Kick off Jasper’s annual winter celebration with new culinary events, and ski hill fun and cultural touchstones.
There's no better way to start the new year than at Jasper in January. The festival covers most of the month, starting January 16 and wrapping up February 1. While there’s plenty to keep you entertained mid-week, most of the events happen over the weekends.
Here’s what’s shaking during the first weekend of the Jasper in January Festival. (Jan. 16 - 18). See full festival schedule here.
All weekend
Set your own schedule and fill your weekend with these fun events, happening throughout the weekend.
- See light installations around town
- Walk around town after dark to see Jasper's mountain town aglow with many sparkling light installations. Most are located outside the Jasper Information Centre, but don't miss the lit-up train car nearby on Connaught Dr.!
- Explore the universe with the Jasper Planetarium
- Once again, the Jasper Planetarium will be offering their Festival of Galaxies as part of the Planetarium & Telescope combo experience. Experience the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve at its best.. all through the most powerful telescopes in the Rockies.
- Poutine Showdown
- Help crown Jasper's best poutine! Restaurants around town will be creating a wide variety of tasty and unique poutines. Vote online for your favourite!
- Tastier Side of Winter
- Get special deals on seasonal dishes offered only during the festival!
- Free S'mores at Marmot Basin
- Visit Paradise Chalet at mid-mountain for free s'mores between 11am and 2pm. This event runs every weekend during the Jasper in January festival.
Friday, Jan. 16
- J in J Kick off party
- Start your festival experience at the Whistle Stop Pub for complimentary appetizers from 5pm to 6pm and live music starting at 8pm. 18+ from 9pm.
- Snowshoe & Fondue Tour
- Combine snow-draped forests and glistening ridges with gooey cheese fondue on this 5 hour guided experience. Pick-ups at accommodation begins at 2:30pm.
- Après Wine
- Jasper in January’s newest culinary experience is an intimate, guided evening involving four of Jasper's favourite restaurants: Evil Dave's Grill, Olive Bistro, Papa George's , and Silverwater. Complimentary shuttles will transport you between each venue, ensuring a seamless night of sipping and tasting.
- Moonlight Hike with the Friends of Jasper National Park
- A guided interpretive hike by moonlight through winter trails with local naturalists.
- Live Music: Neech / Ніч
- Get ready for Mountain Malanka with live music from Alberta’s newest Ukrainian folk-rock band. 8pm to 11pm at Whistle Stop Pub.
- Live Music: Jessie Rose
- Catch an electrifying performance by singer-songwriter Jessie Rose Nelson at the De'd Dog Bar & Grill. 8:30pm to 10:30pm.
- Jam Night at the Legion
- Don't miss this local favourite event. Rub shoulders with Jasperites and hear a variety of local and visiting musicians at the Jasper Legion. Want to take the stage yourself? Sign up starts at 6pm for 20 min at the mic. Performances start at 9pm.
- Don't miss this local favourite event. Rub shoulders with Jasperites and hear a variety of local and visiting musicians at the Jasper Legion. Want to take the stage yourself? Sign up starts at 6pm for 20 min at the mic. Performances start at 9pm.
Saturday, Jan. 17
- Pull Your Own Shot of Espresso
- Try your hand behind the bar at Andromeda Coffee and learn how to pull the perfect espresso shot — great for coffee lovers. 8:30am to 10am.
- Ski with Jasper the Bear!
- Meet Jasper the Bear on the slopes at Marmot Basin and say hello as he skis — a fun, family-friendly winter moment.
- Meet the Montane – Guided Snowshoe Hike with Parks Canada
- A guided 3 km snowshoe hike through Douglas fir forests with a Parks Canada interpreter; snowshoes provided if needed.
- Brewery Tours – Jasper Brewing Co.
- Behind-the-scenes tour at Jasper Brewing Co., including tastings of six signature beers and choice of meal. Limited spots available.
- Mountain Malanka
- A Ukrainian Folk New Year celebration with food, music, dance, and cultural performances.
- Chef’s Table Experience
- Special gourmet dinner (7 pm–11 pm) featuring five chef-curated courses and paired wines at select Jasper restaurants.
- Live Music
- Greg Deagle - 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Su Casa Mexican Lounge
- Pete Cherniawsky - 12pm to 2:30pm at Marmot Basin
- Pete Cherniawsky - 8pm at Ursidae Lair
- Jesse Rose - 8:30pm to 10:30pm at De'd Dog Bar & Grill
- The Misery Mountain Boys - 9pm to 10:45pm at Athabasca Hotel
Sunday, Jan. 18
- Waffle Wonderland & Cafe Cocktails
- Every Sunday morning during Jasper in January, head to Andromeda Cafe for fresh, fluffy waffles with a variety of toppings, special coffee cocktails with a festive twist. Available from 9am to 1pm. Brian Lackey will be performing live music from 9:30am to 11:30am to set the cozy mood.
- Cameras and Collars - Guided Snowshoe Hike with Parks Canada
- A guided snowshoe adventure exploring winter wildlife tracking and research techniques with Parks Canada interpreters — discover how collars and cameras help monitor animals.
- Ski with Jasper the Bear!
- Meet Jasper the Bear on the slopes at Marmot Basin and say hello as he skis — a fun, family-friendly winter moment.
Mid-week fun
Keep the party going until the second week of the festival with these events.
- Jasper Curling Club: Hot Shots Competition
- Take your best shot with this fun curling competition! Event starts at 6pm on Jan. 19. $25 at the door.
- De'd Dog Trivia
- Happy hour pricing, fun prizes and good times! Starts at 8pm on Jan. 19.
- Comedy Workshop with Lars Callieou
- Free workshop for all levels, led by a internationally touring headliner with credits at Just for Laughs, The Comedy Network, and more.7pm to 9pm on Jan. 20.
- Tuned up Tuesday: Music Bingo!
- A night of fun, music and friendly competition! Great prizes and drink specials. 8pm to 11pm on Jan. 20 at Whistle Stop Pub.
- Paint Night with Artist Karly Ireland
- A beautiful evening of creativity. $50 includes all supplies and instructions. 7pm to 9pm on Jan 21 at The Stand Easy (the Jasper Legion).
- Open Mike 3 - Comedy Night
- Stand-up comedy showcase and party, starring you! With special guest Lars Callieou. Jan 21 at the De'd Dog Bar & Grill.
- Karaoke Wednesdays
- Join at the Atha-B Nightclub for a night of unforgettable performances and epic singalongs. 10pm to 11pm on Jan 21.
- Forage & Feast with Live Music
- Get a taste of Jasper at Terra, with weekly farm-fresh featured dishes and a backdrop of local live music from Marie Flipo-Bergeron. Jan. 22, 5pm to 8pm.
- UpLift! Screening
- This special event at the Maligne Range showcases short films from UpLift! Jasper Mural Festival's first three years, including never before seen footage from UpLift! 2025. Jan. 22, 7pm to 9pm.
- Brewpub Bingo
- On Jan. 22 head to Jasper Brewing Co for $10 steins and bingo starting at 9pm. No cost to play. Prizes include Gift Certificates and Merch.
