5 glowing attractions to light up your holiday season

Posted November 21, 2019 | Author Kit Muir

The darker the days get, the brighter our lights shine! Around the province, Manitobans are lighting up their homes and businesses for the holiday season but some places take holiday lights to a whole other level. Check out these five seasonal attractions that are sure to make your holidays merry and bright.

1. Canad Inns Winter Wonderland

Nov. 29 - Jan. 4, 2020

A Christmas tradition for many Manitobans, the Canad Inns Winter Wonderland returns for another year with over a million lights across 26 different themed areas. You can see all of the light displays from the comfort of your car as you drive the 2.5 km route through the Red River Exhibition grounds. Grab a bag of mini doughnuts or a hot chocolate on your way in, then stop for family photos with an assortment of holiday sculptures and don’t forget to bring your skates for the outdoor rink!

2. Holiday Alley

Nov. 22 & 23 (lights on until the end of Feb.)

Holiday Alley is a free two-day festival in Selkirk and a great way to kick off the holiday season. Over 30 buildings are lit with multi-coloured lights along three blocks in Selkirk’s old downtown. Join the outdoor street party on Friday Nov. 22 for the official lighting ceremony, then stay for live entertainment, giant photos with Santa and great local food. If you can’t see the lights during the festival you can still head down to see the lit up street on its own every evening until the end of February.

3. Lights of the North

Dec. 5 - Jan. 5, 2020

Lights of the North took Winnipeg by storm last fall with their outdoor display at the Red River Exhibition grounds. This winter they’ve moved inside to celebrate the holiday season with Christmas-themed lights displays in the basement of the Hudson’s Bay Downtown. Stroll, laugh and play under the twinkle of more than a million lights. The display includes 3D light sculptures, a light tunnel, photo ops, live performances, specialty beverages in bulb-shaped glasses and food vendors. The event is sure to be a mesmerizing experience for the whole family.

4. Winter Wonderland at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum

December 13-15 & 20-22

See the Manitoba Agricultural Museum in a new light when it’s all dressed up for the holidays! Hop on a sleigh ride for a magical journey through the historic buildings in the Homesteader’s Village Winter Wonderland. With 20 buildings dating as far back as 1879, the Homesteader's Village will have you traveling back in time to a simpler, more relaxing season. After the tour, warm up in the Pioneer Centre with games, crafts and hot chocolate or sit outside by the bonfire and roast your own hot dog.

homesteader's village

5. Zoo Lights Festival

Nov. 30 - Jan 5, 2020

Visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo as it shines and sparkles at the newest light festival in Manitoba. The Zoo Lights Festival will feature thousands of light installations that bring Polar Town to life. Explore the town hall, icy forest, tundra trail and market square all while participating in activities for the whole family including eco-friendly gift wrapping, snow shoe hikes, axe throwing, and a Third + Bird artisan market. Each day features different entertainers and activities, so you can keep coming back for new experiences throughout the month!

zoo lights

About The Author

Hi! I'm Kit, a Franco-Manitobaine from the Interlake and a champion of the phrase "there's no place like home." If you see me out exploring the province, say hi! Or reach out at kmuir@travelmanitoba.com.

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