The air is crisper; the lights twinkle a little brighter. As the days shorten and sweater weather turns to winter coat season, downtown Winnipeg proves there’s no shortage of wintertime activities to enjoy—both inside and out. Mark your calendar for these nine festive events!
First Fridays
The first Friday of every month | The Exchange District
Enjoy gallery openings, dig into conversation with local artists, and finish the night off with some of downtown Winnipeg’s best edible delicacies.
There are two ways to enjoy First Fridays in the exchange. You can venture off on a self-guided tour, where you can wander around the Exchange District to check out galleries and explore the area’s shops.
Or, if you prefer a more immersive option, you can take the Art Talk/Art Walk. With the art talk/art walk you get to experience a delicious dinner and a moderated talk by several local artists. On top of all that you also get a guided tour of galleries and studios! To purchase tickets, email wfpnewscafe@gmail.com or phone (204) 421–0682.
Downtown Indoor Farmers’ Market
November to May | 10 am to 3 pm | 333 St. Mary Avenue
Missed this event during the summer? Have no fear, because this popular Farmers’ Market has moved indoors to the Cityplace Shopping Center! This is a great winter event to grab local vegetables and fruits, baking, preserves, crafts and jewelry. I love hitting up this market for my favourite winter vegetables and some of the best Christmas decorations in town.
The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert
November 30th | Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street
Are you still mourning Halloween but desperately want to get in the Holiday spirit? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas has found a new form as a live concert at the home of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. This family-friendly event will put a spooky sparkle into your dreary November night. During the show, the film is projected onto a huge screen above the stage. Nestled below, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will perform movie’s score live.
The Santa Shuffle
December 7th | The Forks CN Stage
This joyful event is a great way to kick off the holiday season, while making a difference! The Santa Shuffle, an annual 5km Fun-Run, and the 1km Elf Walk start at the Forks CN Stage. The best part is that the proceeds from Santa Shuffle support local Salvation Army initiatives in Winnipeg. Whether you run, walk, or prance, this joyful event is for all ages and all fitness levels.
Register at Santashuffle.ca!
Christmas Lights Tours
December 17th to 20th | 1 Forks Market Road
Take a tour through Winnipeg’s hotspots for Christmas lights, including Candy Cane Lane, Polar Bear Lane, and Nutcracker Street. There will also be opportunities to win festive prizes by playing Christmas Light Bingo and trivia.
Tickets are $26 plus taxes; call (204) 989-9630 to book.
The Nutcracker
December 22nd | Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street
Join young Clara in her fairytale reverie through glittering winter landscapes as an enchanted nutcracker becomes a valiant soldier, the mischievous Mouse King wreaks havoc, and the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy holds court in an exotic land. This play is one of the most magical holiday traditions for Winnipeggers. I remember attending The Nutcracker every holiday season as a child. I love how the Centennial Concert Hall mixes a holiday classic with the iconic sounds of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
I highly recommend taking a child with you. There’s nothing more special than seeing the sparkle in their eyes as they intensely watch the magic on stage.
RAW: Almond
January to February 2020 | 1 Forks Market Road
RAW: Almond is an annual pop-up restaurant that serves delicious multi-course meals. Prepared by some of Winnipeg’s finest chefs, dishes are served on long communal tables along the frozen Assiniboine River. Don’t miss the chance to experience this great culinary event. Although tickets seem pricey, the experience is worth every penny.
Tickets usually run between $58.00 to $195.00.
Hit up the River Trail
Wanting to save some cash so you can spoil your loved ones? Experience a beloved Winnipeg tradition and skate, walk, run or sled your way along the river trail! If you start at the Forks, grab a seasoned drink or delicious hot chocolate from Thom Bargen to warm you up on your travels. If you don’t have your own skates, stop at Iceland Skate Rentals for affordable rentals.
Have we missed one of your favourite wintertime events? Let us know in the comments!