Just in time to kick off the holidays, Selkirk’s annual winter festival — Holiday Alley — turns 5 this year and it’s time to party!
The community of Selkirk has grown HolidayAlley from its typical 2 days to a full 12 days of uplifting artists, supporting makers, honouring their Indigenous roots, and just having fun! Spirited by downtown redevelopment and business rejuvenation, Holiday Alley boasts more than 130,000 installed LED light bulbs, community events and art-forward entertainment. There’s something to do for all ages!
If you’ve never been to this event, you’re missing out. Get your dancing boots on because their 5th birthday celebration is going to be a blast!
Light Up Downtown
It all starts when the City of Selkirk turns on 5,000 strings of lights draped over 40 buildings throughout blocks of its historic downtown. The lights stay on for 60 of our darkest Manitoba nights. And their sponsor, Canadian Tire Selkirk, helps Main Street businesses light up even more! Enjoy the drive or walk through Light up Downtown from Nov.19 to Jan. 30.
Bonus: Catch the giant wall Santa making an appearance on the Trader Bank building on Nov. 27 & 28!
Double Bonus: Santa is coming to Holiday Alley on two Friday nights on Nov. 19 and 26 from 6-10 pm. Get a Giant Selfie from your vehicle at Eveline Street and Manitoba Avenue. Pull up, roll down your window, smile — then see your photo projected 30 ft high! This event is supported by Sunova Credit Union and Brad Hirst of Royal LePage.
Community Canopy
Enjoy live events from Nov.19-21 and Nov. 26-28 at the Community Canopy in Selkirk Park. For two weekends, the Manitoba Métis Federation and Stanley Electrical & Mechanical Ltd. sponsors Holiday Alley’s big tent filled with local musicians and merry makers for all ages. Get ready to tap your toes in your boots and clap your mittens for musicians you’ve missed and some you’re just getting to know and love.
Scavenger Hunt
Walk or drive around Old Downtown Selkirk anytime between Nov. 19-30 and solve Holiday Alley clues to win gifts and gift cards donated by Holday Alley’s sponsors. Submit your results by November 30 in the mail slot at Selkirk Civic Centre, 200 Eaton Ave. at Selkirk City Hall.
Wishme Makers’ Market x2
With craft markets closed last year, Holiday Alley is doubling down this winter and hosting two weekends of their popular Saturday makers’ market (while still following public health measures to keep our community safe). Show artisans some love and start (or finish) your holiday shopping here. If you missed it last weekend, you can still visit their curated list of makers, crafters and local hand-made connoisseurs on Saturday, Nov. 27 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Gordon Howard Centre, 384 Eveline Street.
Tree It Yourself
In the mood for a walk and some fresh air? From Nov. 17 to Dec. 30, check out the TIY (Tree it Yourself) trees on Manitoba Avenue between Main Street and Eveline Street, decorated by local businesses and organizations. Make a note of your favourite decorated tree, vote and get entered to win a gift card from a local business! (One vote per person, please.)
Holiday Tails and Trails
Frontier College and The Selkirk Friendship Centre are excited to bring you Holiday Tales & Trails from Nov. 19-30, a walking literacy program for families. Enjoy a walk down Manitoba Ave. for a family outdoor storytime following the pages from window to window. A free copy of the book will be available to all those who finish the story at the very last stop (until supplies last). This year’s books are Last Leaf First Snowflake to Fall by Leo Yerxma and Moira’s Birthday by Robert Munsch.
Chuck (The Elf) on a Shelf
Chuck (the elf-catfish) is popping up around the city of Selkirk during Holiday Alley from Nov.19-30. If you see a 6 ft Chuck, be sure to stop and grab a selfie with him! Post your photo to Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #ChuckOnAShelf and tag @holidayalley to be entered to win prizes and gift cards. Kudos to India, the talented student from the Lord Selkirk School Division who built and painted their giant-sized Chuck!
If you’re planning on attending any of the in-person events, workshops, markets or activities, remember that all eligible attendees need a proof of vaccination and ID as per public health orders.
Online events
New to Holiday Alley TV (YouTube and Facebook) is Dancing in the Street, Again. With the help of local musician Brenton Thorvaldson, they’ve re-jigged the lyrics and re-created “Dancing In The Street, Again”! This music and compilation dance video invited participants from other cities and towns called Selkirk from around the world — from Scotland, New York, Ontario, and the Yukon!). On November 30, Holiday Alley will finish off the festival with a world-wide launch of the video!
There will also be online holiday story readings during the festival. Grab a blanket, get settled in your comfy chair, and enjoy a book reading on Facebook.
Holiday Alley is a Red River North Tourism project, sponsored by IG Wealth Management. This winter festival brings art, light, sound, creativity and culture to the heart of Selkirk’s old downtown and to Red River North. This is the last weekend, so don’t miss it!
Visit holidayalley.ca for more information and details about this wonderful family event.