Celebrate New Year in Manitoba: Essential Tips and Experiences

Celebrating New Year in Manitoba offers a vibrant array of events, ranging from immersive dance parties to cozy family-friendly gatherings. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best experiences for welcoming 2026.

New Year’s Eve Events in Manitoba

Dance Parties and Nightlife

• New Year’s Eve at The Leaf: This adults-only event begins at 7 p.m. and features musical guests Alyssa Crockett and Nathaniel Muir, concluding at 10 p.m.
• Assiniboia Downs: This year’s dinner and dance party, hosted by Kathy Kennedy, is sold out, but it promises an unforgettable evening with dinner and live music.
• Winter Wonderland Party at Winnipeg Art Gallery: From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., attendees can enjoy food and music in a festive atmosphere.
• Bhangra Night at Punjab Cultural Centre: Kicking off at 10 p.m., this 18+ event features a live DJ and dancing until 2 a.m. Tickets are available for $25 online.
• Bollywood DJ Night at Clay Oven Downtown: Enjoy a confetti shower at midnight to celebrate the new year.
• Dark Solstice Masquerade at Hargrave Street Market: This event runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring various vendors, a live orchestra, and a feast. Tickets range from $60 for general admission to $125 for VIP access.

Family-Friendly Celebrations

• Zoo Lights at Assiniboine Park Zoo: A festive atmosphere with multiple countdowns. The light displays are open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• The Children’s Museum: Hosts “Top Hats and Tiaras” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., alongside Eaton’s Fairytale Vignettes from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Asessippi Fireworks: Two firework displays scheduled for 9:15 p.m. and midnight, followed by the Midnight Run.
• Free Celebration at Giroux Park: Activities from noon to 4 p.m. include hayrides, hot chocolate, and winter games.

New Year’s Day Activities

On January 1, families can continue the celebrations with the Zoo Lights programming from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Wrigley Brothers, identical Cree twins, will delight attendees with traditional fiddling and singing.

Brunch and Daytime Festivities

• Brunch at The Leaf: Join from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a delicious menu featuring fried chicken and waffles, and smoked Arctic char Benedict.
• The Forks: A busy schedule from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. includes a drag brunch, face painting, skating lessons, and a raw oyster bar.
• WackyDoodle Dance Party at Park Theatre: A kid-friendly event starting at 1:30 p.m. with music at safe volumes provided by live DJs.

Manitoba offers a wealth of activities to ring in the New Year, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From lively parties to heartwarming family gatherings, make the most of this special time as you celebrate 2026 in style.