Greater Sudbury’s Longest Running Winter Carnival
WELCOME TO YOUR 2026 WALDEN WINTER CARNIVAL!
Join us February 5th to 8th, 2026!
We are greater Sudbury’s longest running winter carnival, and one of the longest running carnivals in the North!
This amazing event is run entirely by volunteers. It features indoor and outdoor events at multiple sites.
The Walden Winter Carnival is truly FAMILY FUN for everyone!
Carnival
Program
The Walden Winter Carnival in Lively, Ontario is a vibrant, volunteer-run community festival held over a four-day weekend each February, featuring over 100 indoor and outdoor activities and entertainment for all ages.
The program includes classic winter fun like ice skating, winter sports, games, contests such as the Boxcar Derby and the new Walden Winter Dash, kids’ zones with inflatables and face-painting, traditional treats like maple taffy, pancake breakfasts, fireworks and bonfires, a figure skating show, and engaging community attractions including our artisan Market Square.
Comedy
Night
The Walden Winter Carnival is bringing a true comedy star to headline our raucous, sell-out Carnival Comedy Night! You won’t want to miss JEFF LEESON live at the TM Davies Arena Hall on Friday, Feb 6th.
For over 25 years, Jeff Leeson has been astonishing crowds across North America with his off-the-cuff, improvisational style that leaves crowds not only wanting more but amazed at what they just witnessed. Combining traditional stand-up comedy with long-form improv, Jeff creates a unique and personal experience for the audience each and every show.
Cardboard Box Derby
Build your Boxcar and compete on Saturday, Feb 7th at Anderson Farm. Age categories Kids 7 and under / Kids 8 and up and NEW this year an ADULT category. Build and compete in the Traditional class – boxcar racers are made with cardboard only and decorated as you like – no plastic, wooden or metal structures! OR try the “Super Modified” Class – Anything goes! Freestyle ‘boxcar’ racers built with whatever you can get your hands on. Be at the Anderson Farm sliding hill at 11:30 Feb 7 to register. Great Prizes! Prizes for Longest Distance, Best Design, Best Dressed! No fee to enter (Carnival Button required)
Carnival Buttons
$5 Buttons go ON SALE AFTER JANUARY 6 at local retailers: Your Independent Grocers, Walden Home Hardware, Joyful Home, Pinehill Lumber and more! Get yours early and be eligible for our Early Bird draw on February 1st.
Your button gives you all access to all but a few special Carnival events, including the Kids Zone, Teen Zone, the Market Square, Entertainment and activities at the Arena and Anderson Farm. There is no extra cost at any of these sites – except for your choice of food. It also qualifies you for our Carnival Draw featuring hundreds of dollars in prizes. This year’s awesome button comes from Gr 5 Walden PS school, Violet.
Walden Winter Carnival Admission
Carnival buttons are only $5! They give you admission to all Carnival sites and unlimited access to all activities except our special evening ticketed events. Children 5 and under are free!
That means unlimited admission to all outdoor activities at Anderson Farm and the Arena, the famous Kids Zone and Haunted Hallway, Teen Zone at St. Paul and the Market Square. Come up to the Arena Hall to enjoy daytime entertainment. Enjoy the fireworks on Thursday! It’s all included in your $5 Button.
Proudly wear your $5 Walden Winter Carnival button! It holds much more value than its small size shows! Your Button gives you access to almost all Carnival activities – except for food on site and a few ticketed events. It’s also a special symbol – it represents school spirit and pride in our community. It connects us through shared winter traditions. It reminds us of laughter, games, and cold days made warm by friends. Wearing it shows support for teamwork and togetherness!
Carnival Button
Designed by Walden Public School Gr 5 student Violet, this year’s button theme reminds us that our athletes are about to compete in the XXV Winter Olympics. Wally is going for the Gold! Thanks to Violet for this amazing design. Buttons are available the week of January 6th at Walden area retailers.
Foor and Special Events
Saturday and Sunday, enjoy affordable breakfast and lunch at the Arena hall, prepared and served by volunteers to the benefit of local charities. Sno cones and cotton candy are for sale at the Arena lobby.
We’re looking for volunteers!
5000+
2025 Attendance
3000+
Volunteer hours
We lost track!
Coffees consumed
A word from carnival fans
Wally’s Memory Wall
Check out photos of past carnivals!
Our Community
Lively, in the heart of Walden (in the west of the City of Greater Sudbury) is a small town with a strong sense of community. Local activities like the Walden Winter Carnival, and the Fall Fair bring people together throughout the year.
Residents enjoy events like festivals, sports leagues, and community fundraisers, with schools and local groups playing a big role in organizing activities.
Our community spirit is a big part of what makes Walden and Lively special.
Thank You to Our Valued Sponsors!
