Winnipeg 
Celebrate Christmas and Boxing Day in Winnipeg with a mix of festive events, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. From exploring holiday lights to enjoying winter sports, there’s something for everyone to make the season memorable.
Credit: Assiniboine Park & Zoo
Things to Do in Winnipeg on December 25 & 26
Admire Christmas Lights
Stroll through the festive lights at the Zoo (closed Dec 24 & 25, open Dec 26) or drive through Canad Inns Winter Wonderland, Manitoba’s largest light show, open on Boxing Day (closed Christmas Day, Dec 25). These displays are a magical way to enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
See a Movie
Relax with a cinematic escape at Landmark or Cineplex theatres. Whether you prefer holiday classics or new releases, Winnipeg’s cinemas provide a cozy way to wind down after holiday festivities.Watch a movie at Cineplex and Landmark Cinemas.
Movies released/releasing include:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Anaconda (Releasing Dec 25)
- Song Sung Blue (Releasing Dec 25)
- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
- The Housemaid
- Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
- David
- Zootopia 2
- Wicked: For Good
Boxing Day at the Children’s Museum
Unleash your creativity at the Children’s Museum from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM by building castles from cardboard! Young architects can use a variety of boxes, tools, and vibrant colors to craft their dream fortress in this fun, hands-on event.
Pyjama Days at the Manitoba Museum
Toss on your comfiest pyjamas and cushiest slippers and join the Manitoba Museum this winter break for family fun in all three attractions. Enjoy a favourite holiday tradition – a rare look into the Nonsuch Cargo hold; drop by the Science Gallery’s Explore Science Zone to learn how to be a Climate Hero; and catch a Planetarium show (or two!) in Manitoba’s largest full-dome theatre! December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026; Open on December 26th.
Visit Open Attractions
Explore Winnipeg’s cultural gems on Boxing Day. Visit the Manitoba Museum, Assiniboine Park Zoo, or FortWhyte Alive for engaging experiences. From nature trails to interactive exhibits, these destinations are perfect for a post-Christmas outing.
- Manitoba Children’s Museum: Closed on December 24 & 25, Open on December 26 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Assiniboine Park & Zoo: Open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Closed on December 25
- FortWhyte Alive: Closed on December 25, Open on December 26 | 9 AM – 5 PM; December 24 | 9 AM – 1 PM
- The Manitoba Museum: Closed on December 25, Open on December 26 | 10 AM – 4 PM
- Dalnavert Museum: Closed
Live Music, Theatre & Events
Celebrate Boxing Day with live events and cultural activities. Attend The Nutcracker at Centennial Concert Hall, explore Eaton’s Fairytale Vignettes, or enjoy the festivities at the Manitoba Children’s Museum. Each event offers a unique way to extend the holiday joy.
- RWB’s The Nutcracker on Friday, December 26 2025 | 6:30 PM
- Munsch Upon a Time on Friday, December 26 2025 | 3:00 PM
- Eaton’s Fairytale Vignettes on November 15, 2025 – Sunday, January 4, 2026. Closed December 25; Friday, December 26, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Luminous on November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026. Closed on December 25, 2025.
- Mundane Problems Holiday Edition on December 26 – 27, 2025 at The Basement Comedy Lounge
- Elf – The Musical on November 25 – December 28, 2025. No show on December 25. December 26, 2025 | 1:00 PM & 7:30 PM
- Bobby Knauf on December 26 – 27, 2025 at YUK YUK’S Comedy Club
Christmas Brunch or Dinner
Treat yourself to a holiday feast from Winnipeg’s local restaurants. Enjoy dine-in or takeout options featuring festive menus that add a special touch to your celebrations. Supporting local eateries not only spreads cheer but also takes the stress out of cooking during the holidays.
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Plan a Trip to a Nearby Provincial Park
Experience Manitoba’s natural beauty at nearby provincial parks. Enjoy winter activities like ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and tobogganing. These parks provide a tranquil escape and an opportunity to connect with nature during the holiday season.
Go Outdoors
Lace up your skates and hit Winnipeg’s outdoor rinks on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Check online for rink availability and enjoy gliding through the frosty air. It’s a refreshing way to spend time with loved ones and embrace the winter spirit.
Skiing and Tobogganing
Make the most of Winnipeg’s snowy landscapes with cross-country skiing on groomed trails or tobogganing on designated hills. Head to Assiniboine Park or other city locations for thrilling rides or serene skiing adventures. Perfect for all ages, these activities bring winter fun to life.
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25 Outdoor Winter Activities in Manitoba
Do a Christmas Bird Count
Do an unofficial Christmas Bird Count to connect with nature and learn about local wildlife. FortWhyte Alive hosts a bird count on December 26, including a presentation and guided walk. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, it’s a delightful winter activity.
Snowshoeing and Cycling
Explore Winnipeg’s winter trails with snowshoeing or cycling. Use the city’s cycling map to find routes that suit your skill level, or venture out with snowshoes for a closer look at winter landscapes. These activities combine exercise with adventure for a memorable holiday outing.
Geocaching
Turn your holiday into a treasure hunt with geocaching. This family-friendly activity involves searching for hidden caches using a mobile app or GPS device. It’s a fun way to explore the city, get some exercise, and enjoy nature.
Enjoy a Walk
Take a leisurely walk in Winnipeg’s green spaces to soak in the crisp winter air. Plan a family picnic, explore regional parks, or stroll through the tallgrass prairie for a unique perspective on the season. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to connect with nature and loved ones.
25 Fabulous Places to Enjoy Winter Scenery in Manitoba
Visit FortWhyte Alive
Reconnect with nature at FortWhyte Alive, open on December 26 from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Dec 25). Engage in winter activities like snowshoeing or hiking, or participate in their Christmas Bird Count. This natural oasis is a perfect spot for holiday exploration.
Visit Assiniboine Park & Zoo
Assiniboine Park and Zoo offer Boxing Day fun for all ages. Ski the park’s trails or visit the toboggan hill near the Riley Family Duck Pond. At the zoo, kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing animals in a winter setting, making it a great family outing.
The Park is closed on Christmas Day but will be open on Boxing Day.
The Assiniboine Park Zoo is also open on Boxing Day. This is a great place to take your little ones.
More Fun Things to Do
Explore even more options with family activities during Christmas break or weekend events. Check out winter-specific guides for outdoor adventures, concerts, and sports to make the most of the holiday season in Winnipeg!
Attractions Open on Christmas & Boxing Day
Manitoba Children’s Museum: Closed on December 24 & 25, Open on December 26 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Assiniboine Park & Zoo: Open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Closed on December 25
Canadian Museum for Human Rights: Closed December 24 – 25, December 26 | 10 AM – 5 PM
FortWhyte Alive: Closed on December 25, Open on December 26 | 9 AM – 5 PM; December 24 | 9 AM – 1 PM
The Manitoba Museum: Closed on December 24 – 25, Open on December 26 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Which one of these is open on Christmas. Get your clickbait bullshit out of here.