Among Manitoba’s cities, Winnipeg is one of the most unique, an urban hub with small-town hospitality. The city ranks as the most charitable in the nation. The sun smiles kindly on the capital an average of 318 days a year. The longest outdoor skating rink in the world is here. During the holidays, Winnipeg hosts a wealth of fun activities. Following are seven you don’t want to miss!

CHORAL CONCERT

Christmas With the Philharmonic
Date – December 13, 2015, 3pm and 7pm
Location – West­min­ster United Church
Address – 745 West­min­ster Avenue, Winnipeg
Telephone – (204) 896-7445
Admission – Adults – $30; Seniors – $25; Children age 6 and under – Free.
Tickets – Available at McNally Robinson Booksellers or by calling (204) 896-7445.
Website – http://winnipegphilharmonicchoir.ca/13/concerts/christmas-with-the-wpg-phil/

The Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir will host two delightful programs, featuring guest artists and sing-along carols. The choral group has a longstanding reputation for excellence, with an extensive repertoire. A middle year school choir is presenting the 3pm program. A collegiate choir will perform at 7pm. You’ll also be treated to the talent of a guest organist and pianist.

LIGHT SHOW

Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
Dates – Through January 2, 2016, 6pm-10pm, except Christmas Day
Location – Red River Exhibition Park
Address – 3977 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg
Telephone – (204) 888-6990
Admission – $10 for up to 7 passengers with advance ticket purchase; $15 at the gate.
Website – http://www.redriverex.com/events/winter-wonderland/

You’ll be dazzled by this drive-through light show, Manitoba’s most spectacular! More than one million colorful lights dance across a 2.5 km distance. Travel the route in the comfort of your car, with your radio tuned to the park’s Christmas station. Along the way, you can go for a glide on the outdoor skating rink. The 75-foot Christmas tree winks with 3,000 twinkling bulbs. On weekends, cozy up in a sleigh ride, with the warmth of a built-in fireplace. On Wednesdays, the first 100 cars to drive through the gates receive complimentary 3D glasses, making the lights even more magnificent.

You can purchase tickets in advance from:

LIVING NATIVITY

Bethlehem Live!
Dates – December 10-13, 2015, 6pm-9pm; December 12-13, 12pm-3pm.
Location – Gateway Church
Address – 851 Panet Road, Winnipeg
Telephone – (204) 989-6580
Admission – Free
Website – http://bethlehemlive.com/

At this indoor nativity, you’ll travel back in time to the first Christmas. The story of Christ’s birth will be re-enacted in the company of live animals. Sections of the ancient town of Bethlehem are depicted within the church. You’ll start the 30-minute tour in the Time Tunnel. Then a shepherd will guide you through Bethlehem, to experience the sights and sounds surrounding Christ’s birth. At the end of your journey, a church pastor will explain the spiritual significance of Christmas. Visitors will serve free refreshments at your tour’s conclusion.

FOLK CONCERT

Steve Bell Christmastide
Date – December 17, 2015, 8pm
Location – Centennial Concert Hall
Address – 555 Main Street, Winnipeg
Telephone – (204) 956-1360
Admission – $24-$75
Tickets – https://tickets.wso.mb.ca/TheatreManager/1/login&performance=3966
Website – https://wso.ca/steve/

Steve Bell is a masterful guitarist with a smooth tenor voice, who inspires audiences with contemporary Christian music. His performances draw crowds from around the world. To date, Mr. Bell has conducted 1,500+ concerts in 15 countries. This event will take you on a meaningful journey through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Attendees are invited to donate non-perishable food in exchange for a free Steve Bell CD.

FAIRY TALE BALLET

The Nutcracker
Dates – December 19-28, 2015, 2pm and 7pm; times vary by date.
Location – Centennial Concert Hall
Address – 555 Main Street, Winnipeg
Admission – $25-$110
Website – http://www.rwb.org/whats-on/show/nutcracker-2015

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet will portray this enchanting story of a German girl’s adventures with a toy she receives for Christmas. Clara is a neglected orphan living with relatives, working hard in an unloving household. Fortunately, she has a caring godfather watching over her, giving her warm clothing and presents to brighten her life. One Christmas, he gives Clara a Nutcracker doll, which is actually a prince under the spell of a curse. Clara battles the Evil Mouse Queen, breaking the curse, then journeys to the wondrous Kingdom of Sweets. There, she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and dances with the Kingdom’s Candy Canes. The Dew Drop Fairy leads the Kingdom’s flowers in a graceful waltz, as a tribute to Clara for saving the prince. You’ll be enthralled by this holiday classic, showcasing exquisite costumes, captivating choreography, and vibrant music by Tchaikovsky.

CHILDREN’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Top Hats and Tiaras
Date – December 31, 2015, 11am-1pm
Location – Children’s Museum at The Forks
Address – 45 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg
Telephone – (204) 924-4004
Admission – $11
Website – http://childrensmuseum.com/visit/calendar/top-hats-tiaras

The Forks is a lively downtown public space, hosting recreation, meetings, and celebrations. For this New Year’s Eve party, children are invited to dress up in formal attire. Kids will relish tasty snacks by Domino’s Pizza, pose for family photos, view a reptile display, enjoy musical entertainment, watch a balloon drop, and toast the New Year with ginger ale.

FAMILY NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION

Forks Family New Year’s Eve
Date – December 31, 2015, 3pm-8pm
Location – Arctic Glacier Winter Park
Address – 1 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg
Telephone – (204) 957-7618
Admission – Free; Skate Rental: Adults and Seniors – $5; Children – $3.
Website – http://www.theforks.com/events/signature-events/new-years-eve

Families will enjoy a full agenda of fun at this event, including horse-drawn wagon rides, children’s crafts, face painting, and live entertainment. All are welcome to use the skating rink, trails, toboggan slide, and snowboard hill. You can rent skates from the Tower Atrium in The Forks Market. The celebration will culminate with a sensational fireworks display at 8pm.

WINNIPEG WARMLY WELCOMES YOU

Now you have seven great ways to spend the holidays:

Wondrous holidays await in Winnipeg!