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Compiled by the Road Trip Manitoba team
Last updated on November 17, 2023
The most wonderful time of the year? We think so! The holiday season is a time to celebrate, reflect, and enjoy time with those you love. And with Winnipeg being such a snowy winter wonderland, it’s the perfect backdrop for Christmas events!
If you’re like us, you love taking advantage of the season’s many things to do, including theatre, volunteering, markets, Santa visits, concerts, parades, light displays, and so much more. We’ve rounded up the top things to do in Winnipeg in Christmas, no matter what you’re after. We’ve included links to buy tickets (where possible) and we highly suggest doing so as soon as you can… Christmas events in Winnipeg sell out quickly!
Land Acknowledgements
Winnipeg is located on Treaty No. 1, the original lands and waters of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininiwak, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation.
Things to Do at Christmas in Winnipeg
Christmas Lights in Winnipeg
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
When: December 1st, 2023 to January 6th, 2024
Where: Red River Exhibition, 3977 Portage Ave
Visit Manitoba’s longest drive-through light display! With 2.5 kilometres of lights to see from the comfort of your own car, there’s also skating, food trucks, and more.
Zoo Lights
When: November 24th, 2023 to January 7th, 2024 – 5pm to 10pm (11pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: Assiniboine Park Zoo, 2595 Roblin Boulevard
The Holiday magic is back at Zoo Lights in Assiniboine Park Zoo! Wander through a winter wonderland and enjoy beautiful light displays, live entertainment, delicious snacks, and endless cheer.
Where to See Santa in Winnipeg
Santa Claus Parade
When: November 18th
Where: Along Portage Avenue
Established in 1909, the Santa Claus Parade is Winnipeg’s longest-running free community event. Bundle up to see Santa and lots of other floats in this parade!
Visit with Santa at CF Polo Park
When: November 17th to December 24th
Where: Polo Park Shopping Centre, 1485 Portage Ave
Come greet Santa and have your holiday photos taken at the CF Polo Park shopping mall.
Book your photo with Santa time slot here
Santa Magic Photo Experience at Kildonan Place
When: November 17th to December 24th
Where: Kildonan Place, 1555 Regent Ave W
Meet Santa at Kildonan Place for your holiday photos. Bonus: there are pet photos available, as well as sensory-friendly Santa photos!
Visit Santa at St. Vital Centre
When: November 17th to December 24th
Where: St. Vital Centre
Visit the Enchanted Forest to meet Santa and see his sleigh. There are also sensory-friendly photos available, as well as events such as Storytime with Santa, Ugly Sweater parties, and more.
Christmas Concerts in Winnipeg
Candlelight Concerts
When: Throughout December
Where: Various locations
Candlelight Concerts have been a huge hit in Winnipeg! Enjoy a string quartet while surrounded by thousands of candles. In December, enjoy concerts such as A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Nutcracker, and more.
For tickets and info, click here
Christmas with The Tenors
When: December 1st
Where: Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Ave W
Canada’s most beloved vocal group, The Tenors, bring back your favourite holiday tradition with their Christmas music.
A Prairie Christmas with The Nadeau Ensemble
When: December 5th
Where: Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Ave W
One of Canada’s most beloved holiday music ensembles is back with harp, cello, harmonium, hurdy gurdy & more.
Jess Moskaluke
When: December 7th
Where: Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Ave W
An Evening of Christmas Classics from Moskaluke’s ‘Small Town Christmas’ Album, plus the hits.
Winnipeg Pops Orchestra Christmas Concert
When: December 7th
Where: Lutheran Church of the Cross, 560 Arlington Street
Enjoy holiday favorites like Christmas Festival, Skater’s Waltz, Sleigh Ride, Huron Carol, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Advent & Beyond, Silent Night, and more.
Serena Ryder: Merry Myths Tour
When: December 8th
Where: Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Ave W
Join Serena Ryder in celebrating both cherished and contemporary Christmas classics!
JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday Show
When: December 8th
Where: Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith St
This family-friendly event is filled to the brim with musicians, Christmas lights, and good cheer.
Amero Little Christmas
When: December 9th
Where: Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith St
Burton Cummings Theatre is excited to welcome back Don Amero for his third annual Amero Little Christmas! The concert is a new take on a classic Christmas variety show, and is fun for the whole family.
A Holiday Circus Spectacular: A Christmas Rockstory
When: December 12th
Where: Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith St
A Christmas RockStory is an electrifying stage show featuring award-winning acrobats, aerialists, daredevils, and circus performers, all backdropped by a rockin’ holiday soundtrack.
Rockin’ Elvis Christmas with Rory Allen
When: December 15th
Where: Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Ave W
Rory Allen and his fabulous 11-piece band will Rock you into the holidays with Christmas and Vegas hits of the King!
Red Moon Road – Simple Kind of Christmas
When: December 16th
Where: West End Cultural Centre, 586 Ellice Avenue
Join this iconic Canadian band for a concert you won’t soon forget.
Keeping the Spirit: A Ukrainian Christmas Celebration
When: December 16th
Where: Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre, 711 Jefferson Avenue
Through music, dance, and traditions, “Keeping the Spirit” is an original production that will fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas.
Fred Penner
When: December 17th
Where: Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith St
Everyone loves Fred Penner! Join Winnipeg’s own musical legend as he performs A Concert for the Season.
Crash Test Dummies: Jingle All the Way
When: December 21st
Where: Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Ave W
Touring with their record, ‘Jingle All the Way’ for the first time, expect a bit of delightful holiday camp and irony afoot.
Christmas Markets in Winnipeg
Third & Bird Christmas Market
When: November 17-19th
Where: Red River Exhibition, 3977 Portage Ave
With over 170 makers, bring your shopping spirit to the biggest Third & Bird Christmas Market yet.
One Sixteen Holiday Market
When: December 1st-3rd
Where: One Sixteen Courtyard, 116 Sherbrook Street
Make your way to this European-inspired holiday market, complete with Good Neighbour Brewing beverages, singalong carols, Christmas chili, music, Santa, and much more.
LuckyGirl Holiday Pop Up
When: December 10th
Where: Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street
Celebrate and support over 120 local makers at this season’s LuckyGirl holiday POP UP EVE. This event gathers a diverse and talented collective of artisans, designers, and tastemakers to share and sell their incredible goods this holiday season. One of the best Christmas markets in Winnipeg, hands down.
Christmas Theatre in Winnipeg
Narnia
When: December 1st to 23rd
Where: Manitoba Theatre for Young People, 2 Forks Market Rd
This family-friendly show is a musical adaptation of the beloved C.S. Lewis novel.
It’s a Wonderful Life
When: December 14th-17th
Where: Kilcona Park Alliance Church, 1977 Norris Road
Based on the beloved 1946 film, this musical faithfully follows George Bailey’s life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointment.
Outside Joke’s A Christmas Carol: Big Dickens Energy
When: December 12th to 23rd
Where: Prairie Theatre Exchange, 393 Portage Ave #300
The classic tale of redemption as you’ve never seen it before, all from the genius minds of musical improv troupe, Outside Joke.
The Nutcracker
When: December 21st to 30th
Where: Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street
Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker presented by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is a Winnipeg Christmas tradition.
Other Christmas Things to Do in Winnipeg
Pancake Breakfast with Santa
When: November 25th and 26th
Where: Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, 5925 Hwy 9, St Andrews
Head just outside of Winnipeg to dine alongside Santa on a delicious breakfast buffet of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns. Afterwards, a holiday backdrop will be set up take your photos with Santa, and there’s a small Christmas market, too.
Photos with the Grinch
When: December 9th
Where: St. Mary’s Nursery and Garden Centre, 2901 St Mary’s Rd
For something a bit different, get your photo taken with the Grinch this Christmas! Smiles optional. All money donated to local children’s charities.
Holiday Dinner and a Movie
When: Various dates
Where: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre, 281 Donald St
Choose from White Christmas, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, or Miracle on 34th Street alongside a buffet dinner at the Met.
Check out their website for dates and tickets.
Looking for more festive things to do in Winnipeg? Here are some suggestions:
- Check out all of these awesome activities and events during winter in Winnipeg
- If you’re going to be in the city on December 31st, you also might want to check out these New Year’s Eve in Winnipeg events.
- Visit the Hargrave Street Market
- Treat Yourself to One of Winnipeg’s Best Spas
- Have Brunch at One of These Best Winnipeg Breakfast Spots
Brenna Holeman (she/her) has adventured to over 100 countries but is incredibly proud to call Winnipeg home. Brenna spent 16 years travelling solo around the world, living in Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Osaka, Antigua, and London, England. Once a writer and editor for Expedia UK, she is a co-founder of Road Trip Manitoba and also runs This Battered Suitcase, one of the most trusted and respected travel blogs in the world.
