Go big, or go home (responsibly in a cab please, unless your hotel is walking distance) is our motto for NYE 2015/16 in Winnipeg.
There are a couple big things going down on December 31st in The Peg and only a party pooper wouldn’t want to take part in such festivities.
So without further ado, here’s a couple options for both adults looking to cut loose and for those of you that will have the whole family in tow.
Arguably the biggest NYE party in Winnipeg takes place annually at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, and 2015/16 will be no exception. This year the Convention Centre is looking back to the ’50s with their Rock Around the Clock NYE, where, for $135 per person (or $1,000 for a table of eight), you get a full night of dining and entertainment.
If you thought it was a party to ring in 2014 at the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre, wait until you experience the Rock Around the Clock (RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg)
It all starts at 6 p.m. when the hits from the ’50s start pumping, along with some retro treats, followed by a lavish five-course meal starting at 7:15 featuring dishes like a Fats Domino lobster bisque and a Johnny Mathis “Warm and Tender” filet mignon.
Dancing starts at 8:45 p.m. (you can purchase individual tickets for the dance portion for $50) with retro outfit REWiND warming up the crowd with vocal harmonies and your favourite tracks from the golden era of rock and doo wop. From there, the Ron Paley 21-piece band will keep the dance floor jiving until 2 a.m.
Hotel packages with the Delta (which is conveniently connected to the Convention Centre via a skywalk) are also available as part of Rock Around the Clock, with packages (which includes overnight stay, dinner and dancing) for $450 per couple.
If you are visiting the city for NYE and you are looking for something more intimate, book your stay at Mere Hotel where a special NYE rate of $179 gets you a bottle of sparkling wine for your room along with a late check-out at 1 p.m. Located on beautiful Waterfront Drive in the Exchange, Mere Hotel is close to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars, ensuring all your downtown NYE plans are walkable.
For the whole family
When it comes to family fun, The Forks should always be on your agenda, especially on December 31st for the Wawanesa Insurance Family New Year’s Eve.
Starting at 3 p.m. (and running until 7 p.m.) your whole crew can go for horse drawn wagon rides throughout the festive grounds (the trip starts in front of the Explore Manitoba building), while the outdoor skating canopy is now also open (with skate rentals available onsite in The Forks Market – $3 for kids, $5 for adults).
Go see Slow Leaves (aka Grant Davidson) at The Forks Market on NYE at 6 p.m. He is awesome.
In Centre Court of the Market kids art takes place for free (5-7 p.m.), while on the second floor talented face painters and artists will be on hand. During this time there will also be live entertainment on the Main Stage in The Forks Market with The Middle Coast (5 p.m.), Slow Leaves (6 p.m.) and Sierra Nobel (7 p.m.).
From there it’s on to the Countdown under the Canopy, where Ace Burpee and the crew from 103.1 Virgin Radio and 99.9 Bob FM will be entertaining the crowds before the 8 p.m. firework show from three-time world champions, Archangel Fireworks.
Make your plans today and have a safe and happy New Year.
