COLUMN: Village News – Top 10 things to do in winter

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/02/2023 (732 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Next weekend Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) will be hosting its annual winter carnival – three days of activities that will provide meaningful fun. Until then, here’s our top ten list of things to do in winter:

1. See festive lighting to enthrall your senses. The darker winter gets, the more amazing the glow of these lights.

2. Go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride. These beautiful beasts were the main form of transportation 100 years ago; a different era.

3. Venture out on a snow-shoe trail. Another traditional way to get around in winter, especially in the woods. It feels good to be able to move and keep warm on your own power.

4. Try kicksledding! A a common way of getting around in Scandinavian villages, kicksleds are like dog sleds except they glide along the snow with the same motion as scooters.

5. Skate outside under the stars. It’s much more romantic than skating under bright LED lights!

6. Visit a museum gallery. Museums are often open in winter and becoming engrossed in their exhibits can make you feel like you traveled somewhere else.

7. Chat it up with a friend around a bonfire. Bonfires invite reflection and long conversations.

8. Toboggan down a safe hill. One that will thrill you, but not kill you.

9. Learn the art of snow-sculpting. With a YouTube video and a few tools, it doesn’t take much to become a backyard artist.

10. And finally, don’t forget the hot chocolate! It’s the perfect companion to any winter outing.

Now here is the really good news – you can experience everything on this Top 10 list at MHV’s Winter in the Village, every Friday and Saturday ‘til 8pm! We have skates, snowshoes, and kicksleds to rent, amazing festive lighting in the village, and everything else you see on that list!

If you love singing, join the mass choir performing a special Sängerfest in celebration of the centenary of the Russländer immigration to Canada! A children’s choir conducted by Millie Hildebrand, a youth choir conducted by Kristel Peters and Vic Pankratz, and an adult choir conducted by Henry Engbrecht will all be singing together at the Centennial Concert Hall on July 15. Singing our Journey! Learn more and sign up at www.mhsc.ca/soj.

Upcoming events

MHV Village Books & Gifts shop and galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday. Currently MHV has two new exhibits for you to enjoy: Resurfacing: Mennonite Floor Patterns by Margruite Krahn, and Beauty in the Ordinary by the Southeast Artists Group.

Winter in the Village, Fridays & Saturdays ‘til 8 p.m., now through March. Bring your friends and family to see the festive lights gracing our grounds! You can skate or curl on our outdoor rink. We also rent out skates, snowshoes, and kicksleds for you to try out in the village. Then end the night with some hot chocolate. Our warming hut (located at the back of the General Store) will be open, and we’ll offer sleigh rides at select times.

Winter Carnival, Feb. 18-20. Fun for the whole family, including skating, tobogganing, sleigh rides, walking trails, games, and food. There will also be special presentations and performances throughout the weekend. More info to come.

Pier 21: The Musical, March 18 at 7 p.m. & March 19 at 3 p.m. An enthralling musical that uses Celtic and swing music to tell the stories of those who fled Europe during World War ll and arrived at Pier 21 – the gateway to Canada. Witness the adventures, hopes, dreams, and heartaches of immigrants, orphans, and war brides as they begin again in this new land. Ticket price includes coffee and dessert. To purchase yours, call 204-326-9661.