COLUMN: Village News – December moments you won’t want to miss

December is a month of expectation, busyness, and excitement! Malls overflow with hustle and bustle as people frantically purchase the perfect gift for their special someone; calendars are chock full of appointments, family gatherings, events with friends, concerts, and so on; and the thrill of the Christmas season grows as each day passes by on the Advent calendar. It’s easy to let the month devolve into chaos as pressures mount and to-do lists grow. It is my hope that we are all able to balance the to-dos and the want-to-dos of this busy season!

The staff and volunteers here at MHV have their own lists of to-dos during the busy holiday season! We’re preparing for several upcoming events, and we would be honored and delighted if you could make room for them in your already full calendar.

December – February: Winter in the Village

From December -February, experience winter in MHV’s picturesque village! Enjoy skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and a roaring bonfire. Don’t own skates or snowshoes? Rent them here! Try your hand at Crokicurl, a Canadian game that blends crokinole and curling into one fun, outdoor activity! See MHV’s Main Street lit up with Christmas lights during our light show on Saturday evenings. Warm up with our Winter in the Village Cafe, featuring hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and a variety of freshly baked goods. Open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (most activities happening on Saturdays). While winter often feels long and dark, it is my hope that Winter in the Village at MHV can be a place for celebrating the unique winter season we experience here in Manitoba!

Dec. 4 and 18: Exhibit Explorers

Get ready for Exhibit Explorers—MHV’s brand-new drop-in craft and story hour launching Dec. 4! Parents and children can join us for a lively story time followed by a hands-on craft activity, all taking place right in the heart of our indoor exhibit. You and your little ones will be surrounded by MHV’s fascinating artifacts as you listen, learn, and create together!

We’ll be hosting Exhibit Explorers twice a month throughout the winter season, and we hope it becomes a warm, welcoming spot for families in our community. If you’re looking for a new place for story time, the museum is the place to be!

Upcoming dates: Dec. 4 and 18

Admission: Free

To kick things off, everyone who joins us for our first session will be entered into a draw to win a book we read during story time—one lucky participant will take it home!

Dec. 6: Light up the Village

We are excited to announce our first annual Christmas Tree & Village Lighting Ceremony! Join the countdown to watch the village light up with thousands of Christmas lights. Enjoy caroling, Winter in the Village Café, hot dog roasting, paper garland making, and sleigh rides in our charming Village. Relive the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas in our historic Pioneer village!

Dec. 10: Blumenort School Choir Performance

Join us for an old-fashioned school Christmas concert courtesy of the Blumenort School Choir! On Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m., the Blumenort School Choir will be performing “Holiday Windows” – a musical play about the holiday season – in our auditorium. Even if you don’t know anyone in the choir, it’s a great opportunity to come out and experience some Christmas cheer. Admission is free for this event, and all are welcome.

Dec. 29 ro 31: Mini Winter Day Camp

MHV is looking forward to our fifth annual Winter Day Camp! If you’re looking for a safe, fun, and local place for your kids to spend time during the winter break – our Winter Day Camp is for you! Our education staff will lead a three-day winter camp for children aged 6-11 filled with crafts, games, and pioneer activities. We are planning a mixture of outdoor and indoor activities to explore the museum and the outdoor natural environment. We look forward to having you! Register today by emailing jaysat@mhv.ca or by calling 204-326-9661.

Dec. 25 to Jan. 5: Closed for the Holidays

As we enter this season of celebrating, rejoicing in the reason for the season, and spending time with loved ones, may your hearts be filled with hope, comfort, and joy. May this Christmas season be one that produces lasting memories and gratitude. Though all your schedules are full, I hope that you’ll be able to spend some time with us at MHV – we look forward to welcoming you through our doors!

Upcoming events

Dec. 6 – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Light Up The Village – Join us as we light up the village for the winter season. There will be food, music and activities for all ages. Admission is free.

Dec. 29 to 31 – Kids’ Winter Day Camp – A three-day winter break camp for ages 6-11 years old. Join us for crafts, games, and pioneer activities. Contact Jaysa Thiessen for more information ( jaysat@mhv.ca).