Midweek check-in, Winnipeg!

It’s New Year’s Eve, and whether you’re heading out or keeping things low-key, we put this together to help you plan the rest of today and tomorrow. From what’s open and closed around the city, to fireworks, New Year’s celebrations, and a few helpful reminders, it’s all here in one place.

If you’re squeezing in errands, making last-minute plans, or just figuring out where to be when the clock hits midnight, this should make things a little easier.

Scroll through, take what you need, and plan a day that feels right for you. However you’re welcoming the new year, we hope it’s a good one!

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

The days between the end of the holidays and the start of a new year often feel a little quieter: fewer errands, slower mornings, and a chance to reset before life picks up again.

With that pause comes a handful of schedule changes across Winnipeg for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Whether your plans include one last outing, a quiet walk, or simply staying in and reflecting on the year that’s ending, knowing what’s open can help make planning a little easier.

We hope this helps you wrap up the year smoothly and step into 2026 feeling prepared and excited for everything the new year has in store!

If you’ve been thinking about starting the new year by learning something practical, hands-on, and creative, this is a great place to start.

Lilax Studio is a small, welcoming sewing studio in Winnipeg that’s built for beginners. With the new year starting tomorrow, it’s the kind of goal that feels doable and actually useful. No pressure, no experience needed, just a calm space to learn at your own pace.

One popular option is The Essential Tote workshop, led by Beth Syrnyk, who’s been sewing for over 40 years. In one session, you’ll learn real skills like adding pockets, attaching straps, lining a bag, and creating a flat bottom you can reuse in future projects.

All supplies are included, sewing machines are provided, and the space feels calm, creative, and supportive.

If one of your goals this year is to slow down, learn a useful skill, and make something you’ll actually use, this is a great way to kick things off.

We know this message may feel familiar by now, but on New Year’s Eve, safety needs to stay front and centre.

During Week 4 of the Holiday Checkstop Program (Dec 21–28), Winnipeg police stopped 272 vehicles, with 10 drivers found to be under the influence. That included 8 WARN readings and 2 immediate roadside prohibitions.

Each stop is a reminder of how quickly one decision can put lives at risk.

Checkstops will continue through New Year’s Eve, and officers are reminding drivers that every stop requires a breath sample, with drug screening also in use. The goal isn’t punishment, it’s getting everyone home safely.

If you’re heading out and planning to drink or use cannabis, there are plenty of simple ways to get home safely:

Tonight is about celebrating, but it’s also about looking out for each other. One small choice can make a big difference, not just for you, but for everyone sharing the road.

Operation Red Nose will be out tonight helping people get home safely, and they’re still welcoming volunteers. If you’re reading this earlier in the day and have a few hours to spare, it’s a really meaningful way to give back and help someone end their night safely.

Click here: To learn more about Operation Red Nose and how to volunteer!

If fireworks are part of how you like to ring in the new year, Winnipeg has several celebrations happening across the city tonight. From community-run displays to ticketed events, there are plenty of ways to catch a show close to home.

For a quick, swipeable guide with times and locations, head to our Instagram post below.

Click here: To view our full New Year’s Eve fireworks guide!

With so many public fireworks displays and celebrations happening across the city, it’s also a good reminder that setting off fireworks yourself isn’t permitted for everyone. In Winnipeg, a valid permit is required to set off fireworks, and doing so without one can result in a penalty notice and a fine of up to $500.

Using fireworks in a city park adds another step, as a separate park permit is also required. These guidelines help protect neighbourhoods, pets, and first responders during one of the busiest nights of the year.

Taking a moment to check what’s allowed helps ensure the night stays festive and stress-free for everyone.

Click here: To learn more about fireworks permits and park requirements.

Public health officials have confirmed a new measles exposure site in Winnipeg involving the Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital emergency department.

Anyone who was at the Children’s Hospital ER on December 27 between 2:10 a.m. and 6 a.m. is asked to monitor for symptoms until January 18, 2026, and to check that their measles vaccination is up to date.

Because this exposure occurred in a children’s hospital setting, families are encouraged to be especially mindful, particularly around infants, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can take up to three weeks to appear and may begin with fever, runny nose, red eyes, and fatigue before a rash develops.

Anyone who may have been exposed and develops symptoms should isolate at home and call their health-care provider before seeking care, so staff can help prevent further spread.

If you’re trying to keep track of the latest measles exposure locations or want to check whether you may have been affected, click the link below for the most up-to-date list of confirmed sites.

Click Here: To see the latest measles exposure locations.

Some Manitobans are seeing an increase in scam texts and emails pretending to be from Manitoba Hydro. They often look like regular bill reminders but are designed to rush people into sending money quickly.

Manitoba Hydro says one key rule applies every time: they will never ask for payment through a link sent by text or email.

Scammers rely on urgency, especially during the holidays. Slowing down and double-checking through official channels is the best way to protect yourself.

Click Here: To read Manitoba Hydro’s full scam warning and learn more about how to protect your account.

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

Events marked with (Tickets / $) require advance purchase. Double-check dates before heading out!

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

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].