It’s here. It’s finally here! The much-awaited, highly anticipated year of 2024 has arrived, and we can’t wait to share another incredible 365 days with all of you. As you can probably imagine, the province is popping off with exciting events and activities throughout the month of January and we don’t want you to miss a thing. If saying “yes” more, trying new things, planning more dates or fun hangouts with friends, or just seeing more of your beautiful province happen to be on your list of resolutions, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some super fun and unique things to keep you busy this month, and we hope you’ll take advantage of a few! Dive in, take a gander, mark your calendars, and buckle up for an awesome and unforgettable month in Alberta! Here are some things to do around Alberta in January 2024:
Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival
From January 26th to February 4th, the enchanting Ice Magic Festival is coming to the iconic setting of Lake Louise. Ice artists from around the world come together for an awe-inspiring ice carving competition. You can check out the artists in action, watch the awards and view the final products, enjoy drinks from the ice bar within the Ice Magic Gardens, and be dazzled by the illuminated sculptures at night for a magical evening on the shores of Lake Louise. Admission is $14 for adults and $7 for kids. Be sure to snag your tickets before they’re gone!
SnowDays Festival
Ice Magic is part of a larger festival, SnowDays, which takes in Banff and Lake Louise from January 19th to February 4th. Beyond the sculptures and fun to be had in Lake Louise, you’ll also find that the streets of downtown Banff will transform into winter galleries featuring giant snow sculptures, a play zone for kids, tons of activities, a skijoring demonstration, live entertainment, and so much more. You won’t be bored for a second, with events and activities popping up all across the Bow Valley. Check out the itinerary and plan a few fun ways to celebrate SnowDays this year.
Alberta Food & Beverage Expo 2024
On January 20th, the Agri-Food Hub at the Lethbridge Exhibition will be hosting an unbeatable opportunity for you to sample hundreds of wines, beers, delicious cocktails, and some of the best food from local restaurants and suppliers. This time around it’s the 10th anniversary of the event, so it will be the largest 1-day hospitality show in the brand new Agri-Food Hub. There will be over 120 vendors, three main halls, and so much food eating and sipping to get in on.
The Big Jig Ice Fishing Derby
It’s back! From January 19th to 21st on Sylvan Lake, ice fishing enthusiasts will gather for three days of fishing to compete for over $7,500 in prizes. Competitors will fish for perch, walleye, whitefish, and burbot, and the winner of this catch-and-release tournament will take home a cash prize of $3,000. This is a fun and exciting way to kick off 2024 and enjoy the spot with tons of like-minded anglers. Enter now or learn more about the event and how you can watch or get involved in other ways.
Nikka Yuko Winter Light Festival
If you haven’t yet had a chance, the Nikka Yuko Winter Light Festival is still taking place until February 28th at the stunning Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, with over 170,000 twinkling lights and an energetic festival atmosphere. This year, the gardens have decided to do something different and transform the Garden to present all four seasons. “Haru (Spring), Natsu (Summer), Aki (Fall), and Fuyu (Winter). For each season we offer unique visual attractions and engaging elements,” explains the website. There are many different ways to enjoy the festival, from a private dome experience to viewing drumming, dancing, or other entertainment. There are special events from the Lunar New Year, the Coldest Night of the Year, and more — a romantic date idea, fun family activity, or rejuvenating solo adventure.
Beach Party at Mt Norquay with 'Mountain Joe'
Looking for a fun and unique skiing experience, look no further than Beach Party at Mt Norquay with 'Mountain joe'. If you’re not familiar, Mountain Joe is the creator of the iconic Canadian coffee cocktail, and they’re bringing a beach party of My Norquay in Banff for a night of skiing under the stars and dancing to the beats of a live DJ. There will be prizes for those with the best beach outfits and tons of fun to be had inside the Lone Pine Pub once you’ve got your fill on the hill. The event will take place on January 5th with night skiing from 5pm to 9pm and the Beach Party from 7pm to 10pm.
Jasper in January
If you’re looking to get out and do something fun this month, you should probably head to Jasper between January 12th and 28th for Jasper in January. There will be over two weeks of events for folks of all ages including a kick-off party, a street festival, fireworks, live music, and tons of awesome food and beverage events and various other activities. From the Poutine Showdown and Wine in Winter event to the Jam Night, Polar Plunge, Mural Tour, Bingo, and more, there’s an endless array of things to see, do, eat, drink, and enjoy. Jasper will be exploding with wonderful things to do this month and all of it will take place in the majestic Rocky Mountains. What could be better than that?
Jersey Day at PPK
If you love skiing with a little extra energy, you’ll love Jersey Day at PPK. Head to the Pass Powderkeg Ski Area in Crowsnest Pass for their first-ever Jersey Day. Anyone wearing a jersey will get 10% off food and you’re likely to encounter staff on the hill asking sports-related trivia questions for your chance to win a free poutine. There will be prize draws, as well, even for those not wearing jerseys, and the best vibes ever. Head to PPK on January 20th to get in on the action.
Grande North Winter Festival
Are you ready for Grande North Winter Festival from January 12th to 14th in Grande Prairie? There are three days, three locations, and so much going on. Expect tons of activities and entertainment at this walk-able festival including live DJ sets, an ice slide, skating oval, snow maze, food trucks, ice carving, ice bar beverages, snowball target shooting, and so much more. There will also be a Grand Prairie Storm game at 6pm on Saturday that you don’t want to miss. Pop around to the different locations and try to fit in as much action as possible!
BIG Winter Classic
BIG is a celebration of arts, music, local beer, and community. Taking place from January 24th to 28th in Calgary, you can join countless others at multiple locations across the city for tons of live music, some all ages programming, comedy shows, workshops, and more. There’s a stacked lineup of performers and artists that you don’t want to miss and shows range in price and location, so there’s something for everyone. Check out the lineup and grab some tickets before you hibernate for the rest of the winter.
Winterruption YEG
Now, let’s not let Calgary have all of the fun. Winterruption YEG is a partner festival of BIG Winter Classic and it’ll be taking place January 24th to 28th, too. You can expect live music, comedy, drag performances, podcasting, wrestling, and more. This is a serious mix of all things fun and we know you’ll need a pick-me-up following the holidays. There’s a whole lot to do, see, and experience, so you better read the lineup carefully to make sure you don’t miss anything. Prices range from free to only $49 for a weekend wristband, so everyone can enjoy the happenings.
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the 2023/24 Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
