Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and today we’re launching something Winnipeg has never seen before.

We’re kicking off 25 Days of Giveaways, teaming up with 25 local businesses to share a new prize every single day. It’s our way of bringing the city together and giving back to the community that’s supported us all year long.

You’ll find all the details in today’s edition (and trust me, you’ll want to check it out). We’ve put a lot of heart into this, and we hope it brings some excitement to your December mornings.

We’ve got a few helpful updates and stories lined up to start your week. So, let’s get into it.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • Winnipeg’s First Snowplow Naming Contest Ends This Week

  • A Fun Winter Date Idea to Try

  • Restaurant of the Week

  • Winter Route Parking Ban Starts Wednesday

  • Winnipeg’s Biggest Holiday Giveaway Ever

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg’s First Snowplow Naming Contest Ends This Week

Source: City of Winnipeg

As mentioned last week, the City has officially opened its contest to name the snow-clearing machines we watch roll through our streets every winter.

It’s the kind of small, lighthearted tradition that kids, classrooms, and families love getting involved in, especially this time of year when we’re all spending more time indoors together.

There are two ways to take part. Winnipeg residents can submit up to four name ideas for the city’s graders and loaders.

Classrooms get their own category, with teachers able to send in up to four names on behalf of their students for the sidewalk fleet. It’s simple, creative, and gives kids a chance to see their idea come to life.

Here’s what to know before entering:

  • Submissions are open now until December 5

  • Names must be five words or fewer

  • No inappropriate language or personal names

  • Up to 30 finalists in each stream will be chosen for public voting starting December 8

The 12 individual winners will be invited to a special announcement event, and the winning classroom will enjoy a pizza party with the Mayor.

If you’ve got kids, grandkids, or a classroom that loves a creative challenge, this is a fun way to take part in something the whole city gets to enjoy.

Together with Eleven Hundred Dance!

A Fun Winter Date Idea to Try

Some plans feel easy this time of year. You’ve got a few days off, the city slows down a bit, and suddenly you’re looking for something fun to do together.

If you’ve been wanting a simple date idea or a new activity to try with someone you care about, dancing is one of those things that feels special without needing much planning.

At 1100 Dance Studio, you don’t need experience, a partner, or special shoes. Just show up, laugh a little, and enjoy the break from the usual routine. Each class is 15 dollars per person, which makes it one of the easiest ways to try something new during the holidays.

Here’s what you can explore:

  • Argentine Tango for close, slow moments

  • Ballroom for a calm, classic feel

  • Salsa for something lively and warm

  • Swing and Lindy Hop for big smiles

  • Hip Hop for anyone wanting something upbeat and fun

  • And Line Dancing for a friendly, community feel

It’s a small step that turns into a really fun memory. Something different to look forward to on a winter night, whether you’re planning a date, catching up with a friend, or wanting a moment for yourself.

They also offer gift certificates, which make a great option if you want to give someone the chance to try a class for themselves.

Check the monthly calendar and book your first class today. You might walk out with a new favourite hobby!

Restaurant of the Week: Little Korea

Source: Little Korea

A Cozy Spot for Classic Korean Comfort Food

Some evenings you just want something warm and comforting, especially when winter settles in. If you’ve been curious about Korean food or want an easy place to enjoy all the familiar favourites, Little Korea at 519 Ellice Ave is a great place to start.

Here’s what people keep coming back for:

  • Korean fried chicken that’s crispy, saucy, and packed with flavour

  • Japchae with soft noodles and a rich, savoury taste

  • A menu full of comfort dishes, with vegetarian choices too

  • Helpful, friendly staff who make the visit feel relaxed

  • A cozy space that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy your meal

📍 519 Ellice Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1Z1
🕓 Mon – Sat: 11AM - 9PM / Sun: Closed

It’s the kind of spot where the food feels homemade, the service feels genuine, and you walk out feeling satisfied. If you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold night or want to try Korean cuisine for the first time, Little Korea is well worth a visit.

Community Digest

Winter Route Parking Ban Starts Wednesday

Source: City of Winnipeg

Just a quick reminder as we enter December. Winnipeg’s annual winter route parking ban begins at 2 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, and it’ll stay in place until the City lifts it in the Spring.

That means no parking overnight from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. on any street marked as a Winter or Snow Route.

Even if it isn’t snowing, and even if the street looks freshly cleared, the rules still apply. Every year, people forget in the first week, and the tickets add up fast, so it’s worth double-checking the signs before parking overnight.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Ban starts December 3 and applies every night

  • Look for Winter Route and Snow Route signs

  • Use the City’s snow operations map to check clearing progress

If you want to avoid surprise tickets, it’s a good idea to look up your usual parking spots now and save the map link on your phone. This one always sneaks up on people, so a quick check now can save you a headache later in the week.

Winnipeg’s Biggest Holiday Giveaway Ever

Instagram post

We’re kicking off our 25 Days of Giveaways today, running every single day at 12 pm from now until Christmas Day.

We partnered with 25 local businesses to give out more than 15,000 dollars in prizes, all to celebrate the season and support the amazing local spots that make our city feel like home. And we’re starting strong!

Today’s first giveaway includes:

  • Three Jets tickets worth $750 dollars

  • And a $500 Hargrave Street Market gift card

And that’s just the beginning.
Over the next few days, you’ll see prizes like:

  • A $500 Thermea gift card

  • Passes to Winter Wonderland

  • Gift cards to Café Nul, Cleocatra, multiple bakeries

  • And even a $3,000 diamond ring from a local jeweller

We’ll be sharing each day’s giveaway right here in the newsletter, but all the action happens over on our Instagram. And with 15,000 dollars worth of prizes on the way, you’ll want to be there when each one drops.

If you want to support local and have a real chance at winning something special this month, this is your sign to follow Winnipeg Digest on Instagram and join in.

And for a full preview of everything lined up, click the link below to watch our official giveaway trailer and enter today’s giveaway at 12 pm!

City Updates

Winnipeg Shares New Housing Report

Sometimes it feels like our city is changing faster than we realize. New families moving in, older homes coming down, and neighbourhoods shifting, all at once.

So when the City released its 2025 Housing Needs Assessment, it felt like an important moment to pause and understand what Winnipeg really needs moving forward.

The report lays out a clear picture of the challenges many people are facing.

Here are a few key points that stood out:

  • About 11 percent of Winnipeggers are in core housing need

  • More than 2,400 people are experiencing homelessness, the highest count ever recorded

  • Larger families, newcomers, single parents, young adults, and elders are among the most affected

  • With Winnipeg losing older, more affordable homes due to age, deterioration, vacancy, and fires

This is why the City is inviting residents to learn more about the study and offer feedback on how to move forward.

There’s a virtual info session on Tuesday, December 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., where the project team will walk through the findings and answer questions.

It’s a chance for all of us to listen, contribute, and help shape how Winnipeg grows in the years ahead.

New Playground Coming to Bairdmore School

The best neighbourhood projects usually start the same way. A few parents notice something that’s no longer safe, they talk to the school, and before long the whole community is working together.

That’s exactly what happened at Bairdmore School, and it’s turning into something special for kids in Richmond West.

The province has announced a $100,000 investment to help build a new, accessible playground. The old structure was more than 20 years old, worn down, and parents raised concerns last fall. From there, the school’s Advisory Council and local MLAs teamed up to move the project forward.

Here’s what the new playground will offer:

  • Sensory panels for students with different sensory needs

  • A layout with full wheelchair accessibility

  • And a safer, more welcoming space for families in the area

Construction is expected to wrap up in summer 2026, with a grand opening planned the following school year. It’s a meaningful reminder of what can happen when neighbours speak up and support each other.

Events Coming up this week:

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

  • CP Holiday Train | 9:15PM, December 3 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Panet Road and Molson Street

    • Description: The Holiday Train is on the move. In its 27th year of spreading cheer while collecting food and raising money for food insecurity. The train comes decorated with a mini concert!

  • First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, Dec 5 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Multiple Locations

    • Description: A perfect opportunity to explore all the Exchange neighbourhood has to offer. Come and take part in one of the most engaging and inspiring arts events in our city.

  • Holiday Night Market | 5-9PM, Dec 5 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: 421 Mulvey Avenue East

    • Description: Get ready for another chance to support local this season with this Night Market! Over 30 small businesses operate inside their market and are excited for you to check them out.

  • The Lightning Thief Play | Dec 5 - 28 (Tickets)

    • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

    • Description: Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. Percy Jackson has new powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook worth of monsters on his trail.

  • Viva Manitoba Festival | 6:30PM, Dec 6 (Tickets)

    • Location: West End Cultural Centre

    • Description: VIVA MANITOBA FESTIVAL - The Soul of Latin America in the Heart of Canada! Get ready for an immersive experience of the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Latin America so magical.

  • Glenwood Community Centre Annual Christmas Market | 9:30AM - 3:30PM, Dec 6 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: 27 Overton Street

    • Description: With 30+ local crafters and vendors, a silent auction, canteen treats, and even a Kids Corner (new this year!) for some festive fun while you shop. Enjoy FREE entry, a free hot chocolate, coffee, or tea with any vendor purchase.

  • How to Train Your Dragon in Concert | Dec 6-7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating and original story about a young Viking named Hiccup, who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Experience the movie as a concert!

  • Brunch with Santa at The Leaf | Multiple times, Dec 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Leaf Event Hall

    • Description: The bountiful buffet will feature an array of traditional brunch favorites, savoury selection of specialty dishes, and a dazzling display of decadent desserts. Plus, Santa is stopping by for a visit and photos!

  • A Rockin' Elvis Christmas with Rory Allen! | 7PM, Dec 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

    • Description: A Rockin' Elvis Christmas with Rory Allen! Rory Allen and his fabulous 11-piece band will Rock you into the holidays with Christmas and Vegas hits of the King!

  • Home Alone - Dinner and Movie | 4PM, Dec 7 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre

    • Description: Before the movie begins, you’ll receive hot buttered popcorn, and don’t forget to refresh your beverages at our stand-up bar. Halfway through the film, enjoy a 15-minute intermission where they’ll serve coffee and dessert to your table for the second half.

Exciting Events: December 1st & 2nd

Music 🎵

  • Live at Belle's (Derek Robertson) | 12PM, Dec 1 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

  • The Tea Party Concert | 6:45PM, Dec 1 ($)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: Three of Canada’s most iconic rock bands, The Tea Party, Headstones, and Finger Eleven have announced a landmark joint tour!

  • Papa Roach Concert | 7PM, Dec 2 ($)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Live at Belle's (Brian McLeod/Mikayla Zacharias/Chris Harris/Curt + Justin) | 11:45AM-11PM, Dec 2 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

  • PUP World's Coolest Guys Tour | 8PM, Dec 2 ($)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: Though its four members are all best friends, creative dysfunction and interpersonal friction make their snarling and self-deprecating songs thrilling.

Community Fun🎆

  • Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | December 1 - January 3 (Tickets)

    • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

    • Description: Canad Inns Winter Wonderland is Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show and provides a brilliant presentation of over one million lights in 26 different theme areas.

  • Zoo Lights | December 1 - January 1 (Tickets)

    • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

    • Description: Wander through a winter wonderland and enjoy stunning light displays, tasty treats, and endless joy and cheer. Zoo Lights is a festive, holiday tradition for the whole family!

  • Free Photos with Santa at Cabela’s 2025 | December 1-24 (FREE/More Info)

    • Location: Cabela’s Winnipeg

    • Description: Bring the family to Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Winnipeg for a magical holiday experience, complete with free photos with Santa, festive crafts, and seasonal giveaways!

Special Events🥂

  • Embroidery Workshop | 6-8PM, Dec 2 (Tickets)

    • Location: 68 Albert Street

    • Description: Join us for a cozy, creative evening at Two Macaws as we stitch the cutest festive feline of the season! In this hands-on holiday embroidery workshop, you’ll learn how to embroider your very own mischievous Christmas cat using beginner-friendly, fundamental embroidery stitches.

  • Elf – The Musical | December 2-28 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: Bursting with holiday spirit, joyful song and boundless cheer, Elf - The Musical is the gift we all need this Christmas. Undaunted by a series of misadventures, Buddy sings his way into the lives and hearts of his new family and friends.

  • Matty Ryan Comedy | Dec 2-6 ($)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: A graduate of the prestigious Second City Chicago Training Program, Matty has performed at every major comedy club across the country.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Wednesday!

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