Is there anything more magical than holiday shopping in a cozy setting straight out of a storybook? Imagine strolling down snow-lined streets, stopping at charming shops where the owners who have curated every detail of their enchanting stores are there to greet you at the register.
Below, we make it easy to find something for everyone on your list, whether you’re one for bustling malls, meeting local makers or exploring marvelous little shops.
Stores that just feel so Christmassy
Want to feel like you’re shopping in the midst of a Hallmark film? Stay-tuned for our Hallmark guide!
For starters, The Johnston Terminal at The Forks where every year it gets more festive than a cinnamon stick teetering in a glass of mulled wine. You can’t help but feel the nostalgia in its circa-1929 setting, while iconic shops like the massive 7,000 square foot Kite and Kaboodle is bursting at the seams with great gifts for kiddos. The Terminal’s Antique Mall is always full of fascinating finds. Pulse Gallery is a great spot to pick up local artists’ prints and original works (and ceramics too). And while you explore, you can sip on a mighty fine espresso drink from Harrison’s Coffee Co. For a full list of shops, visit their website.
In the Exchange District, Toad Hall Toys has been permeating old world charm since 1977, providing the sort of shopping environment you’d expect to see in the pages of Frog and Toad. Run by three generations, its kind and attentive staff will guide you in all the right directions—from board games to mini models, collectibles, costumes, puzzles, pedagogy, puppets, stuffies, sensory items and music-making. Just around the corner, Tara Davis Studio Boutique always brings out its best for the holiday season, providing everything from locally made stocking stuffers and stationery, to housewares that your sister and sister-in-law won’t be able to get enough of.
Another can’t miss Winnipeg institution that lets its holiday flag fly is McNally Robinson, whose shelves are stocked with the best books for all ages, along with an impressive selection of toys.
For something sweet, our city is blessed with an abundance of chocolate shops and chocolatiers whose shops are an absolute delight right now. In Saint-Boniface, you could wrap a bow around Chocolatier Constance Popp where the shelves are stocked with house-made chocolates using only the finest fair trade cacao beans.
In the West End, Mordens’ of Winnipeg has classics like Russian Mints and other chocolate-covered creations that have been celebrated since 1959! On the hip Sherbrook Strip in the West Broadway neighbourhood, Decadence Chocolates lives up to its name with creative creations that make perfect stocking stuffers.
A veritable winter wonderland since 1937, Shelmerdine is not only a spot where many locals get their tree from, it also has a fabulous gift shop with whimsical and wondrous gifts for all ages, a fashion shop with lux women’s wares, and so many cute plants and arrangements that make for the perfect gift.
Shopping malls
Winnipeg is of course home to several top-notch malls, all of which provide a festive atmosphere for your retail therapy.
CF Polo Park | 1485 Portage Ave
CF Polo Park is our largest, boasting Best Buy, Apple, Game Stop and Lego for kiddos and gamers, along with so many quality stores like La Creuset, Sunglass Hut, and Sephora too. It’s also a sure bet for fashionistas on your list with Aritzia, Coach, Fossil, H&M, Club Monaco, Eddie Bauer, Harry Rosen, Reitmans, Roots and so much more.
Outlet Collection Winnipeg | 555 Sterling Lyon Pkwy
For even more fashion brands, Outlet Collection Winnipeg (OCW) has nearly 100 shops under one roof, including Asics, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Levi’s, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Trendy Tots Winnipeg. The OCW also offers complimentary coat check and numerous services for families to make your shopping experience even more convenient, along with a VIP Visitor Shopping Experience for tourists that can save you up to 20 per cent off with exclusive discounts and offers from retailers. The area surrounding OCW –Seasons of Tuxedo — also has all manner of big box stores, along with no shortage of eateries.
St. Vital Centre | 1225 St Mary's Rd
St. Vital Centre is bustling with more than 150 shops –– including a two-level Marshall’s and so many clothing and electronic stores, while Kildonan Place’s 100+ stores include H&M, Urban Planet, HomeSense and Jets Gear. And let’s not forget about the sunlight-bathed Garden City Shopping Centre, with more than 80 shops and food vendors.
Neighbourhoods that are a treat to hit the street
Of course, there’s nothing better than basking in the glow of store windows that beckon you from the street in Winnipeg’s top shopping stretches.
Academy Road
On Academy Road, you can have your pick of premium clothing stores, art galleries, body care shops, florists and more –– all running door-to-door from Centennial to Oak Street. Cornelia Bean is a great place to start so grab a coffee and perhaps some excellent teas and hot drink accessories for your loved ones before heading out to shops like Made About Style, Redeemed, North Flag, Maggie Grace, Margot & Maude, Loka, Grace & Company, and Beyond the Alley Boutique for fashions. Salt Boutique has irresistible Christmassy vibes, the Sobr Market provides a huge selection of non-alcoholic drinks that make for a great host gift, and Woodlands Gallery has original artworks available for a wide range of budgets.
Osborne Village
Osborne Village offers so many shops that are just steps from one another, making it an ideal spot to cover a lot without having to cover much ground. Rooster, Silver Lotus and Small Mercies all house something for that person who has great taste on your list –– be it accessories, clothes, books and more; Wild Planet Music remains “Canada’s Rock n’ Roll Superstore”; and The Happy Cooker has been a staple for chefs and home cooks since 1973.
The Exchange District
Amongst The Exchange’s storied historic facades, find 100+ retail shops, including striking jewelry (made on site at that) from Hilary Druxman; carefully curated bags and stationery from 26 Market; gorgeous clothes, housewares and accessories at Boutique Anya; and must-have vintage looks from Clothing Bakery.
Made Here in the Richardson Building Concourse (in the underground between The Fairmont and One Lombard Place) is brimming with locally made gifts. From jewelry to stationery, art prints, games, baby and toddler things, bath and beauty, and apparel ––including our Tourism Winnipeg merch, you’ll find it all in this peachy little shop. They even curate gift boxes and you can build your own too.
Corydon Avenue
And finally, Corydon Avenue’s main strip is studded with great stores. Discover unique gifts, art, fashions and accessories at shops like Nunavut Gallery Inc., October Boutique, Riley Grae, Unique Bunny and the new Wutong Tree where you’ll spy an eye-catching selection of ceramics straight from Japan.
