Deep Freeze is a winter festival held annually in early January in Edmonton. Visitors can explore Alberta Avenue, transformed into an enchanting forest filled with artistic displays of lanterns, sculptures, and stunning installations. Learn more on edmontonski.
The festival features mystical creatures, vibrant flowers, mushrooms, and woodland animals, all crafted by globally renowned artists. Using lanterns, balloons, and various materials, these creations come to life in a magical setting.
Deep Freeze is a perfect escape for those seeking romance, captivating performances, and family-friendly entertainment. Children and adults alike will find plenty to enjoy.
Celebrating Diverse Cultures
Deep Freeze proudly showcases Ukrainian, Franco-Canadian, Indigenous, and Latin American cultures. Wandering through the enchanted forest, visitors encounter unique artworks, musical performances, and delicious treats.
The festival features Ukrainian dance ensembles like “Vohnyshche,” whose energetic performances bring joy and vibrant energy to the event.
On Old New Year’s Eve, locals and visitors can experience unique light installations, ice sculptures, cultural storytelling, street hockey, and the renowned Cool Runnin’s Deep Freezer Races. Entry and activities are entirely free of charge.
One of the festival’s highlights is the Deep Freezer Races. Participants climb into a freezer mounted on skis, and their friends push it down a snowy track. The race brings laughter and excitement to all involved.
On the second day, various artistic installations take center stage. In the Winter Forest, an interactive winter scene is created from recycled wool blankets and old sweaters. Along 92nd and 93rd Streets, whimsical art installations captivate audiences as professional sculptors transform massive ice blocks into mesmerizing works of art.
Engaging Entertainment
The festival offers guided tours of Pipon Village, accessible via snowshoes. Visitors can sit by the fire with a cup of tea, sharing stories and learning about different cultures. The village also features horse-drawn carriage rides, where the route passes through performances by stilt walkers, clowns, snow princesses, trolls, and even Vikings.
The sound of horses’ hooves, coupled with the serene natural surroundings, creates a truly enchanting experience. During these rides, visitors learn about Scandinavian Vikings and their way of life.
No festival is complete without fireworks. At Deep Freeze, vibrant fireworks light up the starry night sky, providing a breathtaking display.
Culinary Delights
Festival-goers can indulge in a range of delicious foods, including spit-roasted suckling pig, hearty beans cooked over an open flame, and roasted chestnuts. For those with a sweet tooth, marshmallows roasted to perfection are a must-try.
Each year, talented filmmakers from across Alberta present engaging short films. On the main stage, musical and dance groups entertain the audience with vibrant performances.
A Festival of Community and Joy
Deep Freeze brings friends and families together to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The festival’s dedicated participants work tirelessly to create a fresh and exciting entertainment program each year, ensuring there’s always something magical to discover.