From the theatre scene to the art scene, from the comedy selection to the music repertoires, there is simply such a rich culture and diversity to go around in Manitoba. This week is no different. Here’s just a selection of what’s hot...
Get festive at The Forks Market Holiday Bazaar
November 30
The Forks Market, Winnipeg
Head to The Forks as the the holiday season and its a frenzy of festivity kicks off this Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. There will be in-store specials, a Kal Barteski custom script pop-up, Third + Bird vendors, and a dream catcher workshop by Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique. Festive drinks will be available at The Common, while DJ Mama Cutsworth will be on hand. There will also be activities for the kids and child care.
See the lights of Wonderland
begins November 30
Red River Exhibition Park, Winnipeg
The Canad Inns Winter Wonderland is your one-stop destination for everything merry and bright. With over a million lights and 26 different themes, there will be no shortage of displays to leave you awestruck.
Celebrate the season with 300-plus crèche designs
begins November 27
Bibliotheque Allard Regional Library
Library Allard will be hosting the annual Crèche Festival with over 300 different crèches from around the world. Each crèche is made with a different type of media to depict the different views and versions available.
Get a peek inside a heritage home
November 29 to December 1
various homes along Red River North, Selkirk
Selkirk is known for its heritage homes and for three nights, you have a chance at an insider’s perspective of 10 of these properties during the Home for the Holidays self-guided tour with homes as old as 150 years.
Head to Selkirk’s old downtown
November 30 to December 1
Old downtown, Selkirk
On the heels of Home for the Holidays, Selkirk’s old downtown area will come alive with festivities of the season as the streets will be lit and filled with music for Holiday Alley. There will be arts and crafts on sale and photos with Santa.
Get into the holiday spirit at a show
November 26
Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Brandon
Brandon is getting in on the holiday festivities with its Oh What a Night Christmas show at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. The event will feature popular songs and tributes to Frankie Valli and Andy Williams, along with performances by four talents.
Have a feel-good moment at a play
continues this week
John Hirsch Mainstage, Winnipeg
Royal MTC brings the feel-good story of It’s a Wonderful Life to the John Hirsch Mainstage this week. This latest production is set in a live recording studio during the golden age of radio, where George Bailey, who has consistently put others ahead of himself, helping them to achieve their dreams, now contemplates his own life and its impact. On the brink of ruin and at his wit’s end, he ponders throwing in the towel on life, until the good-natured angel, Clarence, shows up just in time to show George just how much of an impact his life has made. It’s a Wonderful Life will preview for two nights and officially opens on November 22.
Let your curiosity get the best of you at an exhibit
November 27 to December 4
Cre8ery Gallery and Studio, Winnipeg
After one incredible exhibit, comes another and at the Cre8ery Gallery. Curiosity will feature the work of artists Kelli Rey and Candice Ring as they explore the theme of in a series of colourful and playful pieces.
Enjoy a theme-filled PTE play
premieres November 28
Prairie Theatre Exchange, Winnipeg
Prairie Theatre Exchange bring its latest production, Empire of the Son, which focuses on the humour and irony and emotional disconnect between a father and son, who seem to have mastered the art of communicating with the masses via their radio broadcast, but have yet to learn the skill of communicating with one another. Empire of the Son premieres this Wednesday.
Revisit fairy tale favourites
continues this week
Children’s Museum, Winnipeg
It’s back! For those with vivid imaginations who prefer to conjure up their own stories, Eaton’s Fairytale Vignettes present visuals for retelling old favourites like Sleeping Beauty and Old Mother Hubbard.
Have a dynamic encounter with jazz
November 27
centre culturel franco-manitobain, St. Boniface
Quebec native and long-time Manitoba resident Suzanne Kennelly brings her love of music to the mardi jazz stage this week in a performance that promises to be as dynamic as it is unique.
Get swept up at the opera
November 27 and 30
Centennial Concert Hall, Winnipeg
Manitoba Opera revisits the timeless classic of Don Juan in its latest production Mozart's Don Giovanni. Get swept up in the heart-stopping music of Mozart and the charms of the legend that is Don Juan with two shows at Centennial Concert Hall this week.
Take a journey with a master illusionist
November 28 to December 1
Théâtre Cercle Molière, St. Boniface
Master illusionist Olivier Ducas takes his one-man show, Villes, to Cercle Molière this week, where he will take his audience on a 90-minute journey to a stunning array of world cities, using only a camera, a screen and an assortment of ordinary objects.
Celebrate Indigenous arts a film fest
November 28 to December 2
Dramatic Arts Theatre, Winnipeg
The Winnipeg Indigenous Film Festival will celebrate another year of the best new Indigenous film and video from across Canada, the US, and around the world. The four-day event will take place at the Dramatic Arts Theatre.
Chant a song at ChoralFest
November 29
Prairie Spirit United Church, Winnipeg
ChoralFest 2018 is set to take over the Prairie Spirit United Church this Thursday. Four choirs will perform along with a vocal jazz group.
Get in a joyous mood at a concert
November 30 and December 1
Young United Church, Winnipeg
If you love choirs and the joyous feelings they bring, then head to the Young United Church for its Sing Joyfully, Renaissance Voices Advent concert on November 30 and December 1.
Take the kids to see Pooh
November 30
Manitoba Theatre For Young People (MTYP)
Winnipeg’s most famous bear is making a stop at MTYP for the holiday season. The theatre will transform into the world of Winnie-the-Pooh and The Hundred Acre Wood, where only 176 people a time can experience The House at Pooh Corner.
Feast your eyes on a new exhibit
ends November 30
Pulse Gallery, Winnipeg
Pulse Gallery is exhibiting the works of Manitoba artist Kathleen Black in her presentation Discovering Stillness in the Johnston Terminal at The Forks. This exhibit focuses on the artist’s new works in kiln-formed glass and acrylic paint.
Take the family to a festive event
December 1
MNP Exhibition Building, Portage la Prairie
Portage la Prairie is celebrating its second year of the Portage Festival of Trees. This family event will feature sleigh rides, face painting, music, and displays of Christmas trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses which will all go up for silent auction.
Discover a monster of a different kind at MTS
December 1 and 2
Bell MTS Centre, Winnipeg
If you’re looking for action on wheels, served with a shot of adrenaline, and topped up by gravity-defying feats, then you’re ready for a Monster Jam weekend at the Bell MTS Centre.
Shop a holiday season market
The holiday markets and craft sales are in full swing getting you in the the mood and ready for Christmas. Here are a few suggestions for you to check out.
November 27
FortWhyte Alive, Winnipeg, Meet, Make, Take!
November 30
Centenial Hall, Ashern, Country Christmas Craft Sale
November 30 to December 1
New Iceland Heritage Museum, Gimli, Christmas Market
November 30 to December
Fort Garry Place Mall, Winnipeg, Christkindlmarkt
December 1
Onanole Rec Centre, Christmas Craft Sale & Family Fun Day
Garden City Community Centre, Winnipeg, Craft, Vendor & Bake Show
December 2
Whitetail Meadow, Niverville, Whitetail Meadow Christmas Market
Access Event Centre, Morden, Fawn and Cub Christmas Market
Say ‘cheese’ or have breakfast with Santa
For all the parents of eager kids waiting for the chance to get on Santa’s lap, here are some of the places where Santa will be making an appearance this week:
December 1
Morris MultiPlex, Inc, Breakfast With Santa & Santa's Mini Market
Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre, Glenlea, Breakfast on the Farm
Fairmont Winnipeg, Santa Suite at Fairmont Winnipeg
Lacoste Garden Centre, Winnipeg, Santa and Mrs. Claus
