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Home » Activities » Christmas in Winnipeg: 20+ Things to Do This Holiday Season

Christmas in Winnipeg: 20+ Things to Do This Holiday Season

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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!

Christmas in Winnipeg
Christmas in Winnipeg – photo via Travel Manitoba

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

Contents hide
1 Christmas Lights in Winnipeg
2 Where to See Santa in Winnipeg
3 Christmas Concerts in Winnipeg
4 Christmas Markets in Winnipeg
5 Christmas Theatre in Winnipeg
6 Other Christmas Things to Do 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.

Buy tickets here

Canad Inns Winter Wonderful
Winter Wonderful in Winnipeg – photo via Tourism Winnipeg

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.

Buy tickets here

Lights of the North
Photo via Lights of the North

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.

Buy tickets here

Zoo Lights Winnipeg
Photo via Zoo Lights Assiniboine Park

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!

More information here

Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade
Photo via Santa Claus 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!

Purchase your experience here

Santa in Winnipeg

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.

Book your experience here

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.

Reserve your experience here

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.

Tickets found here

Christmas with Rory Allen
Photo via Casinos of Winnipeg

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.

Buy tickets here

Flicker of Light
Photo via Winnipeg Symphony Orcestra

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.

Buy tickets here

Tom Jackson Stories Songs Santa Causes
Photo via EventBrite

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!

Buy tickets here

WJO Grinch
Photo via West End Cultural Centre

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.

Buy tickets here

Terri Clark Christmas
Photo via Casinos of Winnipeg

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.

Get tickets here

The Color Christmas
Photo via Facebook @thecolormusic

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!

Buy tickets here

Bare Naked Ladies Hometown Holidays
Hometown Holidays Tour – photo via Bare Naked Ladies

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.

Buy tickets here

Amero Little Christmas
Photo via Burton Cummings Theatre

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.

Buy your tickets here

Handels Messiah
Photo via Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

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.

Tickets here.

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.

Buy tickets here.

Third and Bird Christmas
Photo via Facebook @thirdandbird

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!

Get tickets here

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.

Buy tickets here.

Lucky Girl
Photo via LuckyGirl

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.

Buy tickets here

Charlie Brown Double Bill
Photo via MTYL

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.

Purchase tickets here!

God Scottish Drag Queen
Photo via Facebook @ParkTheatreCafe

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.

Get your tickets here

Outside Jokes Christmas Carol
Photo via Prairie Theatre Exchange

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+.

Purchase tickets here

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.

Buy tickets here

Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Photo via Royal Winnipeg Ballet

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.

Get tickets here

Santa at Lower Fort Garry
Photo via Facebook @FriendsLF

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;

Buy your tickets here

Photos with Grinch
Photo via St Marys Nursery and Garden Centre

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!

Purchase tickets here

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.

Met Holiday Dinner and Movie
Photo via The Met Winnipeg

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!

Purchase tickets here

Looking for more festive things to do in Winnipeg? Here are some suggestions:

  • Visit the Hargrave Street Market
  • Treat Yourself to One of Winnipeg’s Best Spas
  • Have Brunch at One of These Best Winnipeg Breakfast Spots

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Road Trip Manitoba covers travel through Manitoba, which is made up of Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Territory, as well as communities that are signatories to Treaty 6 and Treaty 10. Manitoba is home to the original lands of the Anishinaabe, Anish-Ininiwak, Dakota, Dene, Ininiwak, and Nehethowuk peoples, as well as the homeland of the Métis peoples.
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