As the snow flies, Winnipeg heats up with a vibrant arts and culture scene and diverse dining options.

At the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre revisit the greatest love story ever told during Romeo and Juliet or get ready for bawdy laughs with Shirley Valentine. Don’t miss Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet's always beloved Nutcracker - complete with a distinct Winnipeg twist—or The Snowman during the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra's concerts for kids series. The Secret Mask is new at Prairie Theatre Exchange, and Salome is set to captivate Manitoba Opera audiences.

After being dazzled by the stage, Winnipeg has something to please your palate—no matter how discerning. Try out spicy ethnic fare at hole-in-the-wall spots or pull up to the counter at homespun diners serving up comfort food like juicy burgers and crispy fries. Try rib-sticking favourites like tangy pit beans and juicy roast chicken from Lovey's BBQ and then strap on your skates for a glide down the river and warm up with a steaming mug of hot cocoa in The Forks Market.

When you’re looking for an exciting night out on the town, head to the Casinos of Winnipeg.

From dining, to entertainment, the Casinos of Winnipeg have something for everyone! The UPPERDECK Sports Bar at McPhillips Station Casino is perfect for avid sports fans looking to watch the big game or maybe even play a few themselves. Catch all of the action on multiple HD screens or challenge your friends to a game of billiards or shuffleboard. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, check out the UPPERDECK'S outstanding food and drink specials.

The Mainstage at McPhillips Station Casino takes your live entertainment experience to a whole new level. It is a unique way to see popular performers from Canada and around the world in an intimate setting. Once the snow begins to fall, the Bay City Rollers will perform on a S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night. And then, get in the Christmas spirit at Rockin' Elvis Christmas or watch the CCMA winner, George Canyon's Christmas concert.

If you prefer to dance or sing the night away, Jaguars Restaurant & Lounge at Club Regent Casino is the place for you, featuring live music, karaoke, and great food. And after walking through the 150,000 litre saltwater aquarium, stop in for a bite to eat at the new popular Banyan Tree, between table games and the new Bingo area.

The Casinos of Winnipeg’s friendly staff take pride in offering their guests superior service to ensure every guest has a great time. Please visit the website at www.casinosofwinnipeg.com for more information on upcoming special events and performances.

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is introducing a new program- Art Eats which features dinner at Storm Bistro followed by an exhibition tour.

The December 15 evening begins at 6 p.m. with a tantalizing three-course dinner prepared by Storm Bistro’s new executive chef. This will be followed at 7:30 by a tour of William Kurelek: The Messenger. To book, call 789-0516.

“We are very excited about this new initiative,” says Anna Wiebe, Head of Education. “Storm Bistro, located on our penthouse level, has a lovely ambience and their chef will be creating special menus just for Art Eats. And during the tour our guides will encourage you to ask questions and engage in lively discussions with your fellow visitors. Where else can you feed both your stomach and your soul?”

The WAG also hosts the Canadian premiere of William Kurelek's The Maze. The documentary addresses his creations, his inner demons and the external influences – both good and bad – that shaped his work. The documentary airs at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 26.

The gallery is also examining the role of food and feasting in the exhibition Feast, a smorgasbord of art from the permanent collection exploring issues and ideas surrounding food and the daily act of eating. Get an insider’s look at the exhibit at Art for Lunch: The Curator's Tour of Feast Wednesday, November 30 from 12:10 to 1 p.m.

Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art presents the exhibition “her rain” by Canadian artist Lani Maestro. Using minimal and simple visual language, Maestro’s work addresses the complexities of human nature and dignity in the conditions of the social, cultural and political realities we experience in everyday life.

Plug In will present for the first time a new installation commissioned by the gallery entitled she laughs.

her rain is a highly poetic, text-based show that was first exhibited at Centre A, Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art and has been adapted to the new Plug In facilities at 460 Portage Avenue, acting as a response to the architecture and central location of the gallery. With the installation, Maestro transforms the gallery space into a large sculpture, with the placement of very minimal elements. The exhibition continues until January 8 at the gallery at 460 Portage Avenue.

The Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival is the third largest festival in North America dedicated to showcasing the best new indigenous film and video from across Canada, the U.S. and around the world.

The WAFF will celebrate its 10th Anniversary with a spectacular 10-day festival featuring special 10th anniversary screenings and events including many great new films plus the Best of WAFF from the past 10 years. Join the celebrations taking place until November 26.

You don’t have to run away from home to join this circus! The Circus! Science Under the Big Top exhibit at the Manitoba Museum (Alloway Hall) demystifies the daring and death-defying feats of the greatest show on earth, and puts you in the centre of the action.

Test your talents with tons of interactive exhibits, including the High Wire, an actual steel cable suspended 2.7 metres in the air, a flying trapeze and a Circus Sideshow, where you can discover the secrets of the Sword Swallower and the Mighty Atom.

With the Human Cannonball, you can shoot a projectile out of a cannon to hit a target. Or become a circus musician. Match music and sound effects to video footage and explore the effect of sound on the limbic system of the brain. Discover the mathematics and physics of juggling-and amaze your friends and learn about the secret languages of animals in the Animal Communications exhibit.

Photo credit: Simone Artibani