The Silver Skate Festival & Winter Celebration, entering its eighteenth year, is the longest running winter festival in Edmonton. The Festival is rooted in the Dutch tradition of a love for the outdoors and long blade skating. As the Festival grew in Edmonton it became a celebration of winter and developed a unique blend of culture, sport, art and recreation in the beautiful setting of Hawrelak Park and the River Valley.

Attendees can watch ice dance and theatrical performances, participate in recreational winter activities for family, children & youth, participate in fun skate races, watch the snow sculptors at work and walk through the Cessco snow gallery. Take in the beauty of the park on a sleigh ride, and try delicious Dutch treats. There are special children's activities, and a warm up area inside the Pavillion. The Silver Skate Festival & Winter Celebration is home to the 25K and 50K Northgate Skate Marathons (2008 marathons are sanctioned events to determine the North American Marathon Speed Skating Champions) and the famous Mammoet Edmonton Winter Triathlon. These skating events are by registration.