Ten Can't-Miss Winter Festivals in Calgary and Southern Alberta

Festival season in Calgary and Southern Alberta doesn't stop when the temperature drops. The region hosts must-visit festivals year-round, but winter festivals take on a unique charm and energy of their own. Here are some of the must-visit winter festivals in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

Calgary

High Performance Rodeo (January 15 - February 4, 2024)

Theatre, dance, music, film, late-night cabarets – you name it, it's probably at the High Performance Rodeo. This is the city's International Festival of the Arts and has been around for over three decades. What's unique about this rodeo is it not only takes over stages, but also more unconventional venues, like elevators. The festival serves as an incubator for emerging local talent and championing experimental works.

Big Winter Classic (January 24-28, 2024)

Calgary's Big Winter Classic is a key player in the city's music festival season. You'll also realize just how fun it can be to dance the night away under patio heaters when it's below zero. The lineup is always eclectic, featuring dozens of artists from an array of genres performing at venues across Calgary.

Block Heater (February 15-17, 2024)

The Calgary Folk Music Festival is a highlight of the summer season, but its winter counterpart is just as fun. Block Heater descends on the Inglewood and East Village neighbourhoods for a mashup of local, Canadian and international musicians. This talent largely represents the roots, blues and folk genres. Block Heater is infinitely more interesting than another winter evening in front of the TV, trust.

Chinook Blast (February 2024)

Calgary's newest winter festival debuted in 2021 and it hasn't let up steam yet. Chinook Blast is billed as the city's mid-winter round-up. What does that mean, exactly? It's about embracing the season and everything that comes with it. Final details will be announced soon, but expect a six-week celebration of art, music, theatre and sport. Several of the festivals mentioned above are part of the action too, including the High Performance Rodeo and Block Heater.

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest (February 1-29, 2024)

If you've got a sweet tooth, you're going to love February in Calgary. During YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, local businesses put their own spin on hot chocolate recipes for the entire month. Awards (and bragging rights) are handed out at the end of the festival for the best hot chocolates across different categories. The list of contestants will be released prior to the festival's kick-off. To feel even better about indulging in a cup of cocoa, a portion of the proceeds supports Calgary Meals on Wheels. It's a win-win.

Banff

Banff SnowDays (January 19 - February 4, 2024)

Picture this: larger-than-life snow sculptures amid the background of snow-capped mountain peaks. SnowDays in Banff brings this fantastical display to life. Stroll through downtown, taking in the displays while sipping one of the limited-time creations found along the Hot Chocolate Trail. You'll want to stay a while and soak up all there is to see and do in the area. There's skiing at one of the Big 3 ski resorts, outdoor ice skating and sleigh rides around Lake Louise.

Canmore

Canmore Festival of Trees (December 2023)

If you can't get enough holiday cheer – or need some inspiration for your own décor – Canmore's Festival of Trees is where you'll find it. A visit also provides an opportunity to spend time in the Canadian Rockies and explore all the winter wonder on offer. Visit the forest of trees and Candy Cane Lane free of charge throughout the festival or register for ticketed events like Breakfast with Santa.

Drumheller

Festival of Lights (November 25, 2023)

Drumheller is known for dinosaurs, but the town always gets into the holiday spirit with the Festival of Lights. Downtown turns into a pedestrian playground as holiday revellers stroll through the streets, admiring the many light displays. There's live entertainment on the main stage, plus roving musicians to make spirits bright. Join Dickens Carollers, take a wagon ride or warm up with a s'more around the fire pit. As a bonus, you can get a leg up on your holiday purchases with late night shopping deals.

Lethbridge

Winter Light Festival (December 2023 – January 2024)

Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is a beautifully tranquil place throughout the year, but it becomes next level each winter. Picture it lit up with more than 100,000 twinkling lights and you get the idea. Light displays and ice sculptures illuminate the garden's paths. It's also an opportunity to acquaint yourself with Japanese winter customs and traditions.

Medicine Hat

Tongue on the Post (January 23-28, 2024)

Have you ever listened to a concert in a pottery kiln? Now's your chance. Warm up with some mid-winter live music at Tongue on the Post – also known as TOPFEST by locals. The festival, presented by the Medicine Hat Folk Music Club, spans six days in January, with dozens of performances at venues throughout the city. Don't miss the intimate, unplugged shows in Medalta's original beehive kilns. There's nothing else quite like it.