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Compiled by the Road Trip Manitoba team
Last updated on November 26, 2022
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 2nd, 2022 to January 7th, 2023
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.
Lights of the North
When: November 25th to December 31st
Where: Garden City Shopping Centre, 2305 McPhillips St
Enjoy this indoor light festival with Santa’s sleigh, interactive games, a hanging light forest, and so much more.
Zoo Lights
When: December 1st, 2022 to January 8th, 2023 – 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! 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 19th
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 19th 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 18th 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!
Santa Magic Photo Experience at Grant Park
When: November 25th to December 24th
Where: Grant Park Shopping Centre, 1120 Grant Ave
Meet Santa and get all of your Christmas photos this holiday season.
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.
Christmas Concerts in Winnipeg
Rockin’ Elvis Christmas with Rory Allen
When: December 2nd
Where: Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Ave W
Rory Allen and his terrific 11-piece band will thrill you with Christmas and Vegas hits of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
A Flicker of Light on a Winter’s Night
When: December 4th
Where: Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street
Join the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for a fun-filled afternoon of music perfect for the entire family, which also includes an “instrument petting zoo”, conducting station, and more.
Stories, Songs, and Santa Causes with Tom Jackson
When: December 6th
Where: My Church Winnipeg, 955 Wilkes Avenue
Join beloved actor and master storyteller Tom Jackson for an evening of Christmas celebration.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
When: December 8th and 15th
Where: West End Cultural Centre, 586 Ellice Ave
“With shoes too tight and a heart 2 sizes too small, he can’t play jazz, he can’t swing at all. But whatever the reason, his heart or his shoes, even the Grinch can feel the blues.” The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra presents The Grinch Who Stole Christmas in this extra special event!
Terri Clark – It’s Christmas… Cheers!
When: December 9th
Where: Club Regent Casino, 1425 Regent Ave W
This beloved Canadian country singer promises to put on a show full of familiar hits and holiday favourites.
A Colorful Christmas Tour
When: December 11th
Where: Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive
The Color and An Unexpected End are heading out on tour to spread some Christmas cheer. Join them for a family-friendly night of worship, fun, and familiar Christmas music.
Barenaked Ladies: Hometown Holidays
When: December 12th
Where: Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith St
Join this beloved Canadian band as they play some of their fan holiday favourites. Guaranteed to be a good evening!
Amero Little Christmas
When: December 17th
Where: Burton Cummings Theatre, 364 Smith St
Between the witty banter, lots of laughs, heartfelt music, and inspiring stories, Amero Little Christmas is an experience for the whole family; it’s a modern take on a classic variety show.
Handel’s Messiah
When: December 17th
Where: Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main St
Join the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for this Christmas tradition of a classic piece.
Christmas Eve with Andit Okbay
When: December 24th
Where: Infinity Ultra Lounge and Bar, 279 Garry St
Celebrate this year’s Christmas Eve with the talented Andit Okbay and his fantastic Eritrean music.
Christmas Markets in Winnipeg
Third & Bird Christmas Market
When: November 18-20th
Where: Red River Exhibition, 3977 Portage Ave
With over 170 makers, bring your shopping spirit to the biggest Third & Bird Christmas Market yet.
Holiday Bazaar
When: November 27th
Where: Centenniel Concert Hall, 555 Main Street
Shop for all of your Christmas gifts in the lobby of the Centennial Concert Hall from over 80 vendors. Also enjoy the live DJ!
LuckyGirl Holiday Pop Up Eve
When: December 9th
Where: Centenniel Concert Hall, 555 Main Street
Celebrate and support over 120 local makers at this seasons 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
A Charlie Brown Double Bill
When: December 2nd to 23rd
Where: Manitoba Theatre for Young People, 2 Forks Market Rd
This family-friendly show combines your two Peanuts favourites: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
God is a Scottish Drag Queen
When: December 7th
Where: Park Theatre, 698 Osborne St
Dressed in a holiday power suit, you’ll hear this Scottish Drag Queen’s take on everything from Tiny Tim to Eggnog in what has become a Winnipeg Christmas tradition.
Outside Joke’s A Christmas Carol: Big Dickens Energy
When: December 13th 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.
A Very E-Melody Christmas!
When: December 20th
Where: The Good Will Social Club, 625 Portage Ave
The first adult Christmas concert you’ve probably been to in your life, with comedy performances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Elf, and many more. 18+.
The Nutcracker
When: December 21st to 28th|
Where: Centenniel 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 19th and 20th
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: November 18th, 19th, 20th, and 25th
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;
Kilcona Women’s Christmas Movie Night
When: November 28th
Where: Kilcona Park Alliance Church, 1977 Norris Road
Put on your cozy Christmas pyjamas and join us to watch a Christmas movie together at the church!
Holiday Dinner and a Movie
When: Various dates
Where: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre, 281 Donald St
Choose from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 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.
Brunch Baddies: A Family-Friendly Holiday Drag Event
When: December 11th
Where: Nonsuch Brewing Co., 125 Pacific Ave
Enjoy a special brunch menu alongside family-friendly holiday drag performances from Queen Baddies, including Peppermint Phattie, Mei Yosong, Traycee, and more!
Looking for more festive things to do in Winnipeg? Here are some suggestions:
