January 8, 2026
Jaysa Thiessen
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. 2026 looms ahead full of possibilities and new memories to make. While MHV remains closed until January 6th at 9:00 AM, we are busy planning and preparing for a new year full of events, programming, and memory-making opportunities.
December – February: Winter in the Village
From December -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-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-8pm (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!
January 8th and 22nd: 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 artefacts 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; donations are always welcome.
January 24th: 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 January 24th from 10am-12pm! 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 honor it would be for MHV to be a part of your family’s 2026 memories.
Upcoming Events:
January 8 & 22 – 10:00am to 11:00am – Join us at the Mennonite Heritage Village for an engaging morning set among the fascinating artefacts 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.
January 12 – 7:00pm – Growing Vegetables and Herbs with Hydroponics – The Steinbach and Area Garden Club is delighted to announce that Pam MacFarlane will be making a presentation on “ Growing Vegetables and Herbs with Hydroponics” at its first 2026 meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village.
Guests – $5, annual membership $20 individuals, $30 family.
January 24 – 10:00am to 12:00pm – Sewing Workshop – Learn basic sewing techniques and learn how to read a pattern. Register on our website or by calling 204-326-9661.
February 7 – 9:30am to 12:00pm – Writer’s Workshop – Join Erin Koop-Unger, MaryLou Driedger and Andrew Unger, on Saturday morning, February 7th, 9:30am – 12noon as MHV Village Books and Gifts presents our second in a series of writer’s workshops, called “Storied Places”.
February 14 – 9:00am to 8:00pm – Winter Carnival – 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!