Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg comes alive with Christmas lights, acts of kindness, and unique holiday traditions during the holiday season. There are lots of special activities, fun, jolly holiday feelings all around, and a strong sense of community. Winnipeg is always a special place during winter.
For over a century, the city has been kicking off the holiday season with the Santa Claus Parade. Thousands of people attend the magical parade every year; a sea of moving lights, sounds, and colors. This year, on November 18th, Santa made his way down Portage Avenue from Main Street to Memorial Boulevard. There were block parties, excited, happy little kids everywhere, the whole crowd was in a frenzy.
Here's how you can celebrate the holiday season in the city, alone, or with your friends and family:
Concerts and Shows
Bad Hats Theatre presents Narnia in collaboration with Manitoba Theatre for Young People. This holiday musical adventure is based on C.S. Lewis’s “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.” It is a cute fantasy story that many young children will surely love. (Manitoba Theatre for Young People; Dec. 1 - Dec. 23.)
Candlelight Concerts are still going strong in Winnipeg! This time, for a holiday special at the chateau, the performers will bring on the festive spirit featuring the Nutcracker. These concerts are always an immersive experience transporting you to where you allow the music to take you - a must-see. (The Fort Garry Hotel; Dec. 20)
Attending the ballet is a truly magical event. And what is a more magical time of the year than Christmas time? The Royal Winnipeg Ballet will present its twist on this holiday classic, the Nutcracker, with a flawless choreography from Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon, and a glorious score by Tchaikovsky. (Centennial Concert Hall; Dec. 21 - Dec. 30.)
Beautiful Christmas Lights
The Zoo Lights at Assiniboine Park is an annual holiday installation and it is a locals' favorite. Walk through this winter wonderland to take in the beautiful Christmas light displays, and enjoy some cozy snacks and jolly live entertainment. It's the perfect outdoor date for the holiday season. You can take a picture with Santa, play fun games like ladder toss, encounter winter characters, or simply enjoy a nice romantic walk under the pretty lights. (Assiniboine Park Zoo; Nov. 24 - Jan. 7.)
This winter wonderland is Manitoba’s longest drive-through light display, with 2.5 kilometers of lights to drive through. If you want to enjoy some fresh air, there's open-air skating. You can also hang out by the food trucks as you warm up with yummy snacks and beverages. (Red River Exhibition; Dec. 1 - Jan. 6.)
Food & Drink
Celebrate the festive season with a few Christmas-y drinks at the Jolly Gnome bar, a pop-up bar at one of Winnipeg's most centrally located hotels. Their menu comprises seven jolly drinks to choose from. Seating on a first come first serve basis. The bar is ️open from 4 to 9 pm, and it's within walking distance from many fine-dining restaurants and trendy bars including Hy's Steakhouse, Bailey's Restaurant, Earl's Kitchen + Bar, the Mitchell Block, Darling Bar, and of course, the Fairmont's very own Velvet Glove Restaurant and The Lounge. (The Fairmont Hotel, Nov. 14 until Dec. 22)
The Metropolitan Entertainment Center is proud to present its Dinner & Movie program featuring Christmas movies, its Signature Buffet Dinner, and hot buttered popcorn. The movie selection includes classics such as White Christmas, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Miracle on 34th Street. (The Metropolitan Entertainment Center; Dec. 9 - Dec. 21.)
This is a holiday pop-up bar, setting up shop on the Mezzanine level of The Fort Garry Hotel for the month. Pop by from 5 to 10 pm for a festive drink on December 21 -23, and December 28-30. The bar will require reservations as seats are very limited. There are more than five great restaurants and bars within a five-minute walk, such as the Keg Steakhouse + Bar, Capital Grill & Bar, La Roca, the Friskee Pearl, including, the Fort Garry's own Oval Room Brasserie, and the Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club. (Fort Garry Hotel; Dec. 21)
New Year Celebrations
This is the Hargrave St. Market NYE Party, also known as Winnipeg's biggest New Year's Eve Party. There will be cocktails, entertainment, and music by DJ Nugget and DJ Osky. (Hargrave Market, Dec. 31)
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Little Brown Jug. They have a very exciting lineup of DJs including STIX, ZANZ, SHAEL, and WAKER. (Little Brown Jug, Dec. 31)
Kick-off 2024 with a day full of winter activities with the whole family at the Forks. Start with breakfast or brunch at one of the many restaurants and vendors at the market, and enjoy performances throughout the day. There will be skating, snowshoeing, and skiing. There will be yoga and workouts, crafts, board games, and more. (The Forks, Jan. 1)
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