(Grande Prairie, Alta. – December 8, 2025) – In a northern community like Grande Prairie, winter can be more than cold – it can be grander. The City of Grande Prairie invites residents and visitors to celebrate the season together at the Grande North Winter Festival, running January 9  to 11, 2026. 

Over three days, the festival transforms multiple downtown locations into a vibrant winter playground filled with activity, connection and community pride. From live entertainment and family fun to unique winter sports and sparkling ice sculptures, the event brings people together in the heart of our winter city. 

“Winter has always been part of who we are as a northern community, and the Grande North Winter Festival shows how much we can enjoy the season when we experience it together,” said City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “This festival brings people outdoors, supports local partners, sparks economic activity and strengthens the connections that make Grande Prairie such an energetic and welcoming place to live.”

Experience the Magic of Winter 

This year’s festival features: 

• The Acoustic Cabin and Ice Bar at Bonnetts Energy Centre featuring live music, entertainment and winter cooking demos with local chefs, creating a warm and lively gathering place throughout the weekend.
• Aquatera Ice Slides at the Montrose Cultural Centre, a favourite for families and thrill-seekers looking for classic winter fun.
• TC Energy Ice Carving, where visitors can watch skilled carvers transform blocks of ice into stunning works of art.
• Chippers Ice Carving Lessons, offering hands-on opportunities to try carving with guidance from local experts. Sponsored by Frontier Mitsubishi.
• Canadian Tire Skating Oval, giving skaters of all ages a chance to enjoy a smooth, outdoor loop in the heart of the festival. 
• Ortho 101 Crokicurl, blending curling and crokinole into an easy and entertaining winter game for all skill levels.

Thank you to Smash and Sons Contracting Ltd. for constructing the ice slide and to Klon Services for providing the firewood that keeps festival spaces warm and welcoming.

Visitors can look forward to even more winter fun throughout the weekend, with a full lineup of additional activities happening across all festival locations. From cozy moments to high-energy experiences, the Grande North Winter Festival invites everyone to discover how delightful and memorable winter in Grande Prairie can be. 

Established in 2022, the Grande North Winter Festival was created to embrace the season while enhancing opportunities for residents to stay active, engaged and connected. With a mix of free and ticketed activities for all ages, the festival showcases what’s possible when creativity, collaboration and community spirit come together. 

Tickets on Sale December 8 

Activities and entertainment at the Acoustic Cabin and Ice Bar at Bonnetts Energy Centre require tickets, which are on sale now and can be purchased at bonnettsenergycentre.com.

Full details and schedules will be available at cityofgp.com/WinterFest. 

Residents are encouraged to gather their friends and family, bundle up and celebrate the season as Grande Prairie turns winter into something grander.