Toronto’s performing arts scene shines this holiday season with must-see events showcasing Canadian, Indigenous and international performers.

The festive season is here! Toronto goes all out with spectacular holiday performances for all ages. Whether you’re moved by live music, theatre, dance or traditional pantomime, ’tis the season to lose yourself in Toronto’s holiday arts scene.

Here are 12 events to plan a visit around.
 

Tkaronto Music Festival

Kick off the holiday season at the Tkaronto Music Festival (November 7–9, 2024). Taking place at the legendary Massey Hall, this three-day Indigenous music festival features top talent from across Turtle Island. This year’s headliners are The Halluci Nation, Tanya Tagaq and Blue Moon Marquee.

Bonus: get a jump on your holiday gift shopping at the vendor marketplace, featuring handmade items by Indigenous artists, artisans and makers.

Also see: 10 Places to Support Indigenous Creators in Toronto
 

Famous PEOPLE Players’ Deck The Halls

Now in its 50th year, Famous PEOPLE Players is a world-renowned blacklight theatre company that showcases the talents of disabled performers. Over its five-decade history, the group has performed on Broadway, at Radio City Music Hall and with Liberace in Las Vegas.

Its holiday show, Deck The Halls (November 13, 2024–January 4, 2025), is a glow-in-the-dark musical about a magical gift that comes to life. Take the kids to a lunch or dinner performance for a fun take on festive dining.

James & Jamesy’s O Christmas Tea

If you’re a fan of English humour like Monty Python, Mr. Bean et al., O Christmas Tea (November 21–24, 2024) is the comedy show you’ve been waiting for. Taking a cue from classic Brit panto, James & Jamesy serve up a side-splitting show complete with clever wordplay, comic physicality and interactive elements at the CAA Theatre.
 

Tafelmusik’s Bach Christmas Oratorio

Ring in the Yuletide season at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre with this joyous musical celebration of Jesus’s birth, composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. 

This performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (November 22 & 23, 2024) pairs Toronto’s renowned Baroque orchestra, Tafelmusik, with vocalists Hélène Brunet (soprano), Cecilia Duarte (mezzo-soprano), Jesse Blumberg (baritone) and English tenor Charles Daniels in the role of the Evangelist. 

An exuberant and tender compilation of six cantatas, the oratorio captures the wonder of the Nativity.

James & Jamesy’s O Christmas Tea

If you’re a fan of English humour like Monty Python, Mr. Bean et al., O Christmas Tea (November 21–24, 2024) is the comedy show you’ve been waiting for. Taking a cue from classic Brit panto, James & Jamesy serve up a side-splitting show complete with clever wordplay, comic physicality and interactive elements at the CAA Theatre.
 

Tafelmusik’s Bach Christmas Oratorio

Ring in the Yuletide season at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre with this joyous musical celebration of Jesus’s birth, composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. 

This performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (November 22 & 23, 2024) pairs Toronto’s renowned Baroque orchestra, Tafelmusik, with vocalists Hélène Brunet (soprano), Cecilia Duarte (mezzo-soprano), Jesse Blumberg (baritone) and English tenor Charles Daniels in the role of the Evangelist. 

An exuberant and tender compilation of six cantatas, the oratorio captures the wonder of the Nativity.

National Ballet of Canada’s The Nutcracker

One of Toronto’s most beloved annual arts events, the National Ballet of Canada’s performance of The Nutcracker (December 6–31, 2024) is a must-see. 

James Kudelka’s breathtaking choreography is paired with Tchaikovsky’s epic musical score in the 19th-century tale of siblings Marie and Mishka’s adventures in the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. 

Magnificent sets and costumes do justice to the beauty of the ballet and music, so sit back and lose yourself in the magic.
 

Canadian Stage’s The Wizard of Oz

The newest iteration of a Toronto family tradition—Ross Petty’s annual holiday Christmas pantomime show—this irreverent take on The Wizard of Oz (December 6, 2024–January 5, 2025) brims with music, dance and comedy.

Join Dorothy and her pals as they navigate the whimsical world of Oz in this world premiere. Canadian Stage debuts its larger-than-life panto show at the historic Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre, a National Historic Site known for its whimsical beauty.
 

Soulpepper’s Alligator Pie

“Alligator pie, alligator pie
If I don’t get some, I think I’m gonna die.”

Dennis Lee’s celebrated book of poetry has enthralled generations of children. Now you can see his enchanting poems come to life on stage as Soulpepper Theatre performs Alligator Pie (December 11–29, 2024).

Joyous, musical, fun—and funny!—it’s a guaranteed tummy-tickler for kids of all ages.

Tafelmusik’s Handel Messiah

Tafelmusik’s performance of Handel’s Messiah (December 20 & 21, 2024) is another cherished holiday arts tradition in Toronto. 

Uplifting, joyous and filled with humanity, the choral masterpiece showcases the talents of the Baroque orchestra and chamber choir, with guest vocalists Karina Gauvin (soprano), Christopher Lowry (countertenor) and Valerio Contaldo (tenor) and Brett Polegato (baritone).

The classic performance takes place at Koerner Hall, known for its impeccable acoustics. But if singing along is your idea of holiday bliss, book tickets for Sing-Along Messiah (December 22, 2024), which takes place at Massey Hall.