Let’s do Something — Dec. 18, 2025

To get your event featured in a future edition of Let’s Do Something, please send an email to carthur@brandonsun.com with “Let’s Do Something” in the subject line. Also, if you have anything happening for New Year’s Eve, send that on as well!

TODAY

• 9 a.m. — Calling all tobogganers! Hanbury Hill (600 Braecrest Dr.) is open and ready for sledders. You can warm up in the cosy warming shack which is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The lights are on daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• 9:30 a.m. — Asessippi Ski Resort (Provincial Trunk Highway 83, Inglis). As of Wednesday evening, the resort was to be closed today due to weather. It is open Friday and Saturday until 7 p.m. Then back to closing at 4:30 p.m. for Dec. 21-23 and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 24. Closed Christmas Day. Plan your runs, tubing laps, chalet time and everything in between. Hours (which can change), tickets, updates and more at asessippi.com.

• 1:30 p.m. — Taoist Tai Chi meets every Thursday at Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.) until 3 p.m. Take note there will be no classes on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

• 5 p.m. — Join us at WIS Multicultural Centre (403 13th St.) for Global Café Meet Up, every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Hang out, laugh, snack and join a chill mix of games, music, crafts and surprises. Just some good fun. For more information, visit Westman Immigrant Services.

• 5 p.m. — The glowing display of holiday lighting is now on at the Skating Oval immediately east of the Parks Complex at 2020 McGregor Ave. (also accessible via Hilton Avenue). The lights are on nightly from 5 to 11 p.m. throughout the winter season. No public vehicles are allowed in the direct area of the Waterfall of Lights display. Visitors are encouraged to park in the designated areas along McGregor Avenue or Hilton Avenue and enjoy the walk through this magical winter scene.

FRIDAY

• 9 a.m. — The Brandon Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday at The Town Centre (800 Rosser Ave.) with seasonal produce, baking, jams and jellies, pickling, crafts and more until 4 p.m. This market runs year-round.

• 9 a.m. — Ski Valley in Minnedosa is set for opening today — all runs, all parks, all lifts, all fun! Located seven kilometres north of Minnedosa on Highway 10. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (but check schedule for changes due to weather). Check for updates at skivalley.ca or call 204-867-3509.

• 1:30 a.m. — The Sandy Lake Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Museum invites you to St. Nicolas Day celebrations at the Sandy Lake Drop-In Centre. Bake sale at 1:30 p.m.; program at 2 p.m.; lunch at 2:30 p.m. Silent auction.

• 6 p.m. — Wild Spirits, a winter pop-up dining experience at the Lakehouse in Clear Lake. Gather for a multi-course, forage-inspired dinner crafted by our culinary team using locally sourced ingredients, served in a cosy, fireside setting designed to celebrate the warmth and magic of the season. Takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are available and booking is live on the Lakehouse website.

• 7 p.m. — Blue Christmas, a service of Hope and Remembrance, will take place at Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.). For many people, the Christmas season does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is often associated with this time of year. Individuals may be facing the holidays after the death of a loved one; after a separation or divorce; facing illness with a loved one or self and so forth. This service will have more of a quiet, sombre feel and the scriptures, music and meditation will be focused on the comfort God offers during dark times.

• 7:30 p.m. — The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium hosts Jake Vaadeland and The Sturgeon River Boys: Good Gracious, It’s Christmas! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the WMCA box office, at wmca.ca or by calling 204-728-9510.

• 8:30 p.m. — Live music with Ed and Rhea at Elkhorn Resort in the Buffalo Bar from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. today and tomorrow night.

SATURDAY

• 10 a.m. — The Green Spot is hosting Last Chance Christmas Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect returning favourite vendors and some exciting new names you’ll love. One hundred per cent of vendor fees will be donated to One at a Time Rescue in Brandon.

• 11 a.m. — A Free Family Fun Day, hosted by the Keystone Centre and the Keystone Centre Foundation will take place at the Keystone Centre from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Events include a Kids Fun Zone, Mighty Machines Exhibition, Indoor ball hockey, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, face painting, free hotdogs, chips, popcorn and soft drinks. Free movie and popcorn in the Amphitheatre at 2:30 p.m. Free holiday public skating (skates and helmet check available in Salon B and all skaters are required to wear helmets.)

• 1 p.m. — The Brandon Hills Model Railway Club meets every Saturday at the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (H-hut) from 1 to 4 p.m. Free admission, but donations are welcome. For more information, contact Barry at 204-724-7603; Erich at 204-761-1244; or Tony at 204-761-2631.

• 6 p.m. — Wild Spirits, a winter pop-up dining experience at the Lakehouse in Clear Lake. Gather for a multi-course, forage-inspired dinner crafted by our culinary team using locally sourced ingredients, served in a cosy, fireside setting designed to celebrate the warmth and magic of the season. Takes place 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets available and booking is live on the Lakehouse website.

SUNDAY

• 2 p.m. — St. Augustine Church (327 Fourth St.) presents Nine Lessons and Carols. Music by St. Augustine’s The Schola Cantorum, Tobe Ekeneme, director, accompanied by Rebecca Roozendaal with Children of the Schola “pop-up” choir; the Knights of Columbus Men’s Choir and special musical guests Thea Jiang, violin, and Paul Roozendaal, percussion. Silver collection for purchase of music and choir expenses. Refreshments and treats served after.

• 4 p.m. — Come skate with Santa at Tundra Oil & Gas Place in Virden from 4 to 6 p.m. Milk, juice and cookies will be served.

MONDAY

• 10 a.m. — Looking for something fun to do with your grandkids during the winter school break? Join us at Seniors for Seniors (311 Park Ave. East) from 10 a.m. to noon for Grandkids and Gingerbread House Party. Free gingerbread houses; free pizza; all supplies provided. Spots are limited, so register before Dec. 18 by calling 204-571-2050.

• 10 a.m. — Join us for line dancing at Seniors for Seniors (311 Park Ave. East). Level 1: easy beginner, no experience, Mondays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 6 to 7 p.m.; Level 2: advanced, some experience is recommended, understanding of basic steps and terminology, Mondays or Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop-in classes or punch cards can be purchased. Members, $4; non-members, $6. For more info, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 6:30 p.m. — UCT Bingo takes place every Monday at 205 College Ave. Doors open at 4 p.m., with early-bird start at 6:30 p.m. and regular games at 7:10 p.m. Canteen available. Proceeds stay in Brandon for needs in the community.

TUESDAY

• 5 p.m. — Global Café Rhythm and Roots takes place at WIS Multicultural Centre (403 13th St.) from 5 to 7 p.m. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of global traditions, from crafts to snacks, stories to dance. Today features Pakistan. For more information, visit Westman Immigrant Services.

• 6:30 p.m. — Bethel Brandon (440 Richmond Ave.) presents The Spark Before the Light, a Christmas Eve Eve service. Join us for a special Christmas celebration as we reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. We will have coffee and plenty of desserts to share. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

• 1:30 p.m. — Join us for line dancing at Seniors for Seniors (311 Park Ave. East). Level 2: advanced; some experience is recommended, understanding of basic steps and terminology. Mondays or Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop-in classes or punch cards are available for purchase. Members, $4; non-members, $6. For more information, call Marilyn at 204-679-8081.

• 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. — Join us at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church (635 McDiarmid Dr.) for a Journey to Bethlehem … Journey to Jesus, a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• 7 p.m. — Taoist Tai Chi at Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.) every Wednesday evening until 8:30 p.m. Our leaders will guide you through the practice, which is part of an ancient tradition dating back to the 13th century. Take note there will be no classes on Dec. 24 or Dec. 31.

• 7 p.m. — A Christmas Eve Service will be held at Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.) at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

AT THE CLUBS

(Note: Information subject to change after print deadline).

• Lady of the Lake (135-B 17th St. North) — Yuk Yuk’s Comedy night on Friday. Join us for appetizers, dinner and drinks from 5 to 10 p.m., then settle in for live standup comedy from 8 to 10 p.m. featuring Yuk Yuk’s professional comedians. Tickets are $25-30 and available online only. Visit ladyofthelake.ca for more information.

• The 40 (210 18th St. North, Brandon) — Portage la Prairie’s Busted takes to the stage at The 40 this weekend with some classic rock covers. $10 cover. 18+ event. Photo ID is required.

• Georgie’s Lounge at the Keystone Motor Inn (1050 18th St.) — Every Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight, there is karaoke in Georgie’s Lounge.

• Sand Hills Casino (777 Sand Hill Dr., Carberry) — Cattle Drive performs some country covers on Friday and Saturday in the Oasis Bar and Grill. Live and always free.

• Chez Angela Bakery and Café (Unit C, 29 10th St., Brandon) — Free music Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Come check us out. This Friday features Madelyn & Quinton.

• Eagles Nest Bar & Grill (3500 McDonald Ave.) — City of Brandon Parks and Recreation present a Christmas Trivia Night on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Come celebrate Christmas with holiday/festive themed trivia. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and enjoy a night of fun and laughter. Prizes, snacks, and bragging rights. Cost is $40 for a two- to four-person team. Register at brandon.ca/recreation-programs or by calling 204-729-2471.

• 34th Street Bar and Grill (3550 Victoria Ave.) — Join us for an ugly sweater festive brunch on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Adults $25; 8-12 years $12; 4-7 years $6; 3 and under are free. Reservations are recommended by calling 204-725-1532 ext 316.

• Shooters Bar (28 Main Street N., Minnedosa) — It’s a Christmas Pyjama Party at the Shooters Bar on Friday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Join us for the cosiest and craziest night of the year. Live music; festive drinks; dancing all night and fun vibes.

• Black Wheat Brewing (402 10th St.) — Live music on Friday with Longshot at 7 p.m. Cover is $10. Folk, country, rock and originals.

• Houstons Country Roadhouse (3130 Victoria Ave.) — Join us on Thursday for The Great Manitoba Tour with JNEAT and TALLUPTWIN2X and special guests. Doors open at 6 p.m. All ages. Tickets available at TheGreatManitobaTour.com. Island Vibes Entertainment presents Winter Wonderland at Houstons on Saturday. Join us for some Afro/Latin/Pop Fusion. Doors open at 10 p.m. $10 entry fee. Drink specials all night.

• Eastside Eatery (1451 Richmond Ave.) — Open Mike Comedy Night on Friday at 7 p.m. Secure your table by calling 204-725-5226.

• Great Western Roadhouse (1125 18th St. at Canad Inns) — Join us on Friday for Ugly Christmas Sweater Weather. Free cover with non-perishable food item. Prize for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Mondays at the Roadhouse are Poker Nights. Free to play. Doors open at 7 p.m. Play continues until there is a winner. Join us for Turn It Up Tuesday with live local music featuring Aaron Frost. $5 cover. Food and drink menus available.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

• Daly House Museum (122 18th St., Brandon) — Built in 1882, original home of Brandon’s first mayor, Thomas Mayne Daly. Artifacts include a collection of late 19th-century and early 20th-century furnishings, First World War memorabilia. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors and youth (6-18); family (up to two adults and three children), $13; children under five, free. For more info, visit dalyhousemuseum.ca or call 204-727-1722.

• Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (Unit 2, 710 Rosser Ave., Brandon) — Manitoba’s oldest centre for visual art and one of Canada’s first since 1907. The AGSM boasts two exhibition spaces, an art school and gift shop that supports more than 70 local Manitoba artists. In the Main Gallery is the 21st Annual Members’ Show and Sale on until Jan. 9. Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday. Free admission to visit the galleries. For more information, visit agsm.ca.

• 26th Field Regiment RCA/XII Manitoba Dragoons Museum (within the Brandon Armoury, 1116 Victoria Ave. Please use 11th Street door) — Open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed for lunch. Also open by appointment by calling 204-717-4579. Visit our websites: 26fdregmuseum.ca or 12mbdragoons.com.

• Brandon General Museum and Archives (19 Ninth St., Unit 101) — Attractions include the Brandon History Hall, Manitoba Telephone History, the BJ Hales Natural History Collection and rotating exhibits celebrating Brandon’s roots. Guided visits are Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission by donation. Booking in advance is recommended. Phone 204-717-1514 or email bgmainfo@wcgwave.ca.

• Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM) (Brandon Municipal Airport, Highway 10, 1.6 kilometres north of Brandon) — Canada’s only air museum solely dedicated to the preservation of those who trained and fought for the British Commonwealth during the Second World War. The museum is now closed and will reopen again on April 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call the museum at 204-727-2444 or visit us on Facebook.

• Royal Canadian Artillery Museum (Building N-118 Patricia Rd., CFB Shilo) — Discover “WWII Command Posts,” a temporary exhibit at the RCA Museum, showcasing Canada’s mobile command vehicles and their role in co-ordinating artillery and communications during the Second World War. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; children under six get in free. Phone 204-765-3000 (ext. 3570) or email RCAMuseum@forces.gc.ca.

• Killarney’s Heritage Home for the Arts (44 Water Ave., Killarney) — Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council’s gallery is in the Heritage Home for the Arts. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m.; closed all statutory holidays. Special tours can be arranged by calling 204-554-0023. You can also visit Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council on Facebook, @killarneyarts on Instagram or our website at killarneyarts.com.

• ArtsForward (293 Mountain Ave., Neepawa) — ArtsForward is the central arts venue in Neepawa in visual, literary, performing and material arts. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday; closed on weekends.

• Virden Pioneer Home Museum (390 King St. West, Virden) — Enjoy our wealth of local history as you explore what life looked like in Victorian Canada. Open for winter 2025 and spring 2026 by appointment. Phone us at 204-748-1659 or text 204-573-9124.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Dec. 25 — The Westman and Area Traditional Christmas Dinner will be held in the Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn from noon to 4 p.m. Come join us for a Christmas meal and fellowship. For more information or to book a free ride, call 204-728-7987. Delivery pre-orders must be in by Dec. 23 by 6 p.m.

• Dec. 27 — Rally your crew and tee it up for the second annual EVO Holiday Classic — a Par 3 tournament at EVO Golf Brandon (545 Pacific Ave.) at 5 p.m. This is a fundraiser for CancerCare Manitoba. Learn more at evogolf.ca/holidayclassic.

• Dec. 27 — Get ready for the Naija Market Christmas Bazaar, where holiday magic meets African vibes at the Victoria Inn from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Highlights include Santa’s Grotto, Peppersoup challenge; holiday shopping; play area; special appearances; photo area; discounts and giveaways.

• Dec. 27 — Join us at the Downtown Library (710 Rosser Ave.) for a Christmas twist on the classic game of Werewolf, the social deduction game of mystery, bluffing and quick thinking. Can the Grinch evade detection? Or can the elves figure out who the Grinch is before it’s too late? No experience needed. For ages 10-17. Registration is required by emailing programs@wmrl.ca or call 204-727-6648.

• Dec. 28 — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Moose Jaw Warriors at Assiniboine Credit Union Place at 4 p.m. Tickets available at the box office or visit the Brandon Wheat Kings website at chl.ca/whl-wheatkings/

• Dec. 28 — Westman Jams gathers on the last Sunday of each month to play classic country music at The Fringe Restaurant and Lounge on Cove Road in Shilo from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome. Entrance to CFB Shilo is now through the north gate only and valid identification is required to enter the base. We accept donations to the Reg Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund to help send Westman students to the International Music Camp at the International Peace Garden. For more information or directions, call Midge 204-728-5611.

• Dec. 30-Jan. 4 — The community of Rivers and the Rivers Curling Club are excited to be hosting the 2026 RME Women of the Rings provincial curling championships. This event will take place from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4 at the Riverdale Community Centre. Dec. 30 will be a supper banquet to kick off the week. Cocktails at 5:30 p.m.; supper at 6:30 p.m. at the Riverdale Community Centre. Tickets are $40 and can be attained by calling Loree 204-761-1464. Early bird priced curling tickets are available until Dec. 21 at various location in Rivers or by calling Donna F. at 204-724-4232.

• Dec. 31 — The Ukrainian Musicians Association presents New Year’s Eve Zabava 2026 at the Victoria Inn (3550 Victoria Ave.) featuring Brandon Hachkowski and Ukrainian Tradition. With appearances by Western Canadian Ukrainian music legends. Tickets are $65 (advance only). Cash or e-transfer to ukrmusicians.association@gmail.com. Live music at 9 p.m. Raffle draws and door prizes to support UMA Fundraising efforts. Doors open at 5 p.m.; supper at 6 p.m. Late lunch provided.

• Dec. 31 — Clear Lake’s most anticipated winter party is officially returning to the Lakehouse. 26 Below Zero Fire & Ice NYE Party is a New Year’s Eve designed for people who want a winter night with a pulse. This is not a soft, inside-only NYE — but a cold-weather destination version. Featuring fire pits throwing heat into the night; ice bars lighting up the patio; heated winter lounges; a food lineup to fuel the entire evening; drinks, energy and a midnight countdown! Hours: 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $75 and available at staylakehouse.ca.

• Dec. 31 — Ring in the new year with the Rivers Curling Club. Live entertainment from The New Highway 25 Repaved at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available through a member of the curling club or at forms.gle/xaBiiMndgyWHzLDA6.

• Dec. 31 — Come celebrate the new year at Asessippi Ski Resort. Spend the evening skiing, tubing and celebrating under the stars with family and friends. Enjoy two fireworks shows: one at 9:15 p.m. and another at midnight. Join our annual Midnight Run down Easy Street and be a part of one of Asessippi’s favourite traditions. The Squirrel Chair will remain open until midnight and tubing until 8:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve dinner special is available for purchase before the countdown.

• Dec. 31 — Prairie 21 will be hosting a New Year’s Eve dance at the MERA Hall, Monterey Estates (40 Mockingbird Dr.) from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Live music by Lyle Baldwin. Lunch includes beef on a bun. Cost is $30 — advance tickets only! Contact Jeanie 204-570-0739 or Tom 204-728-2164. Dry bar.

• Jan. 1 — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Saskatoon Blades at Assiniboine Credit Union Place at 2 p.m. Tickets available at the box office or visit the Brandon Wheat Kings website at chl.ca/whl-wheatkings/

• Jan. 3-4 — Westman Airsoft Con will be held at the Westoba Agricultural Centre of Excellence at the Keystone Centre (use west entrance). This is Manitoba’s largest indoor Airsoft event. Will feature Airsoft games, vendors, buy, sell or trade as well as target lane. Hours: Jan. 3, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Jan. 4, 9 a.m. to 6 pm. To register or for more information, email westmanairsoftcon@gmail.com or call Kevin 204-720-0526 or Tracy 204-573-6823.

• Jan. 7 — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Red Deer Rebels at Assiniboine Credit Union Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the box office or visit the Brandon Wheat Kings website at chl.ca/whl-wheatkings/

• Jan. 8 — An Evening with Elton John takes place at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. After a sold-out show in 2023, this high-energy Elton John tribute returns to Brandon for another unforgettable night of music, memories and pure showmanship.

• Jan. 9-10 — The Brandon University Bobcats basketball teams host Winnipeg at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) Jan. 9, Women’s game at 6 p.m. followed by the men at 8 p.m. Jan. 10, women’s at 5 p.m.; men’s at 7 p.m.

• Jan. 9-11 — “No Other Choice” is playing at the Evans Theatre (Brandon University). A laid-off paper mill manager descends into violence. Admission is $7. Cash only. All concession items $2. Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

• Jan. 10 — Wheat City Nuit Blanche 2026 takes place at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (710 Rosser Ave.) from 5 to 10 p.m. This year’s theme is “Possible Worlds,” an invitation to chaos, optimism and fantasy. Nuit Blanche is a one-night festival of art that happens in over 120 cities around the world. For more information, visit agsm.ca/series/wcnb-2026/ or email nuitblanche@agsm.ca.

• Jan. 10 — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Regina Pats at Assiniboine Credit Union Place at 6 p.m. Tickets available at the box office or visit the Brandon Wheat Kings website at chl.ca/whl-wheatkings/

• Jan. 13 — Join Jana Starling, clarinet, and Allison Wiebe, piano, for a pro series concert at the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door. The recital will showcase hidden gems by Canadian composers, including Juno award-winning composer and fellow Brandon University alumna Jocelyn Morlock, as well as the unorthodox and imaginative Albertan composer Ian Crutchley.

• Jan. 16 — Brandon Wheat Kings host the Victoria Royals at Assiniboine Credit Union Place at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the box office or visit the Brandon Wheat Kings website at chl.ca/whl-wheatkings/

• Jan. 16-17 — The Brandon University Bobcats volleyball teams host Trinity Western University at the Healthy Living Centre (2010 Louise Ave.) On Jan. 16, men’s game at 6 p.m. followed by the women at 7:45 p.m. On Jan. 17, men’s at 5 p.m.; women’s at 6:45 p.m.

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