November 7, 2024 – Febraury 3, 2025
Various Locations
Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are renowned for their vibrant arts scene, especially when Holiday Live Theatre Productions bring festive stories to life. From classic tales to modern interpretations, the city’s stages are filled with performances that capture the magic of the holidays. The annual productions of The Nutcracker by the National Ballet of Canada and A Christmas Carol at the Soulpepper Theatre Company are beloved traditions, enchanting audiences with their timeless stories, breathtaking performances, and stunning stage designs.
In addition to these classics, the GTA is home to a variety of unique holiday-themed shows. Theatres like the Princess of Wales and the Royal Alexandra host musicals and plays that offer a fresh take on holiday narratives, often featuring local talent alongside internationally renowned performers. The variety of productions ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming family show or a comedy that brings a modern twist to traditional holiday themes.
Beyond the downtown core, the GTA’s smaller, community-focused theatres also contribute to the festive atmosphere. Venues like the Rose Theatre in Brampton and the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga offer intimate settings where audiences can enjoy holiday performances that highlight the rich cultural diversity of the region. These productions often incorporate elements of different cultural traditions, reflecting the multicultural makeup of the GTA and offering a unique perspective on the holiday season.
2024 Theatre Production Highlights
November 7 – December 30, 2024
O Christmas Tea, A British Comedy
Various Cities
www.torontoondemand.ca/o-christmas-tea-a-british-comedy
From the unbridled imagination of beloved British comedy duo James & Jamesy comes the rollicking holiday comedy O Christmas Tea. Reminiscent of classic British pantos, O Christmas Tea is rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements; yet it is James & Jamesy’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.
November 26, 2024
The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show
Meridian Hall, Toronto
tolive.com/Event-Details-Page/reference/The-Jinkx-and-DeLa-Holiday-Show-2024
Join the sugary DeLa and spicy Jinkx for an evening the New York Times says is “sure to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter.”
December 6, 2024
A Drag Queen Christmas
Meridian Hall, Toronto
tolive.com/Event-Details-Page/reference/A-Drag-Queen-Christmas-2024
For the very first time in Canada, Murray and Peter present A Drag Queen Christmas tenth anniversary tour hosted by Brooke Lynn Hytes.
December 8, 2024
A Drag Queen Christmas
FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton
www.hamilton-theatre.com/shows/firstontario-concert-hall/a-drag-queen-christmas
The all-star queens of Logo TV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race are coming to save your Christmas and this year is even more special, marking the 10th anniversary! Featuring all your favourite stars singing seasonal classics, new and old, A Drag Queen Christmas is guaranteed to get you in the naughty holiday spirit. So dig out your glad rags and prepare to sashay straight to this once-a-year spectacular!
December 13, 2024
The Debaters Live Holiday Tour
Living Arts Centre, Mississauga
www.mississauga.ca/events-and-attractions/events-calendar/the-debaters-live-holiday-tour?eventdate=2024-12-13T20%3A00%3A00&schedule=16390]
The Debaters Live Holiday Tour is the comedy stage show where comics go mistletoe to toe in a battle of laughs and logic and the audience picks the winner. This festively funny show features host Steve Patterson and two of Canada’s top comics performing stand-up and two holiday-themed debates in everyone’s favourite comedy debate format.
18+ Mature Content. May contain mature themes and adult language.
January 14 – February 2, 2025
Winter Solstice
Berkeley St. Theatre
www.canadianstage.com/shows-events/season/winter-solstice
A Necessary Angel Theatre Company production in association with Canadian Stage and Birdland Theatre. An insidious encounter with an unexpected guest – Bettina’s mother is staying for the holidays. Winter Solstice is a comedy of manners with a bite. Starring Canadian legends Diego Matamoros and Nancy Palk, this thrilling play issues a warning: beware the sincere stranger.
November 8 – December 22, 2024
A Christmas Carol
Royal George Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake
www.shawfest.com/playbill/a-christmas-carol-2024
Charles Dickens’ beloved story is brought magically to life on stage, in this enchanting new production by Tim Carroll. A Dickens expert, Carroll first premiered his production in Norway to rave reviews, before enjoying its North American premiere in 2022. The picturesque settings of Niagara-On-The-Lake, coupled with the annual Candlelight Stroll, and now a chance to experience this play will make the holidays even more memorable!
November 12 – December 30, 2024
Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – TYA CANADIAN PREMIERE
Young People’s Theatre, Toronto
www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-
tickets/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory
Grab your golden ticket and join Charlie Bucket on this delectable adventure into Willy Wonka’s world-famous chocolate factory! A world of pure imagination awaits as Charlie, Grandpa Joe and four golden ticket-winners embark on a journey brimming with chocolate rivers and cocoa-loving Oompa Loompas.
November 13, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Deck the Halls – New Musical!
Famous PEOPLE Players, Toronto
www.famouspeopleplayers.com/shows
A vibrant new musical featuring dazzling black-light puppetry, festive holiday music, and heartwarming performances. A magical, inclusive show perfect for the whole family.
November 28 – December 1, 2024
Disney’s Newsies Jr.
Lester B. Pearson, Brampton
bit.ly/46nDoAj
Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies Jr. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
December 4 – 21, 2024
A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL
Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton
theatreaquarius.org/events/a-christmas-story
A lavish, glittering Holiday Musical for the whole family!
December 6, 2024 – January 5, 2025
The Wizard of Oz: A Holiday Musical Panto for All (World Premiere)
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre
www.canadianstage.com/shows-events/season/wizard-of-oz
Following in the illustrious footsteps of Ross Petty’s iconic 25-year tradition, Canadian Stage proudly steps up to lead the next chapter of larger-than-life holiday pantomimes for the enjoyment of Toronto audiences of all ages.
December 6 – 8, 12 – 15, 19 – 21, 2024
THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES
Scarborough Village Theatre, Toronto
www.theatrescarborough.com/
scarborough-theatre-guild/productions/the-emperors-new-clothes
This pantomime is the age-old story of the emperor who gets taken in by a fraudster who sells him a set of clothes that can “only be seen by those who are of high worth and intelligence”. Add in a hero who has a change of heart in order to win the girl of his dreams, a villain and his two imbecilic side-kicks, and of course, the pantomime horse and all the makings are there for a fun time.
December 6 – 15, 2024
Beauty & The Beast: A Christmas Pantomime
Drury Lane Theatre, Burlington
www.drurylane.ca/shows
Beauty and the Beast is the story of a handsome but arrogant Prince who falls foul to an Enchantress whose spell dooms him to spend his life hiding in his castle in the guise of a grotesque Beast.
December 12 – 29, 2024
ALLIGATOR PIE: A SOULPEPPER HOLIDAY SHOW!
Baillie Theatre, Toronto
www.soulpepper.ca/performances/alligator-pie
This beloved Soulpepper favourite returns just in time for the holidays! Alligator Pie brings the celebrated children’s poems of Dennis Lee to vibrant theatrical life. Full of invention and imagination, it’s a show that is joyous, musical, and fun for all members of the family.
December 20 – 28, 2024
Freezing: A Holiday Pantomime
AEG Liebherr Auditorium, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
www.oakvillecentre.ca/whats-on/upcoming-events/botg-freezing
For the past 10 years, the BurlOak Theatre Group has entertained sold-out crowds of all ages with a twist on a traditional Pantomime. Pantomime (informally known as a panto), is a type of musical comedy stage production, designed for family entertainment.
