere, the festival will feature artists including Nap Eyes, Reignwolf, Dead Ghosts, and The Secret Beach, creating an engaging mid-winter celebration for all.
- From Jan. 28-31, Flying Canoë Volant will illuminate Mill Creek Ravine and Edmonton’s French Quarter with installations and performances inspired by the legend of the Flying Canoe and Métis, First Nations, and French-Canadian traditions. The event invites visitors to experience Edmonton’s cultural history under the stars in one of the city’s most scenic settings.
- The season continues with the Silver Skate Festival, taking place Feb. 6-16, in Laurier Park. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival combines arts, culture, recreation, and sport. Visitors can skate along the park’s frozen pathways, view the Snow Sculpture Garden, explore the Folk Trail, and enjoy a full schedule of outdoor programming at this free ten-day event.
- From Feb. 13-15, the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival invites skiers of all levels to take part in one of Canada’s most storied Nordic skiing events. The annual loppet honours the spirit of endurance and adventure, drawing participants from across the country to experience the exhilaration of cross-country skiing in Alberta’s winter landscape.
- The winter season concludes with the UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships & YEG Ice Fest from Feb. 27 to March 1, at Louise McKinney Park. This major international competition will feature elite athletes scaling an 18-m. climbing structure, alongside community challenges, clinics, gear demos, and a winter market.
For more information about Edmonton’s winter festivals and events, visit ExploreEdmonton.com/festivalcity.
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