Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

The holidays are kicking off around the city this week, and you can already feel that cozy Christmas buzz in the air. Local markets are setting up, holiday plays are taking the stage, and lights are starting to twinkle across Winnipeg. It’s the start of one of the most special stretches of the year: the season of giving, gathering, and good food.

And with Black Friday coming up this week, a lot of folks are starting their Christmas shopping early. As you check off your lists, try to support local whenever you can. Every market vendor, artist, and small shop you visit keeps Winnipeg’s holiday spirit alive.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get into what’s happening around the city this week, from festive events to new stories lighting up Winnipeg.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • Winnipeg Launches Its First-Ever Snowplow Naming Contest

  • Restaurants of the Week

  • Manitoba Legislative Building To Host A Free Holiday Open House

  • Valour FC Suspends Operations After 6 Years in Winnipeg

  • Manitoba Shares 2026 Road and Infrastructure Plan

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Launches Its First-Ever Snowplow Naming Contest

Source: City of Winnipeg

Winnipeg winters can feel pretty long, so it’s nice when something comes along that brings a bit of fun into the season.

This year, the City is asking families to help name the snow-clearing machines we watch push through our streets after every snowfall.

Here’s what you can help name:

  • 12 big winter machines that work across the city

  • Six graders and six loaders looking for their own creative titles

  • And a team name for the pathway plows that clear sidewalks and paths

It’s open to all Winnipeggers, with a special category made just for classrooms. And if you’re looking for inspiration, other cities have gone with names like Buzz Iceclear and Snowbi-Gone Kenobi, so there’s plenty of room to get creative.

Here’s how to enter and what you win:

  • Send in name ideas online from now until December 5, 2025

  • Top 30 names will be announced on December 8, with public voting open until December 31

  • Winners notified January 7, 2026

  • 12 individual winners get custom name plates and a special announcement event

  • The winning classroom gets a pizza party at City Hall with the Mayor

It’s a simple way to get kids and grandkids involved in something the whole city will get to enjoy. If you’ve got a clever name in mind, or want to make one up with the kids, click the link below to send your ideas!

Together with Red River Exhibition Park!

Exclusive Black Friday Sale for Manitoba’s Biggest Summer Fair!

For the first time ever, The Red River Exhibition Park is joining the Black Friday fun, and it’s your chance to grab the best deal of the year on Winnipeg’s favourite summer tradition.

Every year, The EX brings people together for thrilling rides, great food, and a whole lot of memories.

It’s the smell of cotton candy, the sound of laughter, and that feeling of finally being at summer’s biggest event. For so many families, it’s a tradition that never gets old, and this year, you can gift that feeling.

Perfect for your grandkids, best friend, or anyone who loves The EX.

Here’s what to expect in 2026:

  • 50+ rides for all ages, from high-speed thrills to gentle ones for the little ones

  • 45+ food trucks with everything from sweet treats to deep-fried favourites

  • 40+ local vendors selling handmade goods, gifts, and one-of-a-kind finds

  • Daily live music with Classic Rock Night, Tribute Bands, Country Night, and more

You can save up to $33 this Black Friday!

Mark your calendars for Nov 28 to Dec 1 and click the link below to see all the sale prices and details!

Restaurant of the Week: Tito Boy Restaurant

Source: Tito Boy Restaurant

A South-End Spot Serving Up Filipino Comfort Food

Tito Boy Restaurant on St. Anne’s Road is the kind of place that feels like someone invited you over for a big family meal and made sure you left full.

Every dish on the menu is shaped by both tradition and experience: Filipino staples from Southern Leyte, Philippines, and the decades one father spent working in Winnipeg as a baker, healthcare aide, and chef.

What started as a dream to one day open his own restaurant now lives on in every plate served: simple, hearty, and made with care.

Here’s what to expect:

  • All-day breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with favourites like tocino, pancit, and ube pandesal

  • Comfort classics like Shanghai egg rolls, garlic rice, and rich Filipino stews

  • Warm and welcoming staff who take time to explain each dish

  • A relaxed and casual setting, perfect for get-togethers big or small

📍 M-730 St. Anne’s Road, Winnipeg
🕓 Tues–Fri: 11:30AM–2:30PM / 5PM–8:30PM
🕓 Sat: 10AM–8:30PM | Sun: 10AM–7PM | Mon: Closed

If you're craving something that feels home-cooked, or want to explore Filipino flavours for the first time, Tito Boy is well worth the visit.

Community Digest

Manitoba Legislative Building To Host A Free Holiday Open House

Source: Manitoba Historical Society

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like inside the Manitoba Legislative Building, here’s your chance to take a peek with no tour booking required. The province is holding its annual Holiday Open House, and everyone’s welcome.

It’s a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon that gives you a chance to explore the building while enjoying a little seasonal cheer.

Here’s what to know:

  • Doors open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 6

  • Free entry for all ages, no RSVP needed

  • Live holiday music and snacks throughout the afternoon

Visitors are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable item in support of the Christmas Cheer Board. And if you can’t make it in person, the whole event will be livestreamed so you can still be part of it from home.

It’s the perfect opportunity to step inside, wander through the halls, and take in the history of a building that’s been part of our city for over a century.

Valour FC Suspends Operations After 6 Years in Winnipeg

After six years on the pitch, Valour FC is officially suspending operations, marking a tough goodbye for Winnipeg’s soccer fans.

The team announced the decision shortly after the end of the 2025 season. Owned by the Winnipeg Football Club, Valour had been operating on shaky ground for a few years.

Despite a passionate fanbase and support from the Canadian Premier League to stay afloat in 2024 and 2025, the club faced mounting financial losses, with a reported $1.25 million shortfall in 2023 alone.

Many still believe Winnipeg can be home to pro soccer, with the right backing and venue.

But for now, it’s a moment to look back and remember the matchday energy, the chants, and the shared pride that made Valour more than just a team.

Jets Goalie Connor Hellebuyck Out 4 to 6 Weeks With Knee Injury

Source: Winnipeg Jets

It’s the kind of news no Jets fan wants to hear, especially this early in the season. Connor Hellebuyck, the anchor in net and one of the most consistent players this city’s seen, is stepping away for a few weeks to recover from a knee issue.

He’s been pushing through since training camp, but the team and medical staff agreed now’s the time to take care of it.

Here’s what we know:

  • He’ll be getting a minor knee procedure, and recovery is expected in 4–6 weeks

  • Hellebuyck hasn’t practiced in days, dealing with pain post-games

  • Eric Comrie will step in as the starting goalie, with Thomas Milic called up from the Moose

  • The Jets currently sit third in the Central Division, entering a packed winter schedule

It’s a big gap to fill, no doubt. But if there’s one thing this group has shown over the past few seasons, it’s that they know how to rally. For now, all eyes are on Comrie, and all hopes are on Helly resting up and coming back strong.

City Updates

Manitoba Shares 2026 Road and Infrastructure Plan

Manitoba roads saw some big changes this year, and even more are coming in 2026. At the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association awards, the province shared its upcoming project lineup, alongside a heartfelt thank you to the workers keeping things moving across the province.

Here are some of the key projects planned:

  • Upgrades to PTH 5 from PR 276 to PTH 20

  • Structure replacement on PTH 3 at Brunkild

  • Intersection improvements at PTH 12 and PR 210

  • Flood pump station replacement at the St. Adolphe Dike

  • New bridge work on the Trans-Canada Highway at South Boggy Creek

From highways and bridges to small-town crossings, these projects help keep communities together, making everyday travel smoother and supporting local jobs in the process.

It’s a promising sign for Manitobans: knowing that safer roads, better infrastructure, and long-overdue fixes are on the way in every corner of the province.

If you want to see the full list of upcoming projects, click the link below.

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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!

  • The Strumbellas | 8PM, November 26 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: The Strumbellas know that misery loves company, and that if we’re together, even in dark times, there’s some joy in that.

  • Bonnes Bonnes | Nov 26-29 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cercle Molière Theater

    • Description: Three women of Chinese descent gather around a bold new work by one of their own — a reimagining of Jean Genet’s Les Bonnes. Together, they dive headfirst into childhood memories, the love-hate tug-of-war with whiteness, the colonial residues etched in their minds and just as passionately, into Chinese soap operas.

  • Tosca | November 26 & 28 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: Heart-pounding drama, intense passion, and soaring melodies are a killer combination in this fateful day in the life of the diva Tosca.

  • The Killer Keys | 7PM, November 27 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

    • Description: Experience Winnipeg's Only Dueling Piano Duo in a speakeasy!

  • Die Harder: A Manitoba Christmas Story | Nov 27 - Dec 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!

  • Winnipeg Christmas Market | November 27-30 (Tickets)

    • Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg

    • Description: The Winnipeg Christmas Market is a one-of-a-kind Canadian marketplace that celebrates handmade creations from talented artists, artisans, makers, and designers across the country. 130+ vendors!

  • Jessie Reyez | 8PM, November 28 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: GRAMMY nominated and 6-time Juno Winning artist and songwriter Jessie Reyez announced her biggest headline run to date with the Paid In Memories Tour, in support of her third studio album PAID IN MEMORIES.

  • Canadian Fighting Championship: CFC 9 Cage Fights | 7PM, November 28 (Tickets)

    • Location: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg

    • Description: Canadian Fighting Championship 9 will feature Professional Mixed Martial Arts with an Amateur MMA, Kickboxing, & Muay Thai undercard.

  • Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | 6PM-10PM, November 28 - 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.

  • A Special Holiday Market | 11AM-6PM, November 29-30 (FREE)

    • Location: Tyndall Park Community Hall

    • Description: FREE admission FREE live entertainment featuring local artists FREE photo with Santa FREE parking PLUS: FREE Games, Giveaways and more!

Exciting Events: November 24th & 25th

Sports🏀

  • Manitoba Moose vs Belleville Senators | November 25-26 ($)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

  • Live at Belle's (Nahla Moon) | 12PM, Nov 24 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

  • Orvis/Mitchell Makoons | 12PM-3PM, Nov 24-25 (FREE)

    • Location: Long Plain

    • Description: The Mitchell & Orvis Tour

  • Karaoke (Matt McLean) | 8PM, Nov 24 (FREE)

    • Location: Sidestage Winnipeg

  • Live at Belle's (Keith Dyck/The Good Sky Woman/Two Out of Three/Lewsh + Spider) | 11:45AM-11PM, Nov 25 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

  • Tuesday Night Jazz Jam | 8PM, Nov 25 (FREE)

    • Location: Park Alleys

Community Fun🎆

  • Mini Mondays (Spy Glass Colour Wheel & Colour Wheel Parachute Game) | 10AM-2PM, Nov 24 (FREE)

    • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

    • Description: A fun-filled day of stimulating play designed for our youngest visitors, children under 4 years old!

  • Zoo Lights | November 24 - 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 | November 24 - December 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🥂

  • Sloan | 8PM, November 25 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: Comprised of bassist and vocalist Chris Murphy, guitarists/vocalists Jay Ferguson and Patrick Pentland, and drummer/vocalist Andrew Scott, the quartet possessed a rare chemistry from the start

  • Elf – The Musical | November 25 - December 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.

  • A Number Play | Nov 25-29 (Tickets)

    • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Tom Hendry Warehouse

    • Description: What happens when you discover more than one YOU in the world? This psychological thriller explores themes of identity, family dynamics and the ethics of scientific experimentation.

  • Graham Chittenden Comedy | November 25-29 ($)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: Graham is a familiar face at the Just For Laughs Festival, as well as on Just For Laughs tours, coast to coast in Canada and as far away as Bermuda.

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

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