Despite the extra layers and our shovels working overtime, we must admit a white Christmas is much more appealing than a green one.
Now if only Winnipeggers would remember how to drive after that first bit of snowfall 😔
In today’s issue:
The Heritage Classic returns to Winnipeg
Bold new plans to boost downtown
The Forks reveals new warming huts
Waltz of the cafes
And more …
Let’s go!
— Ryan Bowman
WEATHER FORECAST
Wednesday, Dec. 10
🌡️ High -13 Low -18 ❄️ Periods of light snow
Thursday, Dec. 11
🌡️ High -13 Low -20 ☁️ Mostly cloudy with chance of flurries overnight
Friday, Dec. 12
🌡️ High -19 Low -24 ☀️ Sunny
TALK OF THE TOWN
Hot ticket coming to town 🎟️
Ten years after hosting our first-ever Heritage Classic (a 3-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers in front of 33,240 fans), Winnipeg will be home to another outdoor NHL game in 2026.
Next Oct. 25, the Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens will hit the ice at Princess Auto Stadium in an all-Canadian matchup that promises to draw a huge crowd — Jets and Habs fans alike.
Eats and beats: BIZ aims to revive downtown 🏙️
At its annual general meeting last week, the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ laid out its bold new plan to boost the core. The three-year strategy is aimed at making downtown safer, livelier and more fun, all while boosting business for local shops and restaurants.
A few of the specific ideas brought forward were live music and entertainment in the skywalk, a new winter dining experience, expanded community cleanups, and Downtown’s Got Talent — a community showcase for Manitoba artists in public spaces.
“Moving our downtown forward is not easy work, and we need to make sure we take care of the spaces and the people in between, while transformational projects continue to take shape over the next few years. By working together, I truly believe we can shape the downtown we all want to see.”
Art meets ice: The Forks reveals this winter’s warming huts ❄️
One of Winnipeg’s coolest winter traditions is back. After reviewing more than 200 global submissions, The Forks has revealed six new warming huts that will grace the Nestaweya River Trail this season.
The selections include three official competition winners, along with designs by invited artist Franziska Agrawal of Germany, a group of Grade 7 students from Bison Run School, and the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture.
Take a look at the designs below and be sure to check them out IRL in the near future!
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.
Waltz of the Cafes ☕
A collaboration between the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and some local coffee shops is adding a little extra magic to the holiday season. Inspired by the RWB’s upcoming production of the Nutcracker (Dec. 19-23 and 26-27), 11 local cafes are serving up festive bevvies and giving you a chance to win tickets to a show.
Participating coffee shops include Frenchway Cafe, MAKE / Coffee + Stuff, Le Croissant, Oh Doughnuts, Mondays Cafe, Fools & Horses, Dirty Sodas, Cafe Postal, Sam’s Place, Parlour Coffee and Mas Coffee Co.
Something sweet is coming 🍪
Hot on the heels of Jimmy Johns opening a trio of locations in Winnipeg (to extremely mixed reviews, we might add), another popular American chain is rumoured to be setting up shop in the city. According to its website, the cookie company Crumbl has a pair of locations listed in Winnipeg — one in the Crossroads shopping centre on Regent and the other at Seasons of Tuxedo.
SMALL BIZ SPOTLIGHT
Want to see your small business (or your favourite small business) featured here? Reach out to [email protected]
SPORTS
Bombers back at it in June 📅
Only a few weeks removed from the 2025 Grey Cup, the CFL has released its schedule for next season.
The hometown Winnipeg Blue Bombers will kick off their 2026 season against the Stampeders in Calgary on June 5, with their home opener scheduled for June 11 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Other notable games include the Labour Day Classic in Regina on Sept. 6, the Banjo Bowl at Princess Auto Stadium on Sept. 12, and the team’s annual Orange Shirt Game on Sept. 25. Check out their full schedule here.
Bombers extend receiver 🏈
Also in Bombers news, the team has tacked another two years onto Ontaria Wilson’s contract. The wide receiver, who put up 382 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season (plus one in the playoffs), has signed a two-year extension that will keep him with the club through 2028.
Goldeyes resign MVP ⚾️
The Winnipeg Goldeyes will have their top player from last season back in the lineup. Infielder Ramon Bramasco, who had a .289 batting average, seven homeruns, 51 RBIs and 108 hits, resigned with the club on Monday.
EXPERIENCE LOCAL
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.
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 through Dec. 28, while The Lightning Thief plays at MTYP until 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. 10
Vivian Morningstar x FLora Wellness Sanctuary present Sound Under the Stars, a meditative soundbath experience. 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Manitoba Museum Planetarium
Sing some Christmas carols (without judgment!) at The Handsome Daughter’s One-Day Choir. 6 pm to 9 pm at 61 Sherbrook St.
John Ljungberg headlines the Humour and Humanity Comedy Benefit Show at the Nor-Villa Motor Hotel. 8 pm to 9:30 pm at 1763 Henderson Hwy.
Thursday, Dec. 11
Get your shop on at the last Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market of the year. 10 am to 2 pm at 333 St. Mary Ave (City Place)
The Sam Singer/Songwriter hour and open mic at Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club. 8:30 pm to 11 pm at 234 Main St.
Friday, Dec. 12
Dance the night away at Must Be The Place’s first annual Queer Snow Ball. 10:30 pm to 2:30 am at 484 Stradbrook Ave.
Catch comedian Hassan Phills at Yuk Yuk’s. 7 pm at the Fort Garry Hotel
Have some laughs and get access to Patent 5’s secret barrel room at the Good Spirits Comedy Show. 8 pm to 9:30 pm at 108 Alexander Ave.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Unleash your creativity with soap stone carving at The Forks. 10 am to 2 pm in the Forks Market Atrium
Catch comedian Hassan Phills at Yuk Yuk’s. 7 pm and 9:30 pm at the Fort Garry Hotel
Explore the Dalnavert Museum at a Very Merry Second Saturday. 10 am to 4 pm at 61 Carlton St.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Enjoy free entry at the WAG, where you can make festive cards, sip on hot chocolate, and check out their new kid-friendly Staycation Impression Station. 11 am to 5 pm at 300 Memorial Blvd.
Experience tranquility in a taproom at Kilter’s Beer + Yoga Flow. 11:30 am at 450 Rue Deschambault
The Gayest Christmas Movie Night Ever at Little Brown Jug. 5 pm to 10 pm at 336 William Ave.
Monday, Dec. 15
Led by the founders of Hustle + Charm and Milksmith, Sweet Reads Book Club inspires growth, sparks innovative thinking and fuels meaningful conversations about entrepreneurship for ambitious women. 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at 651 Corydon Ave.
Catch comedian Jake Lambert at the Park Theatre. 8 pm at 698 Osborne St.
Mix and mingle at the Manitoba Environment and Climate NGOs Holiday Party. 5 pm to 7 pm at The Forks Market
Roll into Damecca Lounge for their sushi making workshop. 6 pm at 305 Madison St.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
One ticket, one beer, two movies: get your nostalgia on with Sookram’s double feature night (Die Hard and Bad Santa) at the Park Theatre. 7 pm at 698 Osborne St.
Get sweaty at the Rooted in Rhythm pop-up workout at Createful Spaces. 6:30 pm to 9 pm at 359 McDermot Ave.
Enjoy champagne and charcuterie while creating a lovely arrangement at the Winter Greens floristry workshop. 7 pm yo 9 pm at 1360 Taylor Ave.
Create your own cozy chunky blanket at Saffron’s. 6 pm to 9 pm at 681 Corydon Ave.
Shake things up at Patent 5’s whiskey cocktail class. 7 pm to 9 pm at 108 Alexander Ave.
To submit future event listings, shoot us an email at [email protected]
LIVE MUSIC 🎵
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Thursday, Dec. 11
Friday, Dec. 12
Saturday, Dec. 13
Sunday, Dec. 14
To submit future live music listings, shoot us an email at [email protected]
PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📷
COMMUNITY CORNER 💕
Huge news for the West End Cultural Centre this week, as it raised more than $70,000. The arts and culture hub recently reached out to community members, stating that it was experiencing cash flow problems — and asking for help.
The donations, which totaled plenty more than the centre typically receives in an entire year, will go towards building upgrades and keeping the doors open.
ICYMI 👀
A local man has been keeping his brother’s memory alive by donating his books across 100 Little Libraries around the city. Watch the video here.
That’s a wrap! Stay warm, drive safe and happy holiday shopping!