Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

Somehow, we’re officially under 10 days until Christmas. If that feels a little shocking, you’re not alone. The city is right in that stretch where calendars are full, lists are half finished, and everything feels like it’s moving a little faster than usual.

This week’s edition has a little bit of everything. Winter reminders, helpful updates, and a few giveaways to keep things fun as Christmas gets closer.

If you’re feeling behind, tired, or still figuring out plans, this is the gentle nudge that you’re doing just fine. Take what you need from today’s email, save the rest for later, and enjoy the countdown in your own way.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • Manitoba Launches New Plan to Address Islamophobia in Schools

  • 10 Chances to Go to Canad Inns Winter Wonderland for Free!

  • Restaurant of the Week

  • Registration Opens Tomorrow for Winter Activities Across the City

  • More Affordable Housing Is Officially Moving Forward Across Winnipeg

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba Launches New Plan to Address Islamophobia in Schools

The province says this work is part of a broader push to address racism and make sure schools are places where every child feels safe and included.

Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning notes that Islamophobia, like other forms of discrimination, can impact students’ sense of belonging and well-being, which is why it’s being addressed through a wider anti-racism approach.

Manitoba has rolled out a new Kindergarten to Grade 12 Anti Islamophobia Action Plan focused on making schools safer and more inclusive across the province.

Here’s what the plan focuses on:

  • Teaching and recognition by including Muslim history and experiences in school learning

  • Support for teachers with training and tools to address Islamophobia when it shows up

  • Student well-being by creating spaces where kids feel safe, respected, and like they belong

  • Stronger connections between schools and local Muslim communities

The plan was shaped with input from educators and community leaders across Manitoba to give schools clear, practical ways to respond to discrimination.

For Winnipeg parents and students, this is about creating classrooms where differences are understood, respect is taught early, and every kid can focus on learning instead of feeling left out.

Together with Red River Exhibition Park!

10 Tickets to Go to Canad Inns Winter Wonderland for Free!

If Winter Wonderland has been on your list but you haven’t made it out yet, this is your chance!

Today at 12 pm noon, we’re giving away 10 tickets to Canad Inns Winter Wonderland in partnership with Red River Exhibition. One ticket covers a full vehicle, so it’s an easy plan for a cozy night out.

If you haven’t been before, here’s what’s waiting for you:

  • Two million lights stretched across a 2.5 km drive, with 40+ new displays

  • Outdoor skating, photo spots, and warm treats along the way

  • Classic horse drawn hayrides every weekend from 6 pm to 9 pm

A few things to know before it goes live:

  • The giveaway opens today at 12pm

  • 10 people will each win a ticket to Winter Wonderland

  • One ticket is all you need per car

Click the link below and make sure you’re following Red River Exhibition. The giveaway will be live on both of our accounts, and following them is one of the rules to enter.

PS: The giveaway runs from 12pm today until Wednesday at 5pm, so even if you’re seeing this later today, you can still head over, check the rules, and enter while it’s open.

Restaurant of the Week: Kristina’s

Source: Kristina’s

A Corydon Favourite That Keeps Greek Comfort Food Alive

Kristina’s is tucked along Corydon, and it’s one of those places that just feels right for a slower night out.

This Greek favourite has been part of the neighbourhood for years, and it shows in the way people keep coming back. It’s the kind of spot that works just as well for a relaxed date night as it does for a family dinner where everyone leaves full and happy.

Kristina’s is known for comforting, shareable dishes and flavours that feel familiar in the best way.

Regulars often talk about:

  • Warm, crispy starters like saganaki, calamari, and spanakopita

  • Hearty mains like chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, and moussaka

  • Fresh salads with house-made dressings

  • Classic desserts like baklava and their well-known Schmoo

It’s not flashy. It’s just good food, generous portions, and a dining room that feels welcoming the minute you sit down.

Kristina’s is located at 761 Corydon Avenue, and it currently holds 4.4 stars from 583 Google reviews, which says a lot in our city.

City Updates

Registration Opens Tomorrow for Winter Activities Across the City

If you saved the Leisure Guide last week and meant to come back to it, this is your friendly reminder. Registration opens tomorrow, December 16, and many programs fill up quickly.

The Leisure Guide is a great way to keep kids busy, stay active, or try something new together this winter. It includes activities for all ages, not just swimming and skating.

Here’s what to know before tomorrow:

  • Registration opens tomorrow at 8 am

  • Programs include fitness classes, sports, arts and crafts, and more

  • Popular activities can fill up fast, so it helps to plan ahead

  • Having a backup choice is a good idea in case your first pick is full

  • Log into your leisureONLINE account tonight to make sure your details are up to date

  • Waitlists are available and spots often open later

You can register online, by phone, or in person, depending on what works best for your family.

A little prep tonight can make tomorrow morning much smoother and help set you up with something fun to look forward to this winter.

More Affordable Housing Is Officially Coming to Winnipeg

This is one of those updates that actually feels encouraging.

The City says all 10 projects from the first phase of the Housing Accelerator Fund now have building permits, which means construction is getting ready to start. Together, these projects will add 1,008 new homes across Winnipeg.

Here’s why this matters for the city:

  • 590 homes will be affordable, helping people priced out of the market

  • 274 units will be rent geared to income, supporting families and individuals on lower incomes

  • Projects are spread across different neighbourhoods, from downtown to the North End and beyond

  • Several developments include supports like childcare spaces, accessibility features, or wrap around services

This also marks two years since Winnipeg signed onto the federal housing agreement, and the city has already beaten its housing targets both years. If things stay on track, more than 14,000 new housing units will be permitted by the end of next year.

For Winnipeggers, this means real progress. More homes. More choice. And more stability for families who need it most.

Day 13 & 14 Giveaways Are Now Live!

Hard to believe we’re already this far into 25 Days of Giveaways. If you’ve been following along, you know these days go fast, and the prizes just keep getting better.

Here’s what’s live right now:

Day 13: A $300 in Manitoba-made local gifts. (Enter here)

  • $100 gift card to shop at The Locals

  • And a $200 curated gift box filled with Manitoba-made local favourites

Day 14: 2 winners will receive $225+ in FREE skating lessons (Enter here)

  • A FREE 12 week Learn to Skate program

  • Beginner-friendly lessons designed for first timers

  • And a great way to try skating or build confidence on the ice this winter

Quick reminder: Day 15 goes live today at 12 pm, with 10 tickets to Winter Wonderland up for grabs. Keep an eye out so you don’t miss it!

Community Digest

Hellebuyck Is Back, and the Jets Look Like Themselves Again

Source: Winnipeg Jets

Saturday night felt different in the building, and it showed on the ice.

Connor Hellebuyck returned to the net after missing several weeks with a knee injury, and the Jets responded with a 5–1 win over the Washington Capitals. It was the kind of night that felt steady, confident, and familiar.

Here’s why this mattered:

  • Hellebuyck stopped 24 shots in his first game back

  • Gabriel Vilardi scored twice, giving the Jets early breathing room

  • Alex Iafallo added a goal and an assist

  • Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, and Adam Lowry all chipped in with assists

  • And the Jets picked up a much-needed win after a tough stretch

This was Hellebuyck’s first game since mid-November, and it looked like he never left. The defence played tighter, the puck moved better, and the team looked more settled overall.

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!

  • Dinner & A Movie at The MET: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) | 5PM, Dec 17 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre

    • Description: Get ready for a hilarious and festive night out as we present National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Wednesday, December 17, complete with a special eggnog feature to get you in the holiday spirit. Along with a full buffet!

  • ​The House Without a Christmas Tree Opera | Dec 17-19 (Tickets)

    • Location: Desautels Concert Hall

    • Description: Based on the beloved 1970s television movie, this touching new opera by composer Ricky Ian Gordon and Canadian librettist Royce Vavrek captures the emotional heart of the holiday season. The story follows young Addie, who longs for a Christmas tree in a home shadowed by her father’s grief—and discovers that hope and forgiveness can bring light even in the darkest winters.

  • Die Harder: A Manitoba Christmas Story | Dec 18-31 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre

    • Description: Turns a Winnipeg high rise building into ground zero for festive mayhem; packed with 80’s hits, big hair and even bigger laughs!

  • JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday Show | 8PM, Dec 19 (Sold Out)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Munsch Upon a Time Play | Dec 19 - Jan 3 (Tickets)

    • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

    • Description: Prairie Theatre Exchange is reviving a Holiday season tradition of presenting the wildly popular stories of Robert Munsch to as exuberant live theatre.

  • The Lightning Thief Play | Dec 19-28 (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.

  • Elf – The Musical | December 20-28 (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.

  • Magical Christmas | Dec 20-21 (More Info)

    • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

    • Description: Step into a holiday wonderland filled with holiday cheer, sparkling lights, and and fun activities for the whole family including five carnival rides! Explore our magical Christmas village, visit Santa’s workshop, and enjoy delicious treats at our food stalls.

  • Holiday Performances at The Leaf | Dec 20-21 (More Info)

    • Location: The Leaf

    • Description: Enjoy festive musical entertainment in the Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf this December! Included with regular admission.

  • Winnipeg Comedy Showcase | 7PM, Dec 21 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Park Theatre

    • Description: Winnipeg’s longest-running stand-up showcase returns to the Park Theatre for another night of big laughs!

  • Holiday Cookie Decorating | Multiple Times, Dec 21 (Tickets)

    • Description: Open to kids between the ages of 3-12. Parents/other adults are welcome to join in as well if they'd like (children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Each ticket gets a tray of 6 cookies and supplies, so families can split a ticket if that works best for them.

Exciting Events: December 15th & 16th

Sports 🏀

  • Winnipeg Jets vs. Ottawa Senators | 6:30PM, Dec 15 ($)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

  • Live at Belle's (Shandra Levreault) | 12PM, Dec 15 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

  • Holiday Concert Celebration | 6:30PM, Dec 16 (FREE)

    • Location: Government House (10 Kennedy St)

    • Description: Lt.-Gov. Anita R. Neville invites Manitobans to attend the next presentation in a series of free public events designed to welcome Manitobans into Government House.

  • Scott Nolan Album Release | 7:30PM, Dec 16 ($)

    • Location: Ship & Plough Tavern

  • Live at Belle's (Nahla Moon/The Good Sky Woman/Luisa + Rick/Rob + Theo) | 11:45AM-11PM, Dec 16 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

Community Fun🎆

  • Mini Mondays (Cookies & Milk With Santa – with Cookie Creations Craft & Cookies ‘n Milk Tic-Tac-Toe) | 10AM-2PM, Dec 15 (More Info)

    • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

    • Description: A fun-filled day of stimulating play designed for our youngest visitors, children under 4 years old! We provide tailored crafts to help develop fine motor skills, activities that aid in dramatic play, and/or a special story time

  • Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | December 15 - 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 15 - 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 15-24 (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🥂

  • Outside Joke - Holiday Musical Extravaganza | Dec 15-21 (Tickets)

    • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

    • Description: Back by popular demand, Outside Joke is ready to once again mine that bottomless pit of Holiday rom-com movie plots to bring hilarity to your Holiday. New for 2025: a full musical!

  • Michael Palascak Comedy | Dec 16-20 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: He performed on both The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the same year. In addition, his resume includes A Little Late with Lilly Singh, Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Conan and more!

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

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