Stroll Down Holiday Alley

This amazing lights event is coming up quick - so make your plans now. Selkirk's downtown festival, Holiday Alley, spans four days in a vibrant celebration of art, music, light, and creativity - November 14 to 17, 2024. The festival features a range of activities, including an opening concert and a lively street party with games, hot chocolate and food. Other highlights include the CUTEST pooch parade, night shopping at the Wishme Makers' Market, a family movie night, a delightful soup cook-off, and much more.

Victorian Christmas at Dalnavert Museum

Get into the holiday spirit this December at Dalnavert Museum! On weekends starting December 7, join Deck the Halls of Dalnavert: A Victorian Christmas Tour to explore how Victorian families celebrated Christmas, discover the origins of modern traditions, and learn about the daring game of snapdragon. On December 5 craft a beautiful foraged wreath at the Wreath Making Workshop. On December 14, enjoy free admission, holiday crafts and parlour games while exploring the beautifully decorated house. From December 19-22, beloved radio host Ron Robinson brings Dickens’ classic to life with his performance of A Christmas Carol, a Dalnavert tradition for over a decade. Finally, on December 21, celebrate the winter solstice with Laurie McDougall of Velvetleaf Beadworks at the Solstice Crafting Circle.

Experience the Timeless Charm of Little Women

Catch the timeless tale of Little Women at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, running from November 20 to December 14, 2024. This heartwarming production brings Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the March sisters to life, making it the perfect holiday outing. Don’t miss this cherished classic filled with family, love, and resilience.

Choo Choo Cheer

Get ready for the arrival of the CP Holiday Train 2024 at select stops across Manitoba! The enchanting Canadian Pacific Christmas train is set to bring festive joy with live events at every stop. Adorned with holiday lights and decorations, the train will host complimentary half-hour concerts.

Attendees are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by contributing non-perishable food items or cash donations for the local food bank/pantry.

Here's the Manitoba CP Holiday Train schedule:

December 3, 2024

7:00 pm - Whitemouth at Railway Avenue across from the Whitemouth Hotel
9:15 pm - Winnipeg at Grade Crossing on Panet Road and Molson Street

December 5, 2024

3:00 pm - Portage la Prairie 309 1st Street NW
5:15 pm - Carberry at 4th Avenue between Main Street and Simcoe Street
7:00 pm - Brandon at field south of the CPKC tracks north of Rosser Avenue E, west of the Rosser Avenue rail crossing.

December 6, 2024

10:30 am - Virden at north side of the tracks on 5th Avenue South between Lyons Street & Ashburn Street.

Memories at the Children's Museum

Experience a festive Winnipeg tradition that spans generations! The magic of Eaton's Fairytale Vignettes is on display from November 16, 2024, to January 5, 2025, at the Manitoba Children’s Museum. The collection has been meticulously restored from the ninth-floor annex of the historic Eaton’s downtown store. The timeless tales include the likes of Cinderella, Humpty Dumpty, Three Blind Mice, and more. It’s a nostalgic journey that promises joy and fascination.

Admission is complimentary with general museum entry, with guided tours available for $5.00 (plus GST) per person.

Walk in a Winter Wonderland

Every holiday season, the Manitoba Agricultural Museum in Austin transforms into an enchanting Winter Wonderland. Head to the museum on the weekends of December 6-8, 2024 and December 13-15, 2024 to experience the magic with sleigh rides, games, crafts, hot chocolate, bonfires and more. In the Homesteader's Village, 20 structures dating back to 1879 will whisk you away to a bygone era.

Drive Through a Lights Spectacular

An annual Christmas tradition cherished by Manitobans, the Canad Inns Winter Wonderland is back for another year, adorned with over a million lights spread across various themed areas. Experience the brilliance of these light displays from the warmth of your car as you navigate the 2.5 km route through the scenic Red River Exhibition grounds, with over 30 NEW light displays. This year's Winter Wonderland runs from November 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 (Closed on December 25).

Meet Santa in the Forest

Take your Christmas photos up a notch with an amazing Santa photo against the backdrop of a snow-covered forest. Register your spot in one of the available Santa in the Forest dates at FortWhyte Alive and have your family or child's photo taken by a professional photographer. Your child is welcome to chat to Santa and share their wishlist!

For other ways to have festive fun at FortWhyte Alive, check out the calendar for the Wreath Making Workshop, After Hours Holiday Shopping Event, Nature Shop Holiday Weekend, and the Marshmallow Roast.

Be Charmed by a Holiday Classic

Is there any show more classic than The Nutcracker during the holidays? Experience a uniquely Canadian twist on the beloved holiday tale at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, December 20 to 28, 2024. Watch as young Clara's nutcracker transforms into a valiant soldier, defending her against the Mouse King's army, while majestic Mounties face off against mischievous Mice. Together, they journey through a dazzling winter wonderland filled with dancing snowflakes and adorable polar bears, ultimately arriving at the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Explore the World of Lights

Explore the enchanting world of holiday lights at the Manitoba Electrical Museum & Education Centre's annual exhibit, Watt a Season. Running from November 19, 2024, to January 11, 2024, All That Glows takes you on a captivating journey through the evolution of festive lighting. Learn about the rich history of Christmas lighting and decorations, tracing their revolutionary path since the 1880s.

With a distinct local focus, the exhibition highlights the electronic innovations that have shaped the holiday traditions found in Manitoba.

Feel the Magic of The Village

This quaint outdoor market will make you feel like you're starring in your own Hallmark movie! The Village at Pineridge Hollow is located just 30 minutes from central Winnipeg on the edge of Birds Hill Provincial Park. Stroll through the outdoor plaza and step into unique shops like Teekca's Boutique and The Faded Barn, then grab a bite to eat a The Village Square or in the Pineridge Village restaurant. From November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025, Holidays at the Hollow will warm your heart with bonfires, gourmet hot chocolate, photo ops, specialty markets and more. For the creatives and makers, there are a variety of workshops throughout the season including wreath making workshops and cookie decorating.

Catch a Santa Claus Parade

Celebrate the holidays in Manitoba with the joyous tradition of Santa Claus parades. These festive events bring communities together, offering a magical spectacle with Santa's arrival, vibrant floats, and lively performances. Here are just a few to check out this year!

Winnipeg: November 16

Thompson: November 23

Brandon: November 23

Portage la Prairie: December 6

Dazzle Beneath Twinkling Lights

The Assiniboine Park is one of the best spots in Winnipeg to feel some holiday cheer. First, plan to visit the Zoo Lights Festival, featuring thousands of light installations to dazzle you from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025. This year's festival includes bigger and brighter displays, a light maze, an outdoor arcade and a new festive train display.