It’s time to get into the winter swing! Black Friday looms. Christmas is just over a month away. Between now and winter holidays, you can fill your social calendar with these wine tastings, food festivals and culinary workshops. Let us put you in the festive spirit and give you a head start on the holiday season.
Check out the events that top our list of things to do in November and December around Western Canada.
Nov 17 - Dec 31: Northern Spirit Light Show, Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie lights up for winter, with the Northern Spirit Light Show, Nov 17 - Dec 31. It’ll get you in the spirit!
Nov 25 - Dec 4: Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup, Lake Louise
On Nov 22, Lake Louise Ski Resort welcomes the world’s best downhill skiers for the men's and women's World Cup races! By then, conditions should be ideal for some ripping and roaring, as you ski and cheer on your favourite racers. Don’t forget your cowbell!
Nov 24 - 27: Festival of Trees, Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie’s annual Festival of Trees is huge! You’ll find tons of Christmas spirit, but also, a 2-day gaming event for charity, socials, tastings and a gala event. And it all supports a good cause, with funds raised going to Grande Prairie’s regional hospitals.
Nov 24 - 26: Banff Craft Beer Festival, Banff
Banff brings Alberta’s craft beer scene to the mountains. Get out for some winter hikes, skiing or snowshoeing, then enjoy this hopping apres experience with over 50 craft brewers sharing out samples. The Jasper event, if you’re planning ahead, is February 10 - 12. Same great festival, different location, with tons of amazing winter activities to enjoy.
Dec 9 - 11: The Style Experience: FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup, Edmonton
Picture the worlds’ best snowboarders hurtling down a giant ramp, dropping into the bowl of Commonwealth Stadium, in downtown Edmonton, as they throw their best tricks in a Big Air comp you don’t want to miss!
Nov 19 - Dec 17: Made in the 604 Pop Up Market, Vancouver
Feel good about your holiday shopping by supporting local and make some great finds! Made in the 604 is hosting pop-up markets through until Christmas. Check the website to see where they'll pop up next!
Nov 25 - 27: Tofino Oyster Fest, Tofino
It’s the shuckfest of the year! Sip bubbly and swill bivalves in Tofino, at this elegant, fun affair. Costume up for the Mermaid Ball, enter a shucking competition, watch world class shucksters and, of course, enjoy oysters prepared by Tofino’s best chefs.
Combine it with a stay at Tin Wis Resort for an experience that will leave you refreshed and transformed.
Nov 26 & Feb 2 - 13: Vernon Winter Carnival, Vernon
Your Vernon double-header includes a nordic or downhill skiing visit to SilverStar (with the resort opening Nov 12 for Nordic skiing, Nov 19 for downhill), and then the Vernon Winter Carnival for all your apres adventures.
The main Vernon Winter Carnival runs Feb 3 - 12, 2023, but prior to that the pre-party for the festival is the Carnival of Lights, which runs from Nov 26 through end of December, so you can get in a festive mood early if you get there before the new year. Or, plan to head there in February for the main event!
Read up on how to winter in Vernon and get a taste for the carnival experience here, and get planning your Vernon doubleheader.
Island hop for an event fuelled holiday
Looking for an travel experience that ties together local events, community and opportunities to learn new skills while appreciating Indigenous culture?
Through the winter months, the five islands of Cormorant, Cortes, Gabriola, Hornby and Quadra are fuelled by local community groups who host soul-filled, nature-connected and fun experiences, from bread making to bike trail building to nature hikes and live music.
Read up about #exploreBCruralislands events on our sister site, ZenSeekers.com, and find your way to your own unique, event-driven travel experience to tell your friends about.
Don't blow it all on the holidays, you'll want to be sure you still have some steam after the festive season to get out to these awesome fests!
Jan 13 - 29: Jasper in January, Jasper AB
Yes, we know it’s not even Christmas yet, but right after Christmas comes the classic Jasper in January, and with deals on skiing and snowboarding, accommodations and special events around town. You don’t want to miss it! Start planning now for #JinJ.
Feb 9 - 12: Block Heater YYC, Calgary AB
Calgary cranks up the heat the city’s annual winter music fest that will get you stomping your feet.
Feb 10 - 12: Jasper Beer Festival, Jasper AB
More craft fun with Alberta Beer Fests, this time in the cozy environs of the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Different setting and new vendors, same great tastes and good times!
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