Hey Winnipeggers,

Today’s edition is all about getting you into the holiday spirit! 🎅 The Annual Santa Claus Parade is hitting the streets this weekend, and Winter Wonderland is making its sparkling return. It’s officially time to cozy up, sip some hot chocolate, and enjoy all the festive vibes our city has to offer.

Also, a quick note: starting today, you’ll see the ❄️ emoji in our subject lines. It’s our little way of helping you spot the newsletter amidst the morning inbox rush. Hopefully, this makes it easier to find us every day!

Let’s dive into the holiday magic:

• Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade - Everything You Need to Know!

• Manitoba’s New Public Safety Strategy

• Winnipeg’s Winter Wonderland is Back!

• Manitoba’s 2025 Plan

• 40+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade - Everything You Need to Know!

The holidays are officially around the corner, and nothing says festive season in Winnipeg like the Manitoba Hydro Santa Claus Parade. This Saturday, November 16 at 5PM, downtown transforms into a winter wonderland with over 60 floats, walking groups, and of course, Santa. It’s a classic tradition that brings families, friends, and the whole city together.

But be sure to plan ahead for the day, as multiple road closures are starting at 11 a.m:

• Memorial Boulevard (both directions) between Broadway and Portage

• Portage Avenue (both directions) between Main and Memorial

• Southbound Main Street from Portage to York

• Edmonton Street from Graham to Portage

• Vaughan Street from Graham to Portage

• Portage Avenue East from Main to Westbrook

Closures wrap up by 10 p.m., so plan ahead.

This year’s parade isn’t just about holiday cheer—it’s a celebration of Winnipeg’s 150th. Plus, it’s a great chance to support The Christmas Cheer Board with food or gift donations. Let’s make it a festive and giving start to the season!

Manitoba’s New Public Safety Strategy

Big changes are coming to help make Winnipeg feel safer! The Manitoba government just launched its Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns strategy, aimed at tackling both crime and its root causes. Here’s what’s in store:

• 12 new community police officers focused on reducing retail crime.

• 100 mental health workers joining first responders to support those in need.

• Holding a youth summit to bring young leaders together to hear their voices, empower them and discuss solutions.

This is about more than just cracking down on crime—it’s about addressing its roots, supporting youth, and building stronger communities. With input from 210 local groups, it’s a team effort. And hey, anything that makes our city safer for families and businesses is a win in our books.

We Winnipeggers deserve to feel safe, and this is a strong step toward that goal!

A message from Red River Exhibition Park!

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Winnipeg’s Winter Wonderland is Back!

For years, Canad Inns Winter Wonderland has been the holiday tradition for my family. We bundle up, pile into the car, and cruise through the dazzling lights. It’s one of those moments that makes the season feel special.

This year, they’ve upped the game with over 1 million lights and 30+ brand-new displays along the 2.5 km route. There’s nothing like skating under the stars or hopping on a horse-drawn hayride to make the night even more magical. And let’s be honest—the holiday treats like mini donuts and poutine are worth the trip alone.

With special experiences like:

• Horse-Drawn Hayrides every weekend,

• Outdoor skating under the stars, and

• Multiple photo stops along the way!

It’s the perfect way to make holiday memories, with your whole family. Happening at Red River Exhibition Park from November 29 to January 4 (closed Dec 25). Tickets are on sale now!

So don’t wait till they’re gone, and feel left out. We’re giving you an early heads-up so you can plan your holidays accordingly! Click the button below for more info!

Local Community

Manitoba’s 2025 Plan

Mark your calendars for November 19! That’s when the Manitoba government will lay out its plans for the year in the annual Speech from the Throne. Premier Wab Kinew says they’re focusing on the big stuff: better health care, a stronger economy, safer communities, and making life a little easier on your wallet.

Here’s why it matters:

• It’s a roadmap for what’s coming—policies and initiatives that’ll shape our everyday lives.

• Public safety and affordability are priorities, so keep an ear out for changes that might impact your family or neighborhood.

• Health care improvements? Always welcome news.

Mayor’s Ball Raises $80K for Local Arts

As you know, we try to highlight everything happening in our city—and let’s be real, a lot of Winnipeg’s magic comes from its vibrant arts scene. From jaw-dropping ballet performances to soul-stirring symphonies, the arts bring our community to life.

That’s why the Winnipeg 150 Mayor’s Ball was such a big deal. Over 700 people came together to celebrate our city’s milestone anniversary and raised over $80,000 for four major arts organizations: Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Every dollar helping keep our local arts thriving while ensuring future generations get to experience the same creativity and talent we love today!

Winnipeg Sports!

Sending Love to Chad Posthumus

Some tough news for Winnipeg sports fans: Sea Bears center Chad Posthumus is in critical condition after surgery for a brain aneurysm. Chad’s a fan favorite in our city, known for his grit on the court and kindness off it.

The team shared that while the surgery was successful, there were complications, and he’s now in the ICU. His family’s feeling the love from the community but has asked for privacy during this tough time.

So, let’s keep Chad in our thoughts and send positive vibes his way.

Jets Historic Season keeps Going!

Jets fans, it’s officially time to start dreaming! The team’s off to the hottest start in NHL history—15 wins in their first 16 games.

As reported by the Hockey News, even if they play .500 hockey the rest of the way, they’re most likely looking at a playoff spot.

But why stop there? The energy in the city is electric, and with a historic season shaping up, whiteout fever might hit early this year!

Keep the jerseys ready, Winnipeg—this could be one for the books!

Exciting Events: Nov 15 - 17

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, Nov 16 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• AWAY: Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Toronto Argonauts| 5PM, Nov 17

  • Location: Vancouver

  • Note: Not in Winnipeg, but listed here as it’s a big game for our city!

Family Fun🎆

• Winnipeg Rock N' Gem Show | Nov 15-17 ($2 per person)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition- Exhibition Place

  • Description: Explore over 400 tables filled with crystals, minerals, jewelry, fossils, and more.

• The Great Solar System Adventure – Planetarium Show | Nov 15-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum

  • Description: From the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond, prepare to be subjected to the myriad dangers and wonders of our Solar System

• Disney On Ice - Mickey’s Search Party | Nov 15-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Description: An adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds

• Manitoba Hydro Santa Parade | 5PM, Nov 16 (FREE)

  • Location: Between Portage Avenue and Broadway

  • Description: A moving panorama of lights, colour and music!

• Manitoba Skies | Nov 16-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Museum Planetarium

  • Description: Take a live guided tour of Manitoba’s sky!

• Create and Connect Crafts at The Leaf | 1-3PM, Nov 17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom at The Leaf

  • Description: Hands-on crafting using natural or recycled products!

Markets 🛍️

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM-2PM, Nov 16 (More Info)

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Calvin School Christmas Market & Bake Sale | 10AM-3PM, Nov 16 (More Info)

  • Location: 245 Sutton Ave, Winnipeg

  • Description: Check out the 40 unique vendors for your gift-giving needs.

• 3rd Annual Christmas Craft & Bake Sale | Nov 16-17 (More Info)

  • Location: East End Community Club

Comedy❗

• Kyle Kinane Comedy | Nov 15-16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: He has been seen on Conan, The Tonight Show, Netflix’s “The Standups,” and three of his own hour-length specials on Comedy Central.

• Charles Haycock Comedy | Nov 15-16 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club (222 Main St)

• Emmanuel & Benji Comedy | 9PM, Nov 16 (Tickets)

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

  • Description: Two of Winnipeg's finest are dropping comedy albums on the same day! Emmanuel Lomuro's "Daydreams" and Benji Rothman's "Comedy For Hot People" hit the shelves on Nov 16, and we're celebrating with a comedy show and funk party.

Special Events 🥂

• Paranormal Investigation of The Pavilion | 8-11PM, Nov 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Pavilion - Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Have you ever wondered what sort of paranormal activity exists at Assiniboine Park? Join the Winnipeg Paranormal Group (WPG) at Assiniboine Park’s historic Pavilion to seek answers!

• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - The Recipe | Nov 15- 23 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse Theatre (140 Rupert Ave)

  • Description: Funny, poignant and subversive, The Recipe is a heartwarming Prairie Gothic.

• PTE presents Ponderosa Pine | Nov 15-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange (Y300-393 Portage Avenue)

  • Description: Ponderosa Pine is family history turned legend, turned myth – and woven together through stories both haunting and beautiful.

• Winter Coat Liquidation Sale - 50-80% Off | Nov 15-17 (More Info)

  • Location: Four Crowns Restaurant & Bar (1030 McPhillips St)

• Saturday Swing Out | 6:30-11PM, Nov 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: 1 Forks Market Road 2nd floor

  • Description: Join River City Swing for live music and swing dancing at The Forks! No experience or partner necessary and everyone is welcome.

• Art & Wine Pairing | 6:30PM, Nov 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Uncover the inspiration behind select artworks on view while savouring perfectly paired international wines and delicious bites.

• Lego LiftOff | 1-3PM, Nov 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: MBLUG members will bring some of their favourite aviation-themed creations for display, plus we’ll have a free-play area for you to get creative with building bricks and an all-ages LEGO® build contest.

• The Impossible Has Already Ha | 7:30PM, Nov 16-17 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rachel Browne Theatre

  • Description: The Impossible Has Already Happened investigates the power and purpose of water through dance!

Live Music 🎵

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

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

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