Hey Winnipeggers,

Hope you had an amazing Christmas and maybe even scored some deals during Boxing Day yesterday!

In today’s edition, we’ve got something special lined up for you—a New Year’s Eve Section featuring 5 great restaurant picks for NYE dinner. Whether you’re planning a night out or still figuring out your plans, we think you’ll love these options.

As always, please let us know how you liked today’s newsletter in the poll at the end. We read every response, and don’t forget: today’s replies will go into our Community Section on Monday!

In today’s edition:

• Downtown’s New ‘Barcade’ is Almost Here!

• Start the New Year by Saving Lives

• 5 Must-Book Winnipeg Restaurants for NYE Dinner:

• The Lights at The Forks Are Back!

• 40+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Downtown’s New ‘Barcade’ is Almost Here!

An 8,000-square-foot barcade is set to open in the Exchange District this January, and we’re super excited about it! As reported by CTV News, Select Start is bringing a blend of nostalgia and creativity to downtown Winnipeg with its unique design and vibrant atmosphere.

Here’s why it’s exciting:

• Creative Design: The space combines 1980s sci-fi, Japanese influences, and neon-lit cityscapes to create an immersive experience.

• More Than Games: Alongside the arcade, it’s a bar, restaurant, and social hub—a perfect place to gather with friends or meet new ones.

• And Lastly, It’s Nostalgic: With Easter eggs and tributes to classic games, it’s a trip down memory lane for some and a new adventure for others.

Spaces like this add something special to the Exchange District, offering a fresh spot for the community to come together and connect. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on the official opening date—this is one launch we can’t wait to see in the new year!

Sponsored by Canadian Blood Services!

Start the New Year by Saving Lives

When I was younger, I remember watching my dad roll up his sleeve to donate blood. He’d always say, “It’s a small thing for me, but it could mean everything to someone else.” Those words have stuck with me, and now I’m sharing them with you.

If you’re looking for a way to give back and start the new year on a meaningful note, Canadian Blood Services could use your help.

The demand for blood and plasma is rising—surgeries, accidents, and treatments are increasing, but the number of donors isn’t keeping up. Right now, only 1 in 76 eligible Canadians donates.

At the Winnipeg donor centre (777 William Ave), there are over 1,000 open appointments between December 27th and January 10th. That’s 1,000 chances to make a difference.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Booking is easy: Appointments are required, and you can book at blood.ca, call 1-888-2DONATE, or use the GiveBlood app.

• It’s accessible: Free parking is available, and the centre is open six days a week.

• Anyone 17 or older can donate: There’s no upper age limit.

Click the button below to learn more and help give back. ❤️

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

New Year’s Eve Special!

5 Must-Book Winnipeg Restaurants for NYE Dinner:

I know we usually save the restaurant of the week for Mondays, but New Year’s Eve is a big deal, and we wanted to give you enough time to snag a spot before reservations fill up.

If you’re planning to head out and celebrate, here are five great Winnipeg restaurants with special NYE menus to help you celebrate the start of 2025 in style:

• Harth Mozza & Wine Bar (980 St Anne's Rd #1.): Handmade pasta, an excellent wine list, and a cozy vibe make this one perfect for a special night. [Menu]

• Ne Dé Loup (1670 Corydon Ave.): rench-inspired dishes you’ll still be thinking about in 2025. [Menu]

• Sous Sol (22-222 Osborne St.): A romantic, candlelit bistro with rich, comforting seasonal dishes. [Menu]

• Tabula Rasa (725 Osborne St.): Elegant, inviting, and packed with bold flavors—it’s a perfect mix. [Menu]

• SMITH (75 Forks Market Rd.): Modern comfort food in a chic setting, ideal for kicking off the new year. [Menu]

Start planning now because these spots will book up fast! And tell us, are you staying in or heading out for NYE? Let us know in the poll at the end of the email—we’d love to hear your plans. 🥂

Community News

Holden’s Christmas Dream Came True 🎅

This past weekend, 25-year-old Holden Whall, who lives with autism, had his Christmas dream come true. Dressed as Santa, he brought holiday cheer to his community of Petersfield in a way that was pure magic.

As reported by CTV News, When Holden’s mom shared his wish online, neighbors came together to make it happen. Along Netley Creek, Holden rode as Santa, waving and sharing his love for Christmas with everyone who came to see him.

Holden’s parents said it was amazing to see their son living his dream, and the community’s support made it even more special.

A big thank you to the Petersfield community for making this happen. It’s moments like these that show exactly why Manitoba is such a special place to call home. ❤️

Celebrating a Year of Local University Wins 🎓

As our team kept up with everything Winnipeg this year, we saw just how much our universities contribute—not just to our city, but to our future. They’ve been busy breaking records, driving change, and making us proud, so we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of their biggest wins in 2024:

University of Manitoba

• Breaking Barriers: Maya Turner became U Sports football’s first-ever female all-star. A huge moment for the Bisons and women in sports.

• Leading in Health Innovation: A $57 million grant is funding vaccine and biomanufacturing facilities to strengthen Canada’s pandemic response.

• Global Connections: Four research partnerships with Morocco are advancing green energy and Indigenous economic reconciliation.

• Celebrating the Arts: The new Desautels Concert Hall opened with a stunning debut featuring alumni like folk singer William Prince.

• Arctic Research: The Churchill Marine Observatory officially opened, pushing climate and ecosystem research forward.

University of Winnipeg

• New Beginnings: Launched a PhD in Bioscience and Policy to tackle big issues like climate change and health.

• Athletic Highlights: The Wesmen basketball team made it to the national championships for the second year in a row.

• Building Community: Welcomed Sheila North as Executive Director of Indigenous Engagement and expanded the Pathways to Graduate Studies program for Indigenous students.

• Creative Spaces: Hosted Prairie Lights, an exhibit blending Indigenous regalia and local art.

With all of that in 2024, let’s hope to keep up the great work in 2025 and support them however we can! ✨

City Updates

The Lights at The Forks Are Back!

Looking for something magical to do this winter that won’t cost a dime? The lights at The Forks are officially open, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy a sparkling walk through the season.

Whether you’re planning a family outing, a cozy date, or just need a peaceful stroll to clear your mind, these lights bring a little extra joy to Winnipeg’s winter nights. And the best part? It’s completely free.

Spaces like this remind us why The Forks is such a gem—it’s not just about food and shopping but creating moments that bring people together. So bundle up, grab a warm drink, and head out to enjoy this beautiful Winnipeg tradition.

Exciting Events: Dec 27th - 29th!

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Dec 28 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Jets vs Ottawa Senators | 6PM, Dec 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Manitoba Moose vs Texas Stars | 2PM, Dec 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Watt a Season | Dec 27 - Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

• Zoo Lights | Dec 27 - Jan 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

• Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Dec 27 - Jan 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest drive-thru light show and provides a brilliant presentation of over one million lights.

• Let It Glow 2024 | 5-10PM, Dec 27-31

  • Location: Grant Memorial Church (877 Wilkes Ave)

  • Description: A dazzling show of lights, videos, and music that tells the story of Christmas.

• Winter Holiday Horse Experience | 11AM - 3PM, Dec 27-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: 4180 Waverly Street

  • Description: Get 2 hours of thier ultimate horse experience tour!

• Candlelight: Christmas Classics | 6:30PM, Dec 27-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Crescent Arts Centre

  • Description: Discover the music of Christmas Classics at Crescent Arts Centre under the gentle glow of candlelight.

• The Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents Nutcracker | Dec 27-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Nutcracker is the biggest spectacle of the season, with over 100 dancers on stage and dozens of musicians and chorists in the pit.

• Deck the Halls of Dalnavert: A Victorian Christmas Tour | Dec 27-28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Dalnavert Museum and Visitors' Centre

  • Note: Dec 27 & 28 are sold. But, next weekend Jan 3 & 4 are still available!

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Dec 28 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

Comedy❗

• Mundane Problems - Holiday Edition | 8PM, Dec 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Speakeasy Lounge (3740 Portage Ave)

  • Description: Kick back as musicians serenade you inspired by the suggestions you provide them. It's a show about having your chance to complain about the simple things in life.

• Damonde Tschritter Comedy | Dec 27-28 & 31 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: His TV comedy specials have aired on CTV, CBC, HBO, Comedy Network and Comedy Central! “Comedies new Superhero, and perhaps this countries finest comedic storyteller.” - The Globe & Mail

Special Events 🥂

• WMC's Centre Stage Series | 7:30-9:30PM, Dec 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: St. Andrew's River Heights United Church (255 Oak St)

  • Description: Six of Manitoba’s emerging classical musicians. This concert will feature standout artists Angela Suet Kee Ng (piano), River Sawchyn (violin), Diana Rockwell (soprano), Hannah Orr (soprano), Yanzhi Zhang (piano), and Amanda Robertson (clarinet).

• Swiftmas Holiday Dance Party | 7PM, Dec 27 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• STEM-inspired holiday programming | Dec 27 - Jan 5 (More Info)

  • Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Two STEM-inspired activities to engage young minds. The first is an airplane obstacle course that will wind its way throughout the museum. Kids will be challenged to navigate through the course and safely land their plane at the end. Complete the obstacle course and enter to win prizes!

• A Year With Frog and Toad | Multiple times, Dec 27-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Follows a couple of delightful amphibians as they sing their way through the seasons, sharing a story of enduring friendship.

• TOQUE - Canada's Classic Rock Supergroup | 8PM, Dec 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Four All-Star band members from the Canadian Prairie’s perform the Canadian Classic Rock Songbook from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

• Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity | Dec 28-29 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Catch the screenings of the best films from the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity!

• Dallas Smith | 8PM, Dec 29 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: From front man of platinum-selling rock band Default to 3x consecutive CCMA Entertainer of the Year.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door.

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

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