Edmonton Ice Castles to Open in Time for Christmas Holidays and New Year’s Eve

After the recent deep freeze, Edmonton’s seasonal ice attraction is ready sooner than expected.

Credit: Ice Castles Edmonton

Ice Castles Edmonton will open earlier than planned, with gates now set to open on December 27 at Fan Park in the Ice District. The frozen attraction is entirely made of water and hand-placed icicles, forming tunnels, caverns, slides, and archways for visitors to walk through and explore.

The installation is built under the direction of Utah-based ice artist Brent Christensen, whose team is responsible for the large-scale ice structures seen at Ice Castles locations across North America. Since 2011, the concept has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors.

In addition to carved ice sculptures, visitors can access crawl tunnels, slides and seasonal beverages served at the Frozen Tap, making it a winter option for those looking to enjoy the Christmas holidays or celebrate New Year’s Eve.

The attraction first arrived in the city in 2015 through a partnership with the Silver Skate Festival, making Edmonton the first Canadian location. Operations paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tickets are already on sale, with prices ranging from $15 to $20 on off-peak days and $18 to $24 during peak times. For those who already purchased tickets, the self-service exchange fee is waived until December 21 at 5 p.m. MST. The installation is scheduled to run until February 16, 2026, weather permitting.

Trip Planning — Ice Castles Edmonton

Photo Credit: Ice Castles

What:  Ice Castles are massive winter wonderlands crafted by hand, using only icicles and water, that resemble frozen waterfalls, glaciers or ice caves.

  When:

December 27 to  February 16, 2026

Opening Day: Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 12 p.m.  to 10 p.m.

December 28 to 31, January 1 to 4 – Daily – 11 AM to 10 PM

Tuesday, Thursday: 4 PM to 9 PM

Friday: 4 PM to 10 PM

Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM

Sunday: 12 PM to 8 PM

Family Day: 11 AM to 9 PM

Weather dependent

Where: Fan Park, Ice District, Edmonton

How Much:

Peak Pricing $18-$24

Off-Peak Pricing $15-$20

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