Western Canada's largest winter fest returns to Vernon Feb 7-16, 2025, for a celebration of all things winter! Dress up for this year's "Back to the 80s" theme.
The whole town gets into the spirit of this 9-day carnival that marks its 65th year in 2025. It's all about celebrating the beauty and fun of winter, with activities spread throughout Vernon BC and nearby SilverStar Mountain Resort.
People of all ages get into the spirit of the season to creatively celebrate more than 20 unique winter events, some spanning over consecutive days.
Did we mention this is one of Canada's longest running winter festivals? Read up on the history of the Vernon Winter Carnival, which goes back all the way to 1893!
Among annual favourite events are the international snow sculpture competition, beer tasting events, The Chocolate Experience, a parade, snogolf, the Over the Hill Downhill ski race, the ever popular Downtown Gold Rush and winter trail race.
Here are just some of the events to check out. Events range from free outdoor activities to admission-by-donation fundraisers, to paid, ticketed dinners and concerts.
*2025 program TBA
Jan 28 - Feb 11: Downtown Gold Rush
Race to solve the clues and compete to win a real gold nugget and bragging rights!
Feb 2: Balloon Glow
Enjoy the view of inflated and glowing hot air balloons, and enjoy food and beverages from the food trucks
Feb 2: Sip & Savour
A craft beer and cider tasting event
Feb 2 - 4: Snow Sculpture Competition
BC Snow Sculpture Competition is taking place at Silver Star Mountain.
Feb 3: Parade
Join us for one of Vernon’s most beloved events! The 63rd Annual Winter Carnival Parade!
Feb 2, 3, 8: The Chocolate Express
Enjoy an evening of mouthwatering chocolates, chocolate truffle wine pairings and tons of prizes
Feb 3: One Miler Race
A Trail Race in the snow, enter the competive group run or the fun run!
Feb 10: Polar Bear Swim
Jump into Okanagan Lake and enjoy some hot chocolate afterwards!
Feb 9-10: VWC Family Fun Park
Admission by donation. Ice slides, "human foosball," entertainment and more. Be sure to catch the fireworks on Friday, Feb 9 at 6 pm!
Feb 10-11: Carnival Kickball
Put in a team and wage soccer war in the snow!
Feb 11: Snogolf Tournament
Another classic, for the golf-obsessed or just for the fun of it.
For the most current information, check the festival website.
Did you know... The Vernon Winter Carnival is Canada's longest running winter festival, with roots stretching back all the way to 1893! Find out more in this story.
The carnival is your ticket to exploring Vernon's winter adventure, home to activities such as downhill skiing at Silverstar Mountain Resort and Nordic Skiing at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club.
Get to know the winter scene in Vernon and SilverStar from our companion sites, with this How To Winter Vernon on ZenSeekers.com, or check out our SilverStar Mountain Resort info page on SnowSeekers.ca.
For more winter activities and ways to winter in Vernon, including things to do, places to eat and stay, check out Tourism Vernon and start planning your winter holiday.
