Happy Monday, Winnipeg!

The cold has settled in for real now, the kind that makes your breath hang in the air and your jacket feel just a little too thin. But it also brings that familiar holiday feeling… the lights going up, the early sunsets, and the city starting to slow down in the best way.

To keep spirits high, we’re already one week into our 25 Days of Giveaways. It’s been so fun watching winners claim their prizes each day, and there are still plenty more to come. Nothing brightens a chilly morning like seeing someone in our community win something special.

If you haven’t entered yet, now’s your chance. Scroll below to see how you can jump into the remaining days and maybe take home a prize yourself.

Now, in today’s edition:

  • Winnipeg Chosen To Host 2026 Heritage Classic

  • Restaurant of the Week

  • Province Asks Manitobans To Help Shape the 2026 Budget

  • Late Night Transit Service Expands Across Winnipeg Starting This Week

  • Premier Wab Kinew Ends 2025 as Canada’s Most Approved Provincial Leader

  • Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg Chosen To Host 2026 Heritage Classic

Source: Winnipeg Jets

Every few years, Winnipeg gets one of those moments that pulls the whole city in. And this time, it’s an outdoor NHL game coming back to our own backyard. The Heritage Classic is returning to Winnipeg, and it already feels like one of those days we’ll be talking about long after it’s over.

The NHL confirmed that the Winnipeg Jets will host the Montreal Canadiens on October 25, 2026, at Princess Auto Stadium. Winnipeg last held the Heritage Classic in 2016, when more than 33,000 fans bundled up for an unforgettable afternoon. This will be only the eighth Heritage Classic ever played in Canada.

A few things that make this special:

  • Outdoor games are rare, and cities aren’t chosen often

  • Montreal’s young and fast roster brings extra excitement

  • It’s the kind of event that fills a stadium, no matter the weather

For many families, these outdoor games become memories you look back on for years, whether you go with your kids, your parents, or a group of friends. Even if you’re not usually a hockey person, this is one of those Winnipeg days that’s just fun to be part of.

Together with Bon Aventure Travel

Start 2026 With A Trip You’ll Remember All Year

As the new year gets closer, everyone starts talking about resolutions. Most of them fade by February, but planning a trip is one of the few things that actually sticks. It gives you something bright to look forward to during the long winter months.

And a quiet sail across the Mediterranean might be the perfect way to start 2026.

One of the journeys takes you from the Canary Islands to Barcelona, running March 21 to 25, starting at $3,695 CAD per guest. You’ll pass through the Strait of Gibraltar, a stretch of ocean that feels almost unreal in person. They also offer other itineraries with similar savings, different dates, and more beautiful ports to explore.

If you’re hoping to make travel part of your new year, booking before January 4, 2026 comes with up to 35 percent savings and only a 5 percent deposit to hold your spot. It’s a gentle way to set a plan that feels exciting instead of overwhelming.

Every journey includes:

  • Nine dining experiences

  • Unlimited fine beverages

  • Thermal spa access

  • Fitness and wellbeing programs

  • All gratuities

  • Port-to-city shuttles

  • Wine, spirits, and champagne waiting in your suite and more!

And it’s all arranged by Bonaventure Travel, a trusted Winnipeg agency that handles every detail so your only job is to enjoy it.

Click the button below to see everything that’s included and start planning.

Restaurant of the Week: Gunn's Bakery

Source: Gunn’s Bakery

A North End Classic Keeping Winnipeg Traditions Alive

Walking into Gunn’s Bakery feels a bit like stepping into the city’s food history. Since 1937, this family owned spot on Selkirk Avenue has been baking the kind of breads, bagels, and pastries that generations of Winnipeggers grew up with.

Everything is still made the old way, with hands that know these recipes by heart.

Here’s what to look forward to:

  • European style breads and hand rolled bagels, including their famous rye

  • Sweet and savoury pastries, from poppyseed cakes to warm buns

  • Imperial cookies, a true Winnipeg favourite, made with care and tradition

  • A warm, nostalgic feel that makes even a quick stop feel like a visit with family

Whether you’re picking up challah for the weekend, grabbing a box of cookies to bring to a friend, or simply treating yourself on a weekday morning, Gunn’s Bakery remains one of those rare places where heritage meets heart.

📍247 Selkirk Ave, Winnipeg
🕓 Mon–Fri: 7:30AM–4/5PM | Sat: 7AM–3PM | Sun: Closed

City Updates

Province Asks Manitobans To Help Shape the 2026 Budget

The province is asking Manitobans to share what truly matters to them as work begins on the 2026 budget. A short online survey is now open, giving everyone a simple way to speak to the services and supports they want to see protected or strengthened in the new year.

For anyone who has ever wished something in their neighbourhood worked a little smoother, or hoped their voice could reach the people making decisions, this is one of the easiest chances to be heard.

There will also be in-person and telephone town halls in the new year, offering more space for real conversations with provincial leaders. Sometimes sharing your thoughts face-to-face can make the process feel a little more meaningful.

The survey is open until February 21, and it only takes a few minutes. It may feel like a small step, but adding your voice helps shape the kind of Manitoba we all want to live in, one thoughtful choice at a time.

Late Night Transit Service Expands Across Winnipeg Starting This Week

For a lot of people, getting home late at night can be stressful. Maybe you work an evening shift, pick up extra hours during the holidays, or rely on transit after visiting family. Starting December 14, the city is making that part of the day a little easier.

Winnipeg Transit is adding late night service to 10 On Request zones, with most of them now running until about 2 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and until 12:45 a.m. on Sundays and holidays.

These changes came directly from what riders have been asking for. The city heard that nights were the hardest to navigate, so they focused on fixing that first.

Here are all the changes coming into effect:

  • All 10 On Request zones that run past 7 p.m. will now operate late into the night.

  • Zone 103 is expanding, making it easier to reach places like Garden City Shopping Centre and Walmart.

  • Routes that were often late or overcrowded are getting rewritten schedules and added capacity.

  • Several school routes will see new morning and afternoon trips to help students travel safely and on time.

For many Winnipeggers, transit is more than a commute. It is how they care for their families, keep steady work, and stay connected to the city. So if you rely on the bus day to day, be sure to click the link below to check the full list of updates.

The changes might make your evenings, your routines, and your rides home feel a little easier.

Day 6 & 7 Giveaways Are Now Live!

The first stretch of our 25 Days of Giveaways has been a whirlwind, and honestly, it’s been so much fun to watch it all unfold with you. So much happened over the weekend that it almost feels like a blur.

Our Jets tickets winner made it out to Friday night’s game. And we announced winners for three more giveaways:

  • Two people picked up gift cards to one of Winnipeg’s favourite sneaker and vintage shops.

  • Three readers won a full year of premium car washes.

  • And ten people walked away with gift cards to Cleocatra, the cozy vintage cat café.

And now, we’re rolling into a new week with two big giveaways happening right now:

  • Day 6: Three winners. Each receives a $420 Popeye’s Supplements prize pack, including a $150 gift card, two Cwench Hydration servings, a crew neck, tumbler, massage gun, gym bag, and a few bonus surprises.
    (Enter here)

  • Day 7: One winner. A $500 Visa gift card to spend on whatever brings you comfort this holiday season. (Enter here)

More giveaways are on the way, and we’re just getting started!

Community Digest

Premier Wab Kinew Ends 2025 as Canada’s Most Approved Provincial Leader

Source: Angus Reid

It’s not every day that Manitoba leads a national conversation. Still, this week’s Angus Reid poll shows Premier Wab Kinew finishing the year as the most approved provincial leader in the country.

His support has changed since the summer, but he remains at the top while many other premiers continue to face declining numbers.

If you want to explore the full numbers and see how other premiers compare, including Doug Ford and David Eby, click the link below to view the complete breakdown.

Over 1,500 Manitoba Babies Have Received New RSV Protection This Season

Earlier this year, we shared that the province would be expanding RSV protection for newborns. RSV is a common respiratory virus that can be especially tough on infants, sometimes leading to breathing problems or hospital stays.

Now, the first results are in, and the impact is already clear. As of November 30, more than 1,500 infants have received Nirsevimab, including 144 high-risk babies who are most vulnerable to severe illness.

Here are a few key updates:

  • This is the first full RSV season where all babies born during RSV season are eligible for the antibody.

  • Hospitals now offer the dose before families go home, giving newborns early protection during peak circulation.

  • Families who missed the birth dose can still get it through public health offices and nursing stations.

  • Early uptake shows strong demand and may help ease pressure on pediatric hospitals this winter.

For many parents, this program means bringing their baby home with a bit more ease in their hearts. Those first weeks are already full of learning and worry, and knowing their child has early protection offers a comfort that truly matters.

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!

  • Winnipeg Jets vs Boston Bruins | 7PM, Dec 11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

  • Deck the Halls of Dalnavert: A Victorian Christmas Tour | Dec 11-12 & 14 (Tickets)

    • Location: Dalnavert Museum

    • Description: In this festive tour, travel back in time to Victorian Winnipeg and learn how Victorians celebrated Christmas by playing 'dangerous' parlour games, eating lots of candy, and carolling—pretty similar to today!

  • Die Harder: A Manitoba Christmas Story | Dec 11-31 (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!

  • ​FunkyTown Disco Rave | 9PM, Dec 12 (Tickets)

    • Location: Diablo Club

    • Description: FunkyTown is the Ultimate Disco Rave! Incredible 3D Mapping, Next Level Stage Visuals, Psychedelic Light Up Dance Floor. Disco House and Funky Rave Music from some of Winnipeg's Grooviest Dj's

  • Mac DeMarco | 8PM, Dec 12-13 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: Mac DeMarco is a Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. He’s known for his unique blend of jangle-pop, indie rock, and his laid-back, eccentric persona.

  • WSO presets Handel’s Messiah | 7:30PM, Dec 13 (Tickets)

    • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

    • Description: This holiday favourite returns to the Centennial Concert Hall! Experience the majesty of Handel’s Messiah with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. This iconic oratorio, featuring the beloved Hallelujah chorus, is a holiday tradition that fills the season with joy and reverence.

  • The Lightning Thief Play | Dec 13-28 (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.

  • Fred Penner | 3PM, Dec 14 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: Memories will abound on Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Burton Cummings Theatre as Winnipeg’s own Fred Penner returns to delight his legion of Fred Heads…and their children.

Exciting Events: December 8th & 9th

Sports 🏀

  • Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars | 7PM, Dec 9 ($)

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

  • Grandson | 8PM, Dec 8 (Tickets)

    • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

    • Description: Already an artist admired for both his searing social commentary and heart-breaking true-life stories.

  • Live at Belle's (Central Soundwave) | 12PM, Dec 8 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

  • Christmas with Johnny Reid | Dec 8-9 (Tickets)

    • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

    • Description: Catch JUNO Award winner and multi-platinum selling recording artist Johnny Reid live on stage in a joyful celebration of holiday spirit, sharing personal favourites, cherished classics and inspiring stories to usher in the holiday season.

  • A 6 String Christmas | 6:15PM, Dec 8-9 ($)

    • Location: Park Theatre

    • Description: A Fun and Funny Musical Romp Through Classic Christmas Tunes! Chase Padgett brings his prodigious talents as a singer, guitarist, comedian, and storyteller to this unforgettable evening of Christmas spirit.

  • A Whitehorse Winter Classic | 8PM, Dec 8-9 ($)

    • Location: Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club

    • Description: This holiday show extraordinaire will feature songs from their JUNO Award-nominated holiday album, “A Whitehorse Winter Classic,” along with festive classics and other highlights from Whitehorse’s genre-spanning, award-winning albums.

  • Live at Belle's (David Wolkowski/Mark Conroy/Mary Simon/Mitchell Stewart Duo) | 11:45AM-11PM, Dec 9 (FREE)

    • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

Community Fun🎆

  • Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | December 8 - 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 8 - 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 8-24 (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!

  • Mini Mondays (Icy Ornaments Craft & Snowball Bowling) | 10AM-2PM, Dec 8 (FREE)

    • 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

Special Events🥂

  • Elf – The Musical | December 9-28 (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.

  • Joke - Holiday Musical Extravaganza | Dec 9-21 (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!

  • Kevin Bozeman Comedy | Dec 9-13 ($)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

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

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