8 Winter Festivals in the Mighty Peace

There’s no better place to experience Alberta’s winters than the Mighty Peace region! While you’re visiting, there are plenty of events to check out, from parades and tournaments to shopping paradise. Here’s our list!

Alberta Pond Hockey

Hockey, a time-honoured tradition, was born here, on frozen Canadian rivers and lakes. Lac Cardinal Provincial Park is where that ancient tradition returns, outside of arenas and painted lines. The ice isn’t perfect, but it’s full of nostalgia, and that’s what makes it so amazing. Come to Mighty Peace and play the best game you can name – the good old hockey game!

 

Peace River Santa Clause Parade 

This is one of the largest parades in the region – join us every November and experience the magical lights and floats heading through Peace River during one of the town’s favourite holiday traditions. Make sure grab a Passport to Christmas card and start collecting stamps for a chance to win some amazing prizes.

Carnaval de St. Isidore

Also known as Rivière-la-Paix, the Peace River region has one of the most vibrant Francophone communities in Alberta! Francophones from across Canada come to enjoy this festival filled with tire d’érable (maple taffy!), French-Canadian dishes, fun winter activities, snow sculpting, sleigh rides, and family activities. It’s a must-see for everyone, not just francophones!

Manning’s Annual Christmas Lightup

Every November, Manning goes all out. Leading up to the light up, check out the Farmer’s Market, unique gift shops for late night shopping, or take your kids for a sleigh ride. After, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies around the fire while listening to carols.

Grimshaw Christmas Market

Each year visitors and locals make their way to the Grimshaw Christmas Market at the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex. This is one of the largest Christmas Markets in the region. The multiplex gets transformed into a Christmas wonderland with over 95 vendors to explore.

Celebrate Family Day on the Slopes

What a spectacular way to enjoy some family time! Bring your loved ones together to enjoy the festivities, events and deals at the friendly and welcoming ski hills found throughout the Mighty Peace.  The sun-filled winter days in the north offer the perfect backdrop for some snowy fun on the slopes. Check out the Fairview Ski Hill, Misery Mountain Ski Area, Manning Ski Club and Whispering Pines Ski Hill for more information on each hill’s schedule of activities for your family.

Dixonville Light Up

Dixonville hosts their annual holiday light-up in early December, along with festive music, tasty treats, a bonfire, outdoor skating, and plenty of fun!

Moonlight Madness

Moonlight Madness in Fairview is the perfect chance to get your holiday shopping done, and there’s plenty of places to do it. Check the trade show downtown, the Farmer’s Market and the Santa Claus parade. Don’t forget to bring the kids down to the Provincial Building parking lot for a game of street hockey, hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows over the fire!

There’s no place like Mighty Peace to enjoy a true Canadian winter. We’ll make sure to see you there!