Winnipeg at Christmas

Hi all,
My girlfriend and I live in South Dakota, and have a few days
off starting Christmas day until the 30th while the kids are with
their dad. We've been to Minneapolis a hundred times, and have never
been to Winnipeg, so thought we might go.
Like any large city, there are going to be Christmas events,
but anything occurring Dec 25-30 that merits special attention? We
like art and architecture, walking and hiking, outdoor scenery, jazz
and blues, jam bands (her), alt country (me). We've been planning to
stay downtown, so any places we should definitely seek out or avoid?
On a more specific question, any experiences with Priceline in
Winnipeg? If we use only the downtown location and the highest star
rating, anyone give me pointers on what hotels usually participate,
and whether that's a viable option? Any tips on a place to start
bidding?
We certainly have started using the travel web sites, but it
can be very hard to separate the heavily-promoted from the truly
worthwhile.
Sorry this is so general, but thanks for your help.
South Dakota Tom

I have been through Winnipeg a few times. I dont know about out door
stuff. It is considered to be the Windy city of Canada, (besides the
hot air out of our capital Ottawa)
The two things I can recomend if you get tired of the cold are, the
Museum. I think its the Natural History museum. It has a life size
sailing ship in it.Talks about he paraies. etc. So it would be helpfull
to both sides of the boarder. Also if you are interested the Canadian
Mint. Which by the way use to make (possibliy still does) US coin plugs
befor they are shipped to USA to actually be minted with an imprint.
(imagin that US money made in Canada.) Call the mint before hand, as I
think you need to schedule a visit.