10 ways to spend New Year's Day in 2023

Posted December 22, 2022 | Author Desiree Rantala

The New Year is here and that means new opportunities to explore in our favourite place...Manitoba! How will you ring in the New Year? If you're a planner like myself, not only will you be planning for New Year's eve, but you'll also be planning for the day after! I love a good plan. Whether you're spending the first day of a new year out and about in the brisk of our beautiful winter, or your chowing down your favourite food with your favourite people, here are 10 ways to spend New Year's Day in 2023.

1. take a bite out of the new year

Breakfast! Arguable the most important meal of the day. Pancakes or waffles? Eggs over-easy or scrambled? Take a bite out of the New Year with your favourite flavours! Pancakes, waffles, or eggs benedict... coming right up. Check out Pineridge Hollow, Pauline's Bistro, Park Cafe, Stella's, Pancake House, or the Lakehouse!

2. snowshoe or skate... spend time outside

Strap on your snowshoes or ice skates and get some fresh air by venturing out onto some of Manitoba's top winter hiking trails and skating rinks! There are options for every skill level. Bundle up and brave the great outdoors! Here are 10 places to hike and skate this New Year's Day. Please inquire ahead of time for hours of operation or seasonal availability.

3. a pasta after-party

Who doesn't love a good after-party? How about one that involves carbs? Soak those morning-after sorrows with a pasta after-party! In the off chance that you can't snag a seat at your favourite pasta spot, use this opportunity to DIY. Try to plan ahead and grab all the ingredients you need from a local market! Hargrave Street Market, La Grotta, DeLuca's, or The Farmer's Kitchen Grocery Store at Pineridge Hollow. Alfredo? Tomato? Olive oil with a little S & P? Don't forget to sauce things up a bit!

4. that's the way the cookie crumbles

We all have a sweet tooth...some of us maybe more than one! Not only do we recommend thinking outside of the box this New Year's Day...we recommend filling that box with donuts, pastries, and everything bakeries! You can either plan ahead or go out a donut-hunt day of...the choice is yours! Let's offer some love to local bakeries this season. Pies...cookies...cakes...croissants...anything crispy, crunchy, or crusty...we want it!

5. explore Manitoba

Various Locations

Now is the time, to get out and adventure! We've made it easier with the new Manitoba Explorer App: a free mobile program that will get you exploring every corner of our beautiful province! Earn digital badges and physical achievement pins by visiting selected points of interest. The more locations visited, the more pins you can unlock. Whether it's trails, road tripping, hiking or biking... where will the app take you?

6. learn at the leaf

The Leaf | Assiniboine Park | Winnipeg

The Leaf at Assiniboine Park is now open! This new and beautiful horticultural attraction offers guests the opportunity to explore and learn about flowers, palms, plant life, and thousands of trees, through the development of four unique biomes. The new Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar features modern prairie cuisine and culturally expressive dishes on their menu. Reservations are now open.

7. meander at a museum

Various Locations

Uncover Manitoba's past, present, and future. With an overwhelmingly amount of museums in Manitoba, there is much to be seen. In fact, there are almost two hundred museums in Manitoba! From aviation and animals to history and horticulture, you name it, it's here! Consider a visit to a local museum to learn more about Manitoba! Be sure to check hours ahead of time.

8. fun at the forks

The Forks | Winnipeg

Enjoy this year's Arctic Glacier Winter Park at The Forks! Skate under the canopy with lights and music. Skate rentals are available. Switch out your skates for shoes and hot chocolate to walk around The Forks to gander in awe at the varying light displays. Take a tasty treat break with mini donuts, sushi, tacos, or ice cream!

9. grab some games

Plan ahead to game out! Hit up stores ahead of New Years Day such as Across The Board, Toad Hall Toys, Kite and Kaboodle, Toymasters of Brandon, or Go Beyond Games in Dauphin for a day of good ol' fashioned, board games! Friends, family, and fun! Monopoly, checkers, chess, and if you're feeling hungry... how about hungry hungry hippos?

10. light up the night

Various Locations

Get ready to light up the night this holiday season! Enjoy beautiful lights and the spirit of the holidays outdoors.

Zoo Lights | Assiniboine Park Zoo | Winnipeg
Now until January 8Get ready to light up the night and tell your own story with Assiniboine Park’s Zoo Lights! Stop in and feel the sparkle and splendor of winter magic come to life in Winnipeg. Enjoy live music and entertainment, try a variety of tasty treats, snap your favorite moments, and warm up by the fire pits!

Skating Oval | Brandon
Coming Soon

Skating or a Winter Walk | The Forks | Winnipeg
Enjoy this year's Arctic Glacier Winter Park at The Forks! Skate under the canopy with lights and music! Skate rentals are available. Switch out your skates for shoes and hot chocolate to walk around The Forks to gander in awe at the varying light displays.

Downtown Delight | Selkirk
Park and walk Manitoba Ave. in downtown Selkirk and take in dozens of murals in the downtown as well as some unique takes on Christmas Tree decorations. The lights are on every night from 5 PM to 10 PM.

Canad Inns Winter Wonderland | Red River Exhibition | Winnipeg
Winnipeg's favourite holiday tradition returns for another season of affordable family fun - it's Canad Inns Winter Wonderland! All your favourite light displays are back, along with some new additions and big surprises. Enjoy the 2.5-km route - Manitoba's longest drive-thru light display - from the comfort of your car.

Various Locations | Winnipeg
Carol Cassell's Winnipeg Christmas Map is back! A safe and warm way to view the lights, from the comfort of your vehicle. A great activity for kids.

Town Lights | Gimli
Go shopping, grab a bite to eat and see the town of Gimli lit with delight!

Christmas Lights Tour | Heartland Travel | Winnipeg
Join in on a Christmas lights tour throughout Winnipeg with Heartland Travel and Tours. Listen to fun and popular Christmas carols, and see colourful Christmas light displays, try your luck at Christmas Light Bingo and more!

Call ahead to your place of interest to ensure hours of operation and availability.

About The Author

Hey there, I'm Desiree! I've lived in Manitoba my whole life. I love a great slice of pizza, photography and exploring our beautiful province. I'm passionate about storytelling. Have an idea for adventure? Let me know! drantala@travelmanitoba.com

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