13 Alberta Festivals to Get Your Kids Outside this Winter
Edmonton.family has you covered for kicking winter boredom to the curb. When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s easy for kids to stay indoors - but Alberta’s winter festivals make it surprisingly fun to bundle up and head outside!
In this post, we’re sharing eight Alberta Winter festivals that will get your kids moving, laughing, and loving winter again - no matter the temperature. Get ready to bundle up and explore Alberta’s best Winter Festivals.
Chiseled Ice Carving Competition | January 15-17, 2026
Chiseled is all about BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL ICE! Five two-person teams have three days to turn 15 blocks of ice into stunning ice sculptures. Chiseled takes place in the accessible ICE District Plaza over three days, and the sculptures will be on display for a month, depending on weather. After the sculptures are finished the public will have a chance to vote for their favourite creation in the People’s Choice Award.
Banff Snow Days | January 16 - February 8, 2026
Every January, Banff and Lake Louise come 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 creations during Ice Magic. New this year, experience the Art of Ice: Carving Competition in the heart of Banff. Plus, enjoy Weekend of Wonder, the thrill of Skijoring, Hot Chocolate Trail, the lively Play Zone, Bear Street Hub, TRIBUTE and evenings at SnowNights where even more exciting experiences await.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival | January 17-18, 2026
On January 17 and 18, 2026, step into the heart of Edmonton’s Alberta Avenue District for a magical celebration of winter, art, and culture. Deep Freeze honors the Olde New Year, blending timeless traditions with contemporary creativity, making it a unique event that captures the beauty of winter and the spirit of community. Deep Freeze showcases the vibrant cultures of the Alberta Avenue District, highlighting Ukrainian, French Canadian, Franco African, Indigenous (Métis, Inuit, and First Nations), Latin American, and Asian traditions.
Flying Canoe Volant | January 28-30, 2026
Join one of Edmonton's great winter celebrations! The Flying Canoë Volant is a creative, interactive, and cultural event that celebrates local history and everything that is great about a long winter's night. Loosely based on the legend of the Flying Canoe, and on French-Canadian, First Nation, and Métis traditions, the Flying Canoë Volant invites you for a nighttime adventure in Edmonton's French Quarter and along the illuminated trails of the Mill Creek Ravine.
Chinook Blast | January 30 - February 15, 2026
Get ready for our biggest spectacle to date! We’ve searched near and far to bring you the best and brightest installations to light up your winter. Featuring projection mapping, LED displays, interactive arches, illuminated swings, stunning structures, and so much more.
Lake Louise Ice Magic | February 5-8, 2026
Step into a sparkling winter wonderland at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for Ice Magic 2026. Marvel at breathtaking ice sculptures that transform the landscape into a gallery of frozen artistry. As you wander through this frosty showcase, take in the thoughtful details and imaginative designs of each one-of-a-kind creation.
Frost Fest in Slave Lake | February 7-15, 2026
Frost Fest turns Cold Lake into one big winter party with activities for the whole family this Family Day Weekend. Think outdoor skating, a giant ice slide, a maple sugar shack, and wagon rides. Don’t miss the cardboard Sled Race, where teams of two work together to build their best and most creative cardboard sled and then race to determine the fastest and furthest travelling sled.
Sylvan Lake Ice Dragon Boat Festival | February 14-15, 2026
Join Sylvan Lake for exciting dragon boat races on the frozen lake! Whether you’re a competitor or spectator, the festival delivers unforgettable vibes, family-friendly fun, and the opportunity to experience Sylvan Lake’s winter landscape while rooting teams from all over as they race for the championship!
Silver Skate Festival | February 6-16, 2026
Feel the breeze on your face as you glide along the city's free public skating surfaces. Marvel at the artistic talent on display in the Snow Sculpture Garden. Be dazzled by roving performers on the Folk Trail and experience renewal by writing out a fear or a wish to be added to the nightly Fire Sculpture burn. Visit the Indigenous pavilion in the Heritage Village which includes installations, stories, and a Winter Walking Ceremony. Push yourself, or a team comprised of family and friends, to frosty victory in the Ice Duathlon or Winter Triathlon. All types of skate blades and skill levels are welcome!
International Festival of Winter Cinema | February 6-15, 2026
The world is full of opportunities to celebrate winter cinema. IFWC is proud to showcase outstanding films submitted by artists from around the world. Our filmmakers often have fascinating stories to tell and we encourage you to learn more about the creators and the making of their films. Every year, we screen winter, mountain, polar, indigenous, and local films at our snow theatre in Partnership with Silver Skate Festival!
Climb YEG Ice Fest | February 26 - March 1, 2026
Try a NEW & emerging sport! For first time visitors, experience the sport of dry tool climbing. Recommended for ages 12 yrs & older.
Leduc County Winter Try-it Festival | February 7, 2026
The Festival takes place at the Wizard Lake day-use area and provides you with a chance to try a variety of winter sports and activities, including: Ice skating, Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, curling, broom ball, ice fishing, maple taffy on snow, sleigh rides, face painting, bonfire, door prizes and live music!
