Winter Break at The Park
Join us at Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf over the winter break (December 20 - January 3) for fun activities!
All activities below are included with admission unless noted.
Assiniboine Park Zoo
Zoo Lights
5:00 - 10:00 pm
December 20 - January 3 (Closed December 24 & 25)
Celebrate the holidays with wonder, laughter, and unforgettable memories at Zoo Lights. Over 1.75 million twinkling lights transform the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through sparkling displays, snuggle around a cozy fire, savour sweet holiday treats, and experience the warmth and joy of the festive season with friends and family.
Learn about Polar Bears with CPAWS (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society)
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
December 21
Join the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) at the Zoo to participate in fun activities in Gateway to the Arctic and learn more about polar bears and other Arctic species!
Free Journey to Churchill tours
9:30 am - 10:30 am
December 23, 30, 31, January 2
Prepare to connect with the Churchill landscape as we tour our Journey to Churchill exhibit in search of polar bears and other tundra animals. Your visit will take you through our Gateway to the Arctic building where we will learn about how the climate is changing around Churchill and then go in search of action steps that we can use here at home to help Manitoba bears.
Storytelling at Gateway to the Arctic
11:00 am - 11:30 am
December 31
Enjoy an animal-related story inside Journey to Churchill's Gateway to the Arctic.
The Leaf
Winter Solstice Sacred Fire
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
December 20
Join us for a Sacred Fire to celebrate the Winter Solstice at the Fire Node in the Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf. Wayne Lalman will be there to share winter teachings.
Holiday Entertainment at The Leaf
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm (December 20), 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (December 21)
Enjoy festive musical entertainment in the Mediterranean Biome at The Leaf this December!
Gardener Chats
11:30 am & 1:30 pm (weekdays), 11:30 am (weekends)
December 20 - 23, December 27 - 31, January 3
Chat with a member of our horticultural team while you explore The Leaf! Our expert gardeners will explore our connections to plants, and provide insider knowledge about the beautiful plantings within the biomes.
Sustainability Tour at The Leaf
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
December 20
Sustainability was front of mind when the Leaf was designed. Join us on a free tour that explores some of the sustainability features of The Leaf.
Learn with the Herb Society
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
December 20, January 3
Learn about different herbs and how to join the Herb Society of Manitoba!
Create & Connect Crafts
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
December 22, 28, 29
Tannis M. Richardson Classroom at The Leaf
Join us for hands-on crafting using natural or recycled products! Crafts are suitable for children and families of all ages and are accessible without a biome admission.
The Leaf After Dark
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
December 31
Join us for an evening of botanical bliss at The Leaf After Dark! Enjoy a relaxing adults-only atmosphere complete with live musical entertainment.
