Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

Hope you had a really nice, relaxing weekend. With Christmas just around the corner, this week feels like a good time to slow things down a bit. Fewer plans, more cozy moments, and hopefully some extra time with family and friends.

You’ll notice our editions are a little shorter this week. Things tend to quiet down around the city as people focus on the holidays, and honestly, that’s kind of the point. It’s a chance to wind down and enjoy the season without feeling rushed.

Before we jump in, one quick note. Our giveaways are still live, including our biggest one yet (yes, the diamond ring). If you haven’t entered yet, be sure to scroll down and take a look. They’re getting close to the end. 💎

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

P.S. We’ve added a short poll at the end of today’s email. As the year comes to a close, we’d really appreciate your feedback on Winnipeg Digest.

What you’ve been enjoying, and what you’d like to see more of in the new year. It only takes a moment and helps guide what we work on next!

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get outside and enjoy winter, this is a good one.

The skating rink under the canopy and the CN Stage rink at The Forks are now open. After this week’s snowstorm, crews worked to get the ice ready, and skating is officially back in the heart of the city.

For now, skating is open around the CN Stage area and under the canopy. The river trail is not open yet, but it’s expected to follow before the new year once conditions are safe.

Click here: To check rink conditions and what’s open

Winter fun at The Forks doesn’t stop there. Starting in January, their Learn to Winter programming returns, bringing free, family-friendly activities every weekend to help everyone make the most of the season.

It’s a simple, feel-good way to spend time outside and enjoy winter together.

Click here: To see all weekly winter activities coming to The Forks

If you love a good shawarma, the kind that is warm, packed, and actually filling, Yafa Café should be on your list. This is one of those spots where the food does the talking. Simple, bold flavours. No shortcuts.

Yafa Café focuses on Palestinian street-style food, the kind meant to be shared, wrapped, dipped, and eaten slowly or on the go. Everything tastes fresh and intentional, from the bread to the spices.

📍 1785 Portage Ave, Winnipeg

A great pick when you want something comforting, flavourful, and a little different from your usual rotation.

Click Here: To explore their full menu or order online!

The WAG just turned 113 years old, and instead of keeping the celebration to one day, they’re stretching it out into something Winnipeggers can enjoy every week.

Starting in January, the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq is launching WAG Wednesday Nights, a new weekly program that makes Wednesday evenings more social, relaxed, and easy to say yes to.

It’s meant to feel less like a formal gallery visit and more like a casual night out. Drop in after work, meet a friend, or wander through at your own pace without worrying about admission.

The kickoff night is January 7, and the WAG has shared a preview of what launch night and future Wednesdays will look like.

Click here: To watch the launch video and learn more about the program and opening night.

Now that it’s officially the holiday season, things tend to slow down. The days are colder, the nights are longer, and staying in starts to feel like the right move.

The University of Manitoba Library staff recently put together a list of 11 comfort reads for this time of year. It’s the kind of list you want when you’ve got a quiet evening, a snowy afternoon, or a few calm days off and just want something good to read.

The picks cover a mix of cozy, thoughtful, and easy-to-get-into books. Nothing heavy. Just stories that make it easier to unplug, get comfortable, and take a break from screens.

And while the list comes from university library staff, you don’t need to be a student to enjoy it. It’s really just a solid set of book ideas for anyone in Winnipeg looking for a new read over the holidays.

Click here: To browse the full list!

As mentioned earlier, Manitoba committed to donating all proceeds from U.S. liquor sales to charities instead of letting that inventory sit unused. Now we have the details on where that money is going.

A total of $2.6 million is being directed to community organizations across the province, right as demand ramps up during the holidays.

The province also confirmed that any remaining U.S. liquor will continue to be sold, with future proceeds donated to charities as well.

It’s a solid example of turning a policy decision into something that directly helps families across Manitoba, especially during the holiday season.

Click Here: To learn more about how the funds are being distributed

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

After the poll, you’ll have space to share a few more thoughts if you’d like. Whether it’s something you love, how Winnipeg Digest fits into your week, or ideas for what you’d like to see in 2026, it really means a lot to us.

This newsletter grows with the community, and your feedback helps shape what comes next!

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