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

Ahh January, the month of new beginnings, a fresh slate, a sigh of exhale after the busy Christmas season. To me, January signifies the opportunity to begin anew. We say goodbye to the past as we welcome in the new year. So 2026 looms ahead full of possibilities and new memories to make. While MHV remains closed until Jan. 6 at 9 a.m., we are busy planning and preparing for a new year full of events, programming, and memory-making opportunities.

December to February: Winter in the Village

From December to 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 to 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!

Jan. 8 and 22: Exhibit Explorers

Get ready for Exhibit Explorers—MHV’s drop-in craft and story hour! Parents and children can join us for a lively story time followed by a hands-on craft activity, all taking place 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! Admission is free though donations are always welcome.

Jan. 24: Sewing Workshop

Have you always wanted to learn how to sew, but you’re not sure where to start? MHV is excited to announce that we will be hosting a sewing workshop in conjunction with Tina’s Alterations on Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.! These two hours will include getting to know your sewing machine, learning basic sewing techniques, and learning how to read a pattern. It is recommended that you bring your own sewing machine so that you can become comfortable with it. We will have a limited number of machines available for those who don’t have their own. Register today by going to our website www.mhv.ca, calling 204-326-9661, or emailing jaysat@mhv.ca.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm thank you to everyone who supported MHV’s events and programming throughout 2025. It is a blessing to host events and provide programming that the community enjoys and benefits from! I hope that in 2026, MHV can continue to be a gathering place for the community. What an honour it would be for MHV to be a part of your family’s 2026 memories.

Upcoming events

Jan. 8 and 22 – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Join us at the Mennonite Heritage Village for an engaging morning set among the fascinating artifacts in MHV’s Gallery! During Exhibit Explorers: Craft & Story Hour, children will enjoy lively stories and creative crafts that spark imagination and curiosity. Free Admission.

Jan. 24 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Sewing workshop: Learn basic sewing techniques and learn how to read a pattern. Register on our website or by calling 204-326-9661.

Feb. 7 – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Join Erin Koop-Unger, MaryLou Driedger and Andrew Unger, on Saturday morning, as MHV Village Books and Gifts presents our second in a series of writer’s workshops, called “Storied Places”.

Feb. 14 – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Join MHV for our Winter Carnival! Enjoy a day filled with indoor and outdoor activities, a hot food canteen, and pioneer demonstrations & interpretation. Celebrate the winter season with classic Canadian activities like a bonfire, Crokicurl, skating, and snowshoeing!

For more information, visit www.mhv.ca.