10 can’t miss events at Jasper in January

Find Jasper at its lightest and brightest during this annual winter festival, running this year between January 12 and January 28, 2024.

Celebrate winter with everything that makes our chilliest months also our most memorable. Community, laughter, street parties, powdery ski slopes, live music, comfort food and cozy fireplaces. There's never a better time than winter to visit a true mountain town, and Jasper in January invites everyone to celebrate, ski, and feast like a true Jasper local. Your nose might be cold but your heart has never been warmer.

Although there’s so much to see and do during Jasper in January, these 10 activities definitely deserve a spot on your itinerary.

After Dark Concert Series

Multiple dates

Free live shows. All festival long. Grab a seat in one of the local watering holes to see acclaimed musicians (past headliners have included Sloan, The Odds and SkiiTour), along with comedians from across the country, and find out why Jasper’s après ski scene helped make us the best ski towns in North America. With performances every weekend of the festival there's no shortage of nighttime entertainment. Check out the current line-up here!

Whisky, Wine & Hops - The Ultimate Après

Jan. 13

Fine wines, spirits and beers, oh my! This boozy evening is the perfect occasion to sample a variety of local and international creations alongside a delicious spread of tapas. Chat with award winning vintners and bring out your inner sommelier with tracking and rating sheets that will help you remember your fav drinks even if your memory is a little vague by the next morning. Tickets are $60 with $6 from every ticket sold donated to the Jasper Museum.

Demo Days

Multiple dates

Had your eye on some top quality ski equipment? Test the best gear for free during Marmot Basin’s Demo Days. Multiple brands will be represented, with the latest and greatest up for grabs.

Annual Street Party & Fireworks

Jan. 27

An annual favourite, this retro-themed, can't-miss street party has live music, food, games and an ice bar (which may just be the best kind of bar). Oh and did we mention it's all free? Don't forget to dress up in your best 80's ski suit and vie for the prize in our costume contest!

Festival of Galaxies

Multiple dates

Join local astronomy experts to find some of the most amazing galaxies in the heavens as part of the Planetarium & Telescope Experience COMBO. From the stunning spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy to the massive core of the Andromeda Galaxy, you’ll have the chance to see these ‘cities of stars’ through the most powerful telescopes in the Rockies.

Poutine Showdown

All festival long

Don’t miss this self-led adventure dedicated to Canada’s favourite comfort food. Multiple restaurants in Jasper will be creating their own unique and delicious takes on poutine, with an eye towards being crowned the best in town (vote online for your favourite; winner will be announced at the annual Street Party on January 27). We recommend hopping aboard this gravy train with a group so you can share dishes and thus try more before tapping out.

Pond Hockey Tournament

Jan. 19-21

Play hockey as it deserves to be played at the Jasper Pond Hockey Tournament. Happening on Lake Mildred at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, this challenge will bring Canada's favourite game to one of Canada's most scenic venues. Cheer on the sidelines or sign up to be among the 20+ teams that will compete.

Mountain Malanka

Jan. 20

Bring your vyshyvanka and jeans for a night of Ukrainian culture, food, music & celebration at Mountain Malanka. This guaranteed fun time is a fundraising initiative to assist with putting on the annual UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival. Things kick off with 5pm cocktails, followed by 6pm dinner and performances at 7:30pm. At 9pm, hit the dance floor.

Ice climbing 101

Jan. 16

This 6 hour tour teaches you the techniques, safety and gear needed to climb a frozen waterfall. All technical equipment is included (boots, crampons, harnesses, axes, helmet), as well as transportation from town to the climbing site and back.

Culinary events

Multiple dates

From Sunday Supper Clubs at Terra restaurant to Wine in Winter to Apres ski appetizers at Marmot Basin's Caribou Bar and Grill, there's endless dishes of comfort food to warm your belly and fuel your adventures.