Family Fun Things to Do in Winnipeg During 2025/26 Christmas – Winter Break

Winter Break 2025–2026: Family-Friendly Activities in Winnipeg

Make this winter break unforgettable with a mix of festive lights, outdoor adventures, and indoor fun. Enjoy these family-friendly activities from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

See Holiday Lights

  • Canad Inns Winter Wonderland: Drive through Manitoba’s largest light show with stunning displays  in different theme areas along the 2.5 km route. This ticketed event is open 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm nightly from November 28 to January 3.  It will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25th.
  • Zoo Lights: Stroll through a dazzling wonderland with music, lights, and festive treats at Assiniboine Park Zoo. The festive Zoo Lights Express train display, the LOOP by Olivier Girouard, Jonathan Villeneuve and Ottoblix, Manitoba’s largest light maze are just few of the things you can experience here. Zoo lights will be open from November 21, 2025 – January 1, 2026. Closed on December 24 and 25.

Live Music and Theatre

Family-Friendly Events

  • Santa Photos: Step into a whimsical world of larger-than-life toys and games, and, before your photo with Santa, visit our giant gift box photo op station. November 14 – December 24, 2025
  • Eaton’s Fairytale Vignettes: Fifteen fun, fairytale vignettes that make up this classic favourite including Cinderella, Humpty Dumpty, Three Blind Mice, and more on display at Children’s Museum.
  • Hope and Light: Honouring the Winter Solstice with a Pipe and Potluck: Come and join the pipe ceremony and potluck feast and learn about the pipe teaching of generosity. December 20, 2025 | 11 AM – 2 PM at Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
  • Tales from the Touch Museum: Visit the Richardson Interpretive Centre’s Touch Museum to learn about the species that call it home. Enthusiastic volunteer interpreters offer information on some of our favourite species. Learn all about their adaptations, habitats, diets and so much more! December 21, 2025 | 1 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Winter Equinox Sacred Fire: Celebrate the Winter Equinox on Sunday, December 21, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Fire Node in the Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf.
  • Holiday Performances at The Leaf: Enjoy festive musical entertainment in the Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf this December! December 20 – 21, 2025
  • Magical Christmas: Step into a holiday wonderland filled with holiday cheer, sparkling lights, and and fun activities for the whole family including five carnival rides! December 20 – 21, 2025
  • Winnipeg Comedy Showcase: Six of Winnipeg’s best comedians perform their A material. No theme, no gimmicks, just top-notch comedy from Winnipeg’s funniest people. December 21, 2025 | 8 PM
  • Deck the Halls of Dalnavert: A Victorian Christmas Tour: Travel back in time to Victorian era Winnipeg, and learn how Victorians celebrated Christmas on December 4 – 6, 11 – 12, 14, 18 – 20, 27 – 28, 2025 & January 2  – 4, 2026
  • Ugly Sweater Festive Brunch on December 26, 2025, at the Velvet Glove Restaurant in The Fairmont Winnipeg
  • Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve Fondue Experiences on  December 24 & December 31, 2025, at the Fairmont Winnipeg.
  • Bonfire Marshmallow Roast: Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of a great day in nature with family and friends by getting outside and roasting some marshmallows! December 28, 2025 | 12 PM – 3 PM
  • Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity: Catch the screenings of the best films from the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on December 19, 21, 28, 2025 & January 2, 2026.
  • Hobbs’ Elf Squadron: Enjoy holiday-themed, hands-on activity stations throughout the museum. December 22, 2025 to January 3, 2026
  • “Humbug” Afternoon Tea: Enjoy a selection of premium Lot 35 Fairmont teas and indulge in lavish savoury delectables, sweets decadences, and traditional scones. Sundays, November 16 – December 28, 2025
  • Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM at Oak Hammock Marsh
  • Planetarium Shows at the Manitoba Museum.
  • First Fridays at the Manitoba Museum: Free admission from 4 pm to 9 pm on January 2, 2026.
  • Create and Connect Crafts at The Leaf: Hands-on crafting using natural or recycled products on Sunday, January 4, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • Visit with Santa at CF Polo Park on November 14 – December 24, 2025
  • Wackydoodle Dance Party on January 1, 2026 | 1:30 PM at The Park Theatre
  • Luminous: A Celebration of Light, Wonder & Botanical Glow: In the darkness of winter, light becomes magic. November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026. Closed on December 25, 2025.
  • Pyjama Days: Wear your comfiest pyjamas and enjoy activities across all three of the museum’s attractions. dates December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
  • Top Hats & Tiaras: A festive celebration to ring in the New Year at the Children’s Museum.
  • Moonlight Snowshoe Walk: Explore the Marsh on snowshoes with our guide and experience the wetland by moonlight followed by a bonfire. January 3, 2026
  • Snowshoeing and S’mores: Explore the Marsh on snowshoes with our guide followed by S’mores and hot chocolate by the bonfire on January 4, 2026.
  • Kids Nature Craft: Celebrate the seasons and connect with nature in a new way with our special series of nature-themed kids’ crafts on January 4, 2026.

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Sports

Winnipeg Jets at Canad Life Centre

  • vs. Minnesota Wild on Saturday, December 27, 2025 | 6:00 PM
  • vs. Edmonton Oilers on Monday, December 29, 2025 | 6:00 PM

Manitoba Moose at Canad Life Centre

  • vs. Rockford IceHogs on Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 2:00 PM
  • vs. Rockford IceHogs on Sunday, December 21, 2025 | 2:00 PM
  • vs. Abbotsford Canucks on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 4:00 PM
  • vs. Abbotsford Canucks on Friday, January 2, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Christmas & Boxing Day

Celebrate cherished moments with family this Christmas and Boxing Day, December 25 and 26.

New Year’s Eve Activities

Celebrate the excitement of New Year’s Eve with festive activities to ring in the year ahead.

Outdoor Winter Adventures

(Snow-related activities are weather dependent. Use your good judgment while enjoying these activities.)

  • Learn to Winter: Learn to Winter invites people to embrace the season through getting active and spending time outside at The Forks. The program is full of activities for all ages and will run every weekend throughout January and February. January 4 to March 28, 2026
  • Springhill Winter Sports Park: Just minutes from downtown Winnipeg, Springhill Winter Sports Park is your hub for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and more. Perfect for families, this park offers exciting winter fun close to the city.
  • Manitoba Provincial Parks: Explore Manitoba’s provincial parks, offering snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, horseback rides, and more. These parks provide an array of winter activities for all adventurers.
  • Fat Biking: Discover Winnipeg’s outdoors with a family walk or rent a fat bike from Kendricks Outdoor Adventures for a thrilling ride. Pack a picnic and enjoy outdoor games for a memorable winter day.
  • Geocaching Adventures: Embark on a geocaching journey in Winnipeg. Use a GPS or app to find hidden treasures, blending exploration, exercise, and family fun into one winter activity.
  • Winter Camping at Spruce Woods Provincial Park: Experience the adventure of winter camping at Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Hike or ski to the cozy Jackfish Lake cabin, available free with registration. This serene retreat offers a unique way to immerse yourself in nature during the frosty months.
  • Tobogganing: Feel the thrill of speed at Winnipeg’s designated tobogganing hills and six exciting winter slides. These family-friendly spots promise exhilarating fun and a great way to embrace the winter season together.
  • Skating: Glide through winter at Winnipeg’s many skating rinks, some offering heated washrooms and warming shelters. From daytime fun to evening sessions, skating here is perfect for enjoying the season with family and friends.
  • Cross-Country Skiing at Windsor Park Nordic Centre: Explore Winnipeg’s groomed cross-country ski trails and enjoy night skiing at Windsor Park Nordic Centre. These well-maintained trails provide an invigorating way to experience Manitoba’s snowy landscapes.
  • Winter Bird Watching: Discover winter birds like the snowy owl and observe their adaptations to the season. Whether in local parks or from your backyard feeder, birdwatching in winter is a peaceful and educational activity for nature lovers.
  • Snowshoeing: Embrace the snow at Oak Hammock Marsh or FortWhyte Alive with guided snowshoe tours. Rentals are available for ages 5+ at Kendricks Outdoor Adventures, making it easy to explore these serene winter wonderland.
  • St. Vital Park in Winter: Delight in the beauty of St. Vital Park’s snowy landscapes. A perfect destination for walks or peaceful moments, this park is a gem during the winter months.
  • Forks Winter Park: Enjoy a magical winter walk or skate at Forks Winter Park. This iconic Winnipeg destination offers a scenic and vibrant way to celebrate the season.
  • Winter at Assiniboine Park: Enjoy skating under the stars at the Riley Family Duck Pond, surrounded by beautiful light displays. Explore groomed cross-country ski trails. For more winter fun, race down the Toboggan Hill, and warm up with a drink by the fire at the charming Cargo Bar.
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Visit Local Attractions

Winnipeg’s many attractions are perfect places to spend time with family or friends. Explore the rich cultural and educational attractions in Winnipeg, from the Assiniboine Park & Zoo and FortWhyte Alive’s natural beauty to the Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg Art Gallery, and the thought-provoking Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Delve into history at the Manitoba Electrical Museum, St. Boniface Museum, Manitoba Children’s Museum, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Royal Canadian Mint, and Dalnavert Museum, and appreciate the artistry at the C2 Centre for Craft.

  • Canada Strong Pass:  Free admission to children aged 17 and under. Young adults aged 18 to 24 receive 50 percent off at Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq, and the Manitoba Museum.
  • Assiniboine Park & Zoo: Explore nature and wildlife. Assiniboine Park features scenic trails, lush gardens, and wildlife. At the Zoo, explore exhibits like the Journey to Churchill, home to polar bears and arctic wildlife. Stroll through lush landscapes, gardens, and the zoo’s interactive exhibits for a fun-filled day. The Leaf offers immersive indoor biomes showcasing tropical and Mediterranean landscapes.
  • FortWhyte Alive: Escape into nature at FortWhyte Alive, where adventure meets environmental education. Explore over 640 acres of trails, lakes, and forests. Enjoy seasonal activities like birdwatching, snowshoeing, and tobogganing, or learn about sustainable living through its interpretive displays and programs.
  • Manitoba Electrical Museum & Education Centre: Journey through Manitoba’s electrifying history at the Manitoba Electrical Museum. From early electric appliances to modern-day technology, this museum showcases how electricity shaped the province. Interactive exhibits and engaging displays make it a fun and educational destination.
  • Manitoba Children’s Museum: Spark your child’s imagination at the Manitoba Children’s Museum. With hands-on exhibits like a train engine, splash station, and art studio, kids can play, explore, and learn. Closed on Dec 24 & 25. Open on Dec 26, 31 & Jan 1.
  • The Manitoba Museum: Dive into Manitoba’s rich history at The Manitoba Museum. Explore natural history galleries, cultural exhibits, and the iconic Nonsuch ship. Engage with interactive science displays and planetarium shows for an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
  • Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame: Celebrate Manitoba’s sporting legends at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. This museum highlights achievements in hockey, football, curling, and more. Explore interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and inspiring stories that showcase the province’s proud athletic history.
  • Winnipeg Art Gallery: Known for its impressive Inuit art collection and rotating contemporary exhibitions, this cultural gem offers art lovers a glimpse into global and local creativity. Workshops and events make it an engaging destination.
  • Canadian Museum for Human Rights: Explore thought-provoking exhibits at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This architectural marvel features thought-provoking exhibits, interactive displays, and inspiring stories. A visit here sparks reflection and conversation, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.
  • Royal Canadian Mint: Learn how coins are crafted, from design to production, through guided tours and interactive exhibits. See rare collectible coins and take home a unique souvenir from this fascinating attraction.
  • Dalnavert Museum: Step back in time at the Dalnavert Museum, a beautifully restored Victorian home. Experience 19th-century life through its authentic furnishings and engaging exhibits. Guided tours offer a deeper insight into Winnipeg’s history, making it a charming visit for history enthusiasts.
  • C2 Centre for Craft: Celebrate the artistry of Manitoba’s craft makers at the C2 Centre for Craft. Discover exhibits showcasing textiles, ceramics, and woodworking, and browse the shop for handmade creations. Workshops and programs offer hands-on opportunities for visitors to explore their creative side.
  • The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada: The 86,000-square-foot facility celebrates Canada’s aviation heritage with interactive exhibits, over 90 historic aircraft, and inspiring stories.

Places to Visit in Manitoba:

Exciting Indoor Entertainment

Experience excitement and challenges at Escape Rooms and Bowling alleys or test your archery aim at archery ranges, or release your inner adrenaline junkie at Jack Pott’s Thrill Zone and Speedworld. For family fun, explore Uptown Alley, Fun Park Amusement Center, U-Puttz Amusement Centre, Kid City, Flying Squirrel, and Vertical Adventures, or try your hand at axe-throwing.

  • Escape Rooms: Escape rooms offer immersive puzzle-solving adventures that challenge your wits and teamwork. Navigate themed mysteries, uncover clues, and unlock secrets in a race against time.
  • Bowling Alleys: Enjoy classic bowling fun at Winnipeg’s state-of-the-art alleys.
  • Uptown Alley Arcade & Laser Tag: Uptown Alley combines high-energy arcade gaming with thrilling laser tag battles. Perfect for gamers and adventure seekers, this spot also features great dining options, making it a one-stop entertainment venue.
  • Flying Squirrel: Soar into fun at Flying Squirrel, a trampoline park with activities ranging from dodgeball to slam dunk zones. It’s a fitness-focused, high-energy destination for all ages.
  • Jack Pott’s Thrill Zone: Get your adrenaline pumping with go-karts, laser tag, and other high-octane activities at Jack Pott’s Thrill Zone. It’s an ideal venue for action-packed family fun or group outings.
  • Heights Outdoor: Test your aim and focus at this premier archery range. Offering sessions for beginners and skilled archers, it’s a unique activity for those looking to try something new or hone their skills.
  • Lasertopia: Lasertopia offers an exhilarating laser tag experience in imaginative arenas. Combine fun and strategy to outmaneuver your opponents, making it a favorite for parties, team-building, and casual play.
  • U-Puttz Amusement Centre: U-Puttz is the ultimate destination for mini-golf enthusiasts, featuring glow-in-the-dark courses, bumper cars, and arcade games.
  • Speedworld: Experience the thrill of indoor go-karting at Speedworld. Race against friends or family on well-designed tracks in a high-speed yet safe environment, ideal for competitive fun or casual outings.
  • Fun Park Amusement Center: Have fun at the indoor trampoline park, ninja courses, dunk zone, huge indoor playground, dodge ball zone, laser tag zone, and much more!
  • Bad Axe Throwing: Channel your inner lumberjack at Bad Axe Throwing, a unique venue where you can test your skills in axe throwing. With expert instructors, it’s an entertaining activity for parties or casual fun.
  • Heartland Archery: Heartland Archery combines fun and focus, offering professional archery lanes and guidance for newcomers. It’s a perfect spot for enthusiasts or anyone curious about the art of archery.
  • Hide N Seek: Hide N Seek offers an engaging indoor playground packed with slides, climbing walls, and interactive zones for kids. They will be closed December 24 – 26.
  • Xtreme Tactics: Xtreme Tactics offers an action-packed airsoft arena. Gear up and strategize your way through thrilling scenarios in this adrenaline-pumping environment.
  • Activate Games: Activate combines gaming and fitness with interactive challenges designed to test your agility, memory, and coordination. It’s a great option for friends or families looking for a unique, team-oriented experience.
  • Kid City: Kid City is a vibrant indoor playground featuring climbing structures, slides, and ball pits. Designed for kids’ entertainment, it’s a popular choice for family outings and birthday celebrations.
  • Select Start: Classic arcade games, futuristic design, and a one-of-a-kind experience await.
  • Flying Squirrel: A Family Fun Center with plenty of activities and attractions for all ages.
  • The Rec Room: Enjoy arcade games, recreational games, and dining at The Rec Room.
  • Vertical Adventures: Vertical Adventures is a premier indoor climbing facility that caters to all skill levels. It’s perfect for climbers seeking adventure, fitness, or just a fun challenge in a controlled environment.
  • Smash n Axe Arcade Disco: Winnipeg’s ultimate destination for fun, thrills, and unforgettable vibes with smash rooms, axe throwing and more.
  • REALITY DROP: Winnipeg’s first Virtual Reality Escape Room
  • Vertical Adventures: Winnipeg’s largest indoor rock climbing facility
  • The Golf Dome: 18-hole indoor miniature golf course.

Winter Break Camps

Enroll your kids for winter camps.

Manitoba Winter Activities

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