Experience the magic of a holiday performance this season
The National Ballet of Canada | Karolina Kuras
From heartwarming Christmas concerts and shows to the timeless charm of The Nutcracker, celebrate the joy of the holidays with your loved ones at one of Ontario’s seasonal performances.
These shows are very popular, so purchase tickets well in advance.
Greater Toronto Area
The Nutcracker, The National Ballet of Canada
The Nutcracker is an annual tradition that delights and captures the imagination of families for generations. Suitable for children over the age of two.
This performance is held at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Theatre.
Dates: December 6–31, 2024
Location: 145 Queen Street West, Toronto
The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical
Canadian Stage has revitalized Ross Petty’s beloved pantomime tradition. The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical is a hilarious retelling of the Wizard of Oz with music, audience interaction, family-friendly humour and mischievous antics.
Don’t miss this event at the magnificent Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre.
Dates: December 6–January 5, 2025
Location: 189 Yonge Street, Toronto
Sing-Along Messiah, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir
Join the sing-along featuring George Frideric Handel, who directs a cast of soloists accompanied by the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir in an interactive performance of his iconic musical composition.
Whether you love to sing your heart out or listen and sway to the music, this Toronto tradition is something the entire family will enjoy.
Get tickets for the show at Toronto’s heritage theatre, Massey Hall.
Date: December 22, 2024
Location: 178 Victoria Street, Toronto
Un-Silent Night, Choir!Choir!Choir!
Sing your favourite Christmas classics in an open-participation performance led by Toronto-based Choir, Choir, Choir. No singing experience is required—just come ready to have fun.
This event takes place at Massey Hall. Check out the Family Matinee and search more show locations, such as London, Burlington and Oakville.
Date: December 21, 2024
Location: 178 Victoria Street, Toronto
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Join the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) on a journey to The Land of Sweets in Act II of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, including “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Flowers.” The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra will play alongside TSO for parts of the show.
This event takes place at Roy Thomson Hall.
Dates: November 27–30, 2024
Location: 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
Elf in Concert, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Watch the hilarious and heartwarming holiday classic Elf on the big screen while the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performs the score live at this family-friendly event.
The venue for this event is Roy Thomson Hall.
Dates: December 5–8, 2024
Location: 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
TSO Holiday Pops, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Get into the holiday spirit with a jazz-infused seasonal celebration featuring Toronto-based vocalist Denzel Sinclaire.
This show takes place at Roy Thomson Hall.
Dates: December 10–12, 2024
Location: 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
Messiah, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and TSO
The TSO will accompany the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and four soloists in a joyous rendition of Handel’s beloved classic.
This show takes place at Roy Thomson Hall.
Dates: November 21–24, 2024
Location: 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
O Christmas Tea, Mirvish Productions
Mirvish Productions presents the award-winning, comedic show O Christmas Tea.
This 90-minute performance, reminiscent of classic British pantos, tells the story of a Christmas tea party gone wrong. A celebration of friendship, this whimsical act will have you laughing from start to finish.
This show takes place at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre on Yonge Street.
Dates: November 21–24, 2024
Location: 651 Yonge Street, Toronto
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight Concerts presents the Thompson Egbo-Egbo Quartet performing music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Enjoy classics such as “Christmas Time Is Here” and “O Tannenbaum” under the gentle glow of candlelight at the recently restored Paradise Theatre in this one-of-a-kind experience. Suitable for families with kids over the age of eight.
Get tickets for this show at Paradise Theatre in Toronto’s Bloorcourt Village neighbourhood.
Date: December 27, 2024
Location: 1006c Bloor Street West, Toronto
Ottawa Region
Bear Grease: Shack Up for the Winter Holiday Special
Bear Grease – Holiday Special is an Indigenous version of the musical Grease with a festive twist at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
The Under30 program provides discounted rates for guests under the age of 30.
This show takes place at Babs Asper Theatre.
Dates: December 10–14, 2024
Location: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas
Popular fiddle-playing duo, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy include their seven music-loving children in their performances. From “White Christmas” to “Silent Night,” the whole family will enjoy this Celtic-inspired evening at the National Arts Centre.
This show takes place at Southam Hall.
Dates: December 22, 2024
Location: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition, Ballet Jörgen
Set to Tchaikovsky’s familiar score, this twist on The Nutcracker story includes snowflake-filled landscapes, lumberjacks, Mounties and Canadian woodland creatures performed by Canada’s famous Ballet Jörgen.
The venue for this performance is Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe.
Dates: December 13–14, 2024
Location: 101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean
The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas
The Halifax Daily News described the talented MacNeil siblings as “a treasure of the East Coast. " They use a variety of instruments alongside distinctive vocal harmonies to create a truly unique sound for the holiday season.
This show takes place at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe.
Date: December 17, 2024
Location: 101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean
The Jersey Nights Before Christmas Show
The music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, nostalgic hits and Christmas classics will make this an evening of fun for the whole family!
This show takes place at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe.
Date: December 18, 2024
Location: 101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean
The Humbug Hustle: A Holiday Phantom-ime, The Great Canadian Theatre Company
Join a cast of rivals as they vie for Scrooge’s fortune in a fun-filled evening of song and dance.
This show is part of Ottawa’s Great Canadian Theatre Company’s 50th anniversary season.
Dates: December 28, 2024–January 5, 2025
Location: 1233 Wellington Street West, Ottawa
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Christmastime in the City, Brantford Symphony Orchestra
Brantford Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra that has been delivering world-class entertainment for over 60 years, including seasonal specials such as Christmastime in the City.
This performance takes place at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts.
Date: December 14, 2024
Location : 88 Dalhousie Street, Brantford
A Christmas Story, The Musical, Theatre Aquarius
Enjoy a festive performance based on the classic movie A Christmas Story. This lively and heartwarming holiday musical is suitable for the whole family.
See this performance at Theatre Aquarius.
Date: December 4–21, 2024
Location: 190 King William Street, Hamilton
Niagara Region
A Christmas Carol, Shaw Festival
Charles Dickens’ classic tale of A Christmas Carol returns to the Shaw Festival. Watch the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge remember what the spirit of the season is all about in this beloved play. Suitable for families with children over six years old.
The show is staged at the Royal George Theatre.
Dates: November 8–December 22, 2024
Location: 85 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Home For the Holidays, Niagara Symphony Orchestra
Home For the Holidays is a popular holiday tradition in the Niagara area.
Celebrate the familiar songs and sounds of the most magical season as Stratford Festival stars Jennifer Rider-Shaw and Robert Markus are accompanied by the region’s esteemed Niagara Symphony Orchestra.
This show takes place at Partridge Hall in FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
Date: December 14, 2024
Location: 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Merry & Bright, Drayton Entertainment
Listen to your favourite holiday songs and Broadway anthems alongside joyful and comedic storytelling brought to you by Drayton Entertainment, one of Canada’s most successful professional theatre companies.
This show takes place at Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre.
Dates: November 6–23, 2024
Location: 11 Albert Street West, St. Jacobs
A Christmas Carol: The Panto, Drayton Entertainment
Don’t miss this reimagined seasonal classic of Ebenezer Scrooge embarking on his life-changing adventure. Suitable for families with children over five years old.
This show takes place at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
Dates: November 28, 2024–January 5, 2025
Location: 40 Benjamin Road, Waterloo
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: The Musical, Drayton Entertainment
Enjoy this timeless classic musical about love, friendship and loyalty, adapted from the film starring Bing Crosby. Suitable for families with children over five years old.
This event takes place at Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge along the Grand River.
Dates: December 4–29, 2024
Location: 46 Grand Avenue South, Cambridge
Northeastern Ontario
Christmas Kick-Off, Sudbury Symphony Orchestra
The Sudbury Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has been an integral part of Sudbury’s arts community since 1953 and proudly launches the holiday season with Christmas Kick-Off. Featuring the Young Sudbury Singers, Bel Canto Chorus and the Sudbury Chamber Singers, this show includes music from The Messiah, Home Alone and The Nutcracker.
This show takes place at the Sheridan Auditorium of Sudbury Secondary School in the Arts Wing with a family-focused matinee and an evening performance.
Date: November 30, 2024
Location: 154 College Street, Greater Sudbury
Northwest Ontario
Christmas at the Fort, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
Resident conductor Frédéric-Alexandre Michaud and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra deliver a festive celebration featuring Christmas classics, sing-alongs and delightful surprises.
This show is held in the concert hall at Fort William Historical Park.
Date: December 13, 2024
Location: 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay
Last updated: November 15, 2024