WPG Pennant Weekly

Happy Wednesday! Christmas is officially three weeks away and we finally have some snow — all is well in Winnipeg!

In today’s issue:

Parking ban in effect
Holiday festivities at the Fairmont
Hot Beverage Week
An exclusive promo code
And more …

Let’s go!

— Ryan Bowman

WEATHER FORECAST

Wednesday, Dec. 3

🌡️ High -16 Low -20 ☀️ Mostly sunny

Thursday, Dec. 4

🌡️ High -10 Low -13 ❄️ Periods of snow

Friday, Dec. 5

🌡️ High -10 Low -19 ⛅ Mix of sun and cloud

TALK OF THE TOWN

Winter parking ban now in effect ❄️

Talk about perfect timing. Just as we receive our first bit of snow, the city’s seasonal parking ban took effect at 2 a.m. this morning. Parking is now prohibited on designated streets from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. (snow or not), with tickets starting at $75 and the possibility of a tow.

Find out if the ban applies to where you’re parking by: downloading the Know Your Zone app, searching the city’s interactive snow map, using the online address lookup tool or contacting 311.

Own a slice of ice ⛸️

In addition to skating, walking and cycling on The Forks’ iconic Nestaweya River Trail this winter, you can help build it. With a charitable gift of $50 to the Forks’ Foundation, you can “adopt” one metre of the trail, with proceeds going towards construction and maintenance.

Donate here.

Stage set for major upgrades at MTYP 🎭

Thanks to another $250,000 from the feds, the Manitoba Theatre for Young People will see some serious upgrades in the near future. The funding, which compliments a $500,000 commitment earlier this year as part of MTYP’s $9-million capital campaign, will be put towards adding a second performance venue, upgrading equipment and improving accessibility. Renovations are expected to be finished by the end of 2025.

FOOD & DRINK

Get festive at the Fairmont 🎄

Thanks to its traditional pop-ups and festive decor, the Fairmont Hotel has long been synonymous with the holidays in Winnipeg — and this year is no different. Sip into the spirit of the season with cocktails at their Jolly Gnome pop-up or get your Grinch on with the Humbug Afternoon Tea.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Shop small, support local, save money 🤑

Instead of the news stories we typically post in this section, we decided it was the perfect time to give our readers (aka YOU!) a special holiday discount on all things We Heart Winnipeg.

So from now until Friday at midnight, you’ll get 20% off all online orders 🙌

Just visit our website, load up on gifts and stocking stuffers (the discount applies to EVERYTHING!) and use promo code WPGPENNANT at checkout.

Please note that this discount applies to online orders only and expires at midnight this Friday, Dec. 5.

Thanks in advance for supporting local and Happy Shopping!

SMALL BIZ SPOTLIGHT

Want to see your small business (or your favourite small business) featured here? Reach out to [email protected]

SPORTS

Sea Bears score off the court 🏀

After 11 years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, local marketing and communications maven Rheanne Marcoux will be joining the Winnipeg Sea Bears. Her role as Chief Brand and Experience Officer starts Jan. 1.

Jets continue to struggle ✈️

Following a 5-1 blowout loss in Buffalo on Monday night, the Winnipeg Jets have fallen to 13-12 overall and out of the current playoff picture. Less than a year removed from their Presidents Trophy-winning season as the league’s top team, the start is far from what the franchise — and its fans — expected. Can they right the ship tonight in Montreal?

Goldeyes resign rightie ⚾️

James Bradwell will be back with the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The right-handed starting pitcher, who went 1-3 with an ERA of 4.61 for the team in 2025, is now the fifth Goldeye under contract for next season.

EXPERIENCE LOCAL

Hot Beverage Week ☕

Cozy up with a variety of signature festive beverages — from creative hot chocolates and merry mochas to boozy matchas and spirited cocktails — at 17 local hot spots in the Exchange District. Hot Beverage Week runs from Dec. 1-7.

Here we glow again ✨

One of the city’s most highly-anticipated holiday traditions is back. Zoo Lights is back at Assiniboine Park Zoo until Jan. 1, transforming the zoo into a glowing winter wonderland with over 1.75 million lights, interactive games, firepits, snowshoeing, hot chocolate, and new features like the Enchanted Jungle and a scavenger hunt.

Special nights include a Sensory Night (Dec. 3) with lowered light/musical intensity and a New Year’s Eve bash (Dec. 31).

Winter(peg) Wonderland 🎄

If you’d prefer to see some sparkly lights without leaving the comfort of your vehicle, there’s also Canad Inn’s Winter Wonderland at Red River Exhibition Park (Nov. 28 to Jan. 3). In addition to over 2 million twinkling lights, over 40 new light displays and a few other surprises await you along the 2.5-kilometre route.

You can also plan for outdoor photo ops, outdoor skating and food stands serving up warm drinks and tasty treats.

Get cultured 🎭

There are plenty of arts events to check out over the holiday season, including a number of exhibits at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, performances at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and the Manitoba Museum’s presentation of I Belong Here. Elf The Musical also runs at Manitoba Theatre Company from Nov. 25 through Dec. 28 while The Lightning Thief plays at MTYP from Dec. 5 through Dec. 28.

Seeing stars 🌟

If science is more your thing, there are also some stellar shows taking place at the Planetarium over the next while. Check out the full schedule here.

LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS 📅

Wednesday, Dec. 3

All aboard! The CPKC Holiday Train makes its annual stop in Winnipeg to raise money for food insecurity. This year’s performers are Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse. 9:15 pm to 9:45 pm at Panet Road and Molson Street
Chat about all things environment at ECO-DRINKS, a casual evening of drinks and conversation hosted by the Manitoba Eco-Network. 5 pm to 7 pm at Devil May Care Brewing Co.
Family Paint Party with local artist Monique Rainville. 7 pm to 9 pm at Coffee Culture Cafe and Eatery

Thursday, Dec. 4

Queer Jingle Mingle featuring Santa Baby Drag Show, small batch Gaytorade, holiday cocktails (and mocktails), and dancing at Good Neighbour Brewing. 8 pm to 12 am at 110 Sherbrook St.
New Faces of Stand-Up Comedy at Club Happenings. 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm 114-B Osborne St.
Sip and Paint: create your own Holiday postcard with local artist Jessica Neubauer at Two Macaws Concept Store. 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at 68-B Albert St.
The School of Contemporary Dancers’ Professional Program presents Exchange Projects featuring new choreography and an all-student cast at Gas Station Art Centre. 7:30 pm at 445 River Ave.
Make your own wreath at Dalnavert Museum. 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at 61 Carlton St.

Friday, Dec. 5

Markets, music, art and more at First Fridays in the Exchange. Check out the full lineup here
Join Manitoba Mobile Music at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church as they perform Handel’s beloved oratorio at Messiah Queered. 7 pm to 9:30 at 600 Cambridge St.
The Reset: immerse yourself in the sound of 14 crystal bowls, deep meditation, restorative yoga and some healing touch at the Harlow Exchange. 6:30 pm to 9 pm at 200-70 Albert St.
Opening Night of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at MTYP. 7 pm at 2 Forks Market Rd.
The School of Contemporary Dancers’ Professional Program presents Exchange Projects featuring new choreography and an all-student cast at Gas Station Art Centre. 7:30 pm at 445 River Ave.
Mulvey Holiday Night Market. 5 pm to 9 pm at 421 Mulvey Ave. E

Saturday, Dec. 6

Sip and support local at Good Neighbour Brewing’s Local Maker Market. 2 pm to 6 pm at 110 Sherbrook St.
Viva Manitoba Festival at the West End Cultural Centre. 8 pm to 11 pm at 586 Ellice Ave.
Join Wab Kinew and members of the legislative assembly to celebrate the holidays at the Legislative Building Holiday Open House. 11 am at 450 Broadway
The School of Contemporary Dancers’ Professional Program presents Exchange Projects featuring new choreography and an all-student cast at Gas Station Art Centre. 7:30 pm at 445 River Ave.
Breakfast with Santa and a Wackydoodle Dance Party. 9 am to 12:30 pm at 90 Ashland Ave.
Christmas Movie Trivia Night with The Reel Debaters Podcast at Little Brown Jug. 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at 336 William Ave.
Christmas Craft Market at Dalnavert Museum. 11 am to 4 pm at 61 Carlton St.
Glenwood Community Centre Christmas Market. 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at 27 Overton St.
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert at the Centennial Concert Hall. 7:30 pm at 555 Main St.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Brunch with Santa at The Leaf. 9 am to 1:30 pm at the Leaf Event Hall
Groove and munch at The Funky Brunch — delicious bites and funky vibes at James Avenue Pumphouse. 11 am to 3:30 pm at 2-109 James Ave.
Breathe, reflect and restore at Breathwork with Cas’ sound bath workshop. 6 pm to 7 pm at 66 King St.
The School of Contemporary Dancers’ Professional Program presents Exchange Projects featuring new choreography and an all-student cast at Gas Station Art Centre. 7:30 pm at 445 River Ave.
Shop and swap for the holidays at This Must Be The Place’s Holiday Market and Clothing Swap. 12 pm to 8 pm at 484 Stradbrook Ave.
Sip and support local at Good Neighbour Brewing’s Local Maker Market. 12 pm to 4 pm at 110 Sherbrook St.
Dinner and a Movie: Home Alone at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre. 4 pm at 281 Donald St.
Nutcracker Dreams - Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Christmas Open House at the Ukrainian National Federation. 2 pm to 5 pm at 935 Main St.
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert at the Centennial Concert Hall. 2 pm at 555 Main St.
Girls Brunchmas at the Park Theatre. 10 am to 1 pm at 698 Osborne St.
The Veiled Raven Presents A Yuletide Artisan Market at the Deer Lodge Community Centre. 11 am to 5 pm at 323 Bruce Ave.

Monday, Dec. 8

Roll into Damecca Lounge for their sushi making workshop. 6 pm at 305 Madison St.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Trivia Night at Kilter Brewing Co. 7:30 pm to 10 pm at 450 rue Deschambault
Nature Manitoba presents an introduction to zebra mussels as an aquatic invasive species. 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at 1750 Grosvenor Ave.

To submit future event listings, shoot us an email at [email protected]

LIVE MUSIC 🎵