10 epic Alberta, BC winter events to jumpstart your new year

Alberta events in 2025

Jan 10-26, 2025  Jasper in January / Jasper AB
Start your new year right with some skiing and snowboarding! The classic Jasper in January brings deals on skiing and snowboarding at Marmot Basin, accommodations and special events around Jasper. There's pond hockey, wine tastings and a big street party! Start planning now for #JinJ.

Jan 10-12  Grande North Winter Fest / Grande Prairie AB
Into its third year, this new festival takes over downtown Grande Prairie and turns it into a winder wonderland, with DJ skating parties, crokicurl, ice slide and a beer gardens, and more. 

Jan 22-26  Winterruption YEG / Edmonton AB
Music, comedy and live wrestling are just the start, with this wild winter weekend that champions the arts and diversity. 

Feb 9-10  Edmonton Craft Beer Festival / Edmonton AB
More craft fun with Alberta Beer Fests, this time at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Different setting and new vendors, same great tastes and good times!

Feb 14-15  Block Heater YYC / Calgary AB
Calgary cranks up the heat the city’s annual winter music fest that will get you stomping your feet. 

BC events in 2025

Jan 23-Feb 9, 2025  PuSH International Performing Arts Festival / Vancouver BC
Looking to fill those cold, dark nights of January with some entertainment? At PuSH, you'll find an incredible array of performances spanning dance, theatre, music, and multimedia shows featuring a diversity of artists.  

Feb 7-16  Vernon Winter Carnival / Vernon BC 
Your Vernon double-header includes a nordic or downhill skiing visit to SilverStar, and then the Vernon Winter Carnival for all your apres adventures: concerts, local food and wine tastings, balloon lightup, an international snow sculpture competition and more!

Read up on how to winter in Vernon and get a taste for the carnival experience here to help you get planning your Vernon doubleheader.

Feb 14-17  High on Ice Winter Festival / Fort St. John, BC
Like Grande Prairie in Alberta, BC's Fort St. John sits at a northern latitude that makes winter culture a given. See how they do it up here during their annual winter festival, with ice sculpture, snow playgrounds and entertainment.

Feb 28-Mar 2  Griz Days / Fernie, BC
Do yourself a favour—plan a visit to Fernie, BC. This small, but amazing city is on the east of Kootenay, with a unique edge and a community flare that will wow you, winter or summer. Griz Days has been a long tradition—an annual celebration that honours the community’s connection to the legendary Griz, the mythical creature said to bring snow and winter fun to the region. Come join this fun on the first weekend of March!

Tips for winter festival fun

Part of the appeal of winter festivals is braving the elements, but there's still some simple advice to follow to ensure you stay warm and safe. 

1. Many winter fests feature warm-up areas, heated tents, firepits and hot beverages, but don't be a hut puppy. Dress for the weather! Ditch the urban wear and bring snow pants and warm layers. If you're going to be active, drop a layer before you start sweating. (Toques and mitts are easy layers to strip and release a lot of heat without burdening you with bulky clothing to carry). 
2. Let your backbone slide, but keep yourself upright. You can move, groove and dance but remember snow and ice can be slick; bring some ice cleats for uphill or downhill travel. Be aware of slippery surfaces on the outdoor dancefloor.
3. Bright clothing or reflective wear make finding your friends easier at spread-out outdoor venues, and a headlamp/flashlight can come in handy on larger festival grounds or multiple venue festivals. 

Winter is a beautiful season, and winter festivals bring out the best of its charm. Join the scene and get out this winter!