St. Albert Snowflake Festival
Visitors can experience horse-drawn sleigh rides, train rides, two petting zoos, and photos with Santa in the heart of downtown. Festival activities include street shinny hockey, glitter tattoos, carolers, English handbell performances, and photo opportunities with carved ice butterfly wings. Guests can also warm up indoors while making crafts at the Musée Héritage Museum and Art Gallery of St. Albert, or grab a bite from local restaurants and food trucks.
What to Expect
Downtown winter celebration featuring sleigh rides, petting zoos, and Santa visits.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown St. Albert
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
St. Albert Kinsmen
Food & Drink
Downtown restaurants, food trucks and unique winter foods offer meals, and warm beverages are available at the Musée Héritage Museum.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 5:30-9:00 PM.
- Parking: Limited parking will be available in the vicinity of the festival. We encourage the use of the free park and ride from Nakî Transit Centre & St. Albert Centre Exchange available from 5:00-9:00 PM, or carpooling to reduce traffic congestion. Please note if you are parking at St. Albert Centre Exchange please ensure you are parking in the designated parking area.
- Accessibility: A dedicated calming zone with sensory supports and inclusion kits with noise- and light-dampening devices are available.
Tips & Advice
- Take the free park and ride from Nakî Transit Centre or St. Albert Centre Exchange, because parking near Perron Street and St. Thomas Street is limited.
- If you park at St. Albert Centre Exchange, use only the designated parking area marked for the festival.
- Families who need a calmer visit should email sensorysanta@stalbertsnowflakefestival.ca ahead of time to pre-register for the restricted-entry Santa hour at the community hall.
- Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, and duck into the Musée Héritage Museum for warm drinks and a craft when the kids need a break.
- Stop by the front plaza of St. Albert Place for a photo with the ice butterfly wings before you head home.
Special Events & Promotions
- Inclusion Experience before the festival opens: a calm, restricted-entry Santa visit at the community hall, by pre-registration
- Photo spot with carved ice butterfly wings on the front plaza of St. Albert Place, celebrating the International Children's Festival of the Arts
- New this year: more interactive experiences have been added across the festival
- Art Gallery of St. Albert exhibit Your Hands Touch Between Brambles by local Indigenous artist Kiona Callihoo Ligtvoet, with free art activities
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do at the Snowflake Festival?
There are horse-drawn sleigh rides with Lonestar Ranch, train rides, two petting zoos and pictures with Santa. You'll also find shinny hockey, Sparkle Fairy glitter tattoos, the Pickwick Carolers, United In Bronze English handbells and surprise character appearances.
Where can we eat?
Downtown restaurants serve hot meals, and food trucks sell unique winter foods. The Musée Héritage Museum also offers warm beverages and a warm space for families.
Where should we park?
Parking near the festival is limited. Use the free park and ride from Nakî Transit Centre or St. Albert Centre Exchange, or carpool. At St. Albert Centre Exchange, park only in the designated area.
Is there a sensory-friendly way to meet Santa?
Yes. The Inclusion Experience runs before the festival opens, with a restricted-entry Santa visit at the community hall. Pre-register by emailing sensorysanta@stalbertsnowflakefestival.ca.
Are there indoor activities for younger children?
The Musée Héritage Museum has a Snowflake Mittens craft and a Discovery Room for families with younger children. The Art Gallery of St. Albert offers free art activities, including making a needle-felted ornament.
More Christmas Events Near St. Albert
More Christmas Events near St. Albert
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.