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    Best Winter Festivals in Calgary, Alberta

    • November 25, 2024
    • By Cody Battershill

    Best Calgary winter festivals

    Calgary Winter Festivals

    What are the best winter festivals in the Calgary area? With a rapidly growing cultural scene over the past decade, our city has many fun activities and events that the whole family can enjoy during the coldest but most magical season of the year. Calgary's art scene plays a significant role in showcasing community, culture, and national pride through various festivals and events that are fun for the whole family.

    From the art displays of the High Performance Rodeo to the skijoring exhibition along Banff Avenue to the ice sculptures of Lake Louise, Calgary and its surrounding area in southern Alberta host entertaining winter activities and events that are not to miss! Festival partners sometimes even collaborate to enhance the local cultural scene, with organizations from nearby municipalities working together to deliver a diverse range of activities that include live performances, outdoor skating, and more!

    Check out our list of the best Calgary winter festivals below – we hope you have a blast!

    #1 - Plaza Palooza

    While not quite in winter, Plaza Palooza helps Calgarians warm up to the coming holiday season with live entertainment, DJs, and even a dance floor for festival goers. Located at Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary, this winter event is geared towards families with a wide range of fun activities for the whole family.

    Enjoy seeing the "Battle of the Buskers" every Saturday night during the event, in addition to live demonstrations and ice sculpture carving. Stilt walkers, live statues, fire breathers, and a heritage presentation focused on Calgary's Winter 1988 Olympic Games are also part of it.

    This winter event is held on weekends from November 29th until December 22nd, so plan accordingly for your schedule and the weather!

    #2 - High Performance Rodeo

     

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    The High Performance Rodeo is a long-time winter festival in Calgary that features epic displays of all things art: music, theatre, dance, comedy, and galleries at venues mostly found in the downtown area.

    The sheer number of indoor events on the HPR's website is incredible, offering something for people from all walks of life to enjoy during the coldest season of the year.

    HPR 2024 will mark the 38th annual edition of the Winter Festival in Calgary, a testament to its popularity with locals over the past several years.

    #3 - Banff & Lake Louise SnowDays Festival

    • January 17th - February 2nd, 2025
    • Website: SnowDays

    The SnowDays Festival is an exciting winter activity for families looking to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Ice and snow sculptures are the focus of the event, with the Ice Magic carving competition held at Lake Louise and snow sculptures adorning the streets of Banff.

    SnowDays features a Play Zone for children of all ages and sled skiing along Banff's main avenue (January 18th and 19th), making this best Calgary winter festival particularly fun for youth who love the magic of animals during Christmas and holidays.

    Live bands, snowshoeing hikes, dog sledding, ice skating, and sleigh riding are all part of the SnowDays Festival, so pack and dress accordingly for the activity you want to enjoy!

    #4 - Chinook Blast

     

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    Chinook Blast returns to downtown Calgary for its fourth annual edition. One of the city’s more prominent winter festivals, it celebrates through live music, art presentations, sporting events, light installations, cultural performances, and several other fun and engaging activities, emphasizing the significance of the winter season its role in the Canadian cultural calendar.

    Located along Stephen Avenue (a.k.a. 8th Avenue SW), Calgary's only downtown pedestrian-designated street, pop in and out from some of Calgary’s best downtown food and drink venues in between to make for a whole night out during its nearly three-week duration.

    The Festival starts with a blast on January 31st. Throughout Chinook Blast's duration, enjoy free entertainment, theatre, dancing, and other fun activities and events in the downtown area of Calgary.

    #5 - YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

     

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    If you have a sweet tooth and love "hibernating" during the winter with a hot drink in hand, YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is the winter festival for you. This beloved event celebrates the delightful hot chocolate that soothes the soul during winter, featuring an array of unique and delicious recipes from local cafes, restaurants, and chocolatiers. It’s the perfect way to chase away the winter blues while supporting local businesses.

    During YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, participants can sample a variety of hot chocolates and vote for their favourites. The event isn’t just about indulging in sweet treats; it also includes live music, art installations, and other interactive events, making it a fun and festive experience for all ages. Imagine sipping on a rich, creamy hot chocolate while enjoying live music and admiring beautiful art installations—it’s a winter wonderland come to life!

    One of the most heartwarming aspects of YYC Hot Chocolate Fest is its commitment to giving back to the community. A portion of the festival's proceeds supports Calgary Meals on Wheels, a local organization that provides nutritious meals to those in need. So, not only do you get to enjoy some of the best hot chocolate in the city, but you also contribute to a worthy cause.

    #6 - Block Heater - Music Festival

    Block Heater is a winter music festival that takes Calgary’s vibrant music scene to the next level. Presented by the reputed local organization, the Calgary Folk Music Festival, this event features an eclectic mix of local, national, and international musicians, making it a must-attend for music lovers. Held at various venues throughout the city including the iconic Olympic Plaza, Block Heater showcases a range of genres from indie rock to folk and blues.

    This festival is more than just a series of concerts; it celebrates community and creativity. Attendees enjoy live performances in intimate settings, discover new artists, and participate in workshops and panel discussions. These interactive events provide a unique opportunity to engage with the local music scene and get to know the artists on a deeper level.

    One of Block Heater's standout features is its ability to bring together a diverse range of musicians and music fans, fostering a sense of camaraderie and national pride. Block Heater has something for everyone, whether you’re a die-hard rock fan or a folk music enthusiast. So, bundle up and get ready to warm your soul with incredible tunes throughout the city.

    #7 - Ethnik Festival

     

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    Held in Calgary this winter for over two days, the Ethnik Festival celebrates black history and excellence. The cultural event serves as a gathering point for Afro-Canadian and Caribbean communities, focusing on celebrating diversity and showcasing cultural heritage to audiences.

    Day 1 (February 21st) features two main components: a Valentine-themed Calgary Food War - Battle of the Couples competition and an Emerging Artists Showcase featuring 20 local new and emerging talent. The Emerging Artists Showcase is scheduled for February 21st, 2025, at the Carya Village Commons in Calgary from 11am to 2pm.

    Day 2 (February 22nd) features the main celebration, with performances by an impressive lineup of artists, including the Calgary Police Diversity Group, Carifest Dancers, and various Afro-Canadian and Caribbean Community Associations. Notable performers include Harp Angel Deborah Nyack, vocalist Tayo Gbalajobi, the Rondel Roberts Band, comedian Grand Komanda, saxophonist Perpetual Atife, and others.

    Calgary Winter Festivals: Frequently Asked Questions


    1. When is the largest winter festival in Calgary?

    Chinook Blast, Calgary's biggest winter festival, runs from January 31 to February 17, 2025, featuring various art installations, performances, and cultural events throughout downtown Calgary.

    2. Are these winter festivals family-friendly and accessible?

    Yes, most YYC winter festivals offer free public programming and family-friendly activities, with various indoor and outdoor venues accessible throughout the downtown area.

    3. Which festivals offer the best food experiences?

    YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, running throughout February, offers unique beverage experiences across multiple venues, with partial proceeds supporting Meals on Wheels.


    Enjoy Your Winter Festivals!

    i love alberta canada mountains graphic

    I wish you all the best this winter with your family and friends. This is just a friendly reminder to prepare with appropriate clothing, extra blankets, food and water, and emergency car kits in case you decide to venture out and enjoy the best winter festivals in Calgary.

    Stay warm, and have a great time! To stay warm this winter season, also be sure to check out: