Holiday Events

Holiday Events & Concerts – Part 1 – Ontario

Holiday Events

On this list, we are featuring some Holiday-themed shows going on throughout Ontario, as well as some non-holiday shows that we just think you should check out over the month of December. I’m sure there are many more, but this is just a taste of shows that you could check out over the Holiday season! There will be another list coming on Friday for other provinces!

Ontario

Holiday Tours

Barenaked Ladies: Hometown Holidays

December 13, 2022 – Thunder Bay, ON – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium – Tickets
December 16, 2022 – North Bay, ON – Capitol Centre – Tickets
December 17, 2022  – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre – Tickets
December 18, 2022 – Hamilton, ON – First Ontario Concert Hall – Tickets
December 20, 2022 – Kitchener, ON – Centre in the Square – Tickets
December 21, 2022 – Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor – Tickets
December 22, 2022 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall – Tickets

Barenaked Ladies

Multi-platinum band Barenaked Ladies announce they are taking Hometown Holidays with Barenaked Ladies on the road across Canada. The tour kicks off in Vancouver on December 1, 2022 and wraps up at Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall on December 22, 2022. BNL will perform holiday fan favourites from the Barenaked for the Holidays album, as well as a few other chestnuts and surprises. These special performances offer fans a rare opportunity to celebrate the season with Canada’s favourite foursome amongst family and friends, many coming together for the first time in three years. For tickets and more information, visit www.bnlhometownholidays.com

BARRA MacNEILS – East Coast Christmas Tour

December 1, 2022 – Orillia, ON – Orillia Opera House – Tickets
December 2, 2022 – Owen Sound, ON – Roxy Theatre – Tickets for 3:00 pmTickets for 7:30 pm
December 3, 2022 – St. Catharine’s, ON – First Ontario Performing Arts Centre – Tickets
December 4, 2022 – Belleville, ON – Empire Theatre – Tickets
December 5, 2022 – Cornwall, ON – Aultsville Theatre – Tickets
December 6, 2022 – Ottawa, ON – Meridian Theatre – Tickets
December 7, 2022 – Peterborough, ON – Showplace Performance Centre – Tickets
December 8, 2022 – Guelph, ON – River Run Centre – Tickets
December 9, 2022 – Burlington, ON – Burlington Performing Arts Centre – Tickets
December 10, 2022 – Oshawa, ON – Regent Theatre – Tickets for 3:00 pmTickets for 7:30 pm
December 11, 2022 – Newmarket, ON – Newroads Performing Arts Centre – Tickets
December 12, 2022 – Kingston, ON – Grand Theatre, Regina Rosen Auditorium – Tickets

BARRA

The Barra MacNeils Take Extensive East Coast Christmas Concert Tour Coast to Coast!

One of the most beloved concerts on the national seasonal circuit, the Barra MacNeils’ East Coast Christmas, is back! …and touring nationally through November and December; bigger, better, and busier than ever!

Boreal’s Songs for a Snowy Season

December 2, 2022 – Brampton, ON – Brampton Folk Club – Tickets
December 3, 2022 – Burk’s Falls, ON – About Live Music – Tickets
December 4, 2022 – Innisfil, ON – Innisfil Live Music – Tickets
December 11, 2022 – London, ON – Cuckoo’s Nest Folk Club – Tickets
December 15, 2022 – Toronto, ON – Hugh’s Room Live – Tickets
December 16, 2022 – Beeton, ON – Trinity United Church – Tickets
December 18, 2022 – Guelph, ON – River Run Centre – Tickets

Guelph musicians Katherine Wheatley and Tannis Slimmon, joined by Orillia songstress Angie Nussey, celebrate the arrival of winter and the spirit of the holiday season with Songs for a Snowy Season. Boreal’s spellbinding harmonies and tour-de-force songwriting create a magical musical event that has become a celebrated annual tradition.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy

December 17, 2022 – Burlington, ON – Burlington Performing Arts Centre – Tickets
December 19, 2022 – Kitchener, ON – Centre in the Square – Tickets
December 20, 2022 – Kingston, ON – Grand Theatre – Tickets
December 21, 2022 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre – Tickets
December 22, 2022 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre – Tickets

MacMaster

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy bring 90 years (combined) of fiddle music to the NAC for a special Christmas performance with the National Arts Centre Orchestra!

Their Celtic Family Christmas show features the cherished traditional fiddle music that Natalie and Donnell have become famous for. Witness the passing on of these traditions through their 7 children, who will join their parents with dancing, singing, fiddling, and a healthy dose of Christmas standards throughout the evening.

Lennie Gallant: The Innkeeper’s Christmas

December 1, 2022 – London, ON – Aeolian Hall Performing Arts Centre – Tickets
December 2, 2022 – Deep River, ON – Bernard Childs Auditorium – Tickets
December 3, 2022 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre – Tickets

Lennie

Join Lennie Gallant and his band for a celebration of the season with the 5th annual Innkeeper’s Christmas show. This year, the highly popular multimedia show will feature songs from his Christmas record and favourites from his 14-album catalogue. His past Innkeeper’s Christmas concerts have all sold out, so book your tickets early.

Good Lovelies Christmas Tour 2022

December 8, 2022 – Kingston, ON – The Spire – Tickets
December 9, 2022 – Midland, ON – Midland Cultural Centre – Tickets
December 10, 2022 – Midland, ON – Midland Cultural Centre – Tickets
December 11, 2022 – Port Hope, ON – Capitol Theatre – Tickets
December 12, 2022 – London, ON – Aeolian Hall – Tickets
December 13, 2022 – Guelph, ON – River Run Centre – Tickets
December 14, 2022 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall – Tickets
December 16, 2022 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre – Tickets
December 17, 2022 – London, ON – Aeolian Hall – Tickets

Good Lovelies

This December, the Good Lovelies will be taking their annual Christmas show across Ontario and bringing their classic holiday songs, timeless winter selections, and original material to your town!

Accompanying the Good Lovelies (Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough, and Susan Passmore) is a stunning backing band of some of Canada’s finest musicians. As a six-piece, this band will have you tapping your feet, laughing, and singing along by the show’s end. This is a must-see concert.

The Ennis Sisters Christmas

December 1, 2022 – Brantford , ON – Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts – Tickets
December 2, 2022 – Kingston, ON – The Grand Theatre – Tickets
December 3, 2022 – Aurora, ON – Trinity Anglican Church – SOLD OUT
December 4, 2022 – Cobourg, ON – Trinity United Church – Tickets
December 5, 2022 – London, ON – Aeolian Hall – SOLD OUT
December 7, 2022 – Pembrook , ON – Festival Hall – Tickets
December 8, 2022 – Ottawa, ON – Meridian @ Centrepointe – Tickets
December 9, 2022 – Georgina, ON – Stephen Leacock Theatre – Tickets
December 10, 2022 – Sudbury, ON – All Nations Church – Tickets
December 11, 2022 – North Bay, ON – Capitol Theatre – Tickets

The Ennis Sisters

For years, Maureen, Karen, and Teresa have been captivating audiences with their tightly woven sibling harmonies and endearing humour.  With a mix of original songs, holiday classics, humorous recitations, and a little Irish step-dancing, the evening is sure to ignite your holiday spirit. Don’t miss the chance to delight in a Christmas tradition that is cherished by so many!

John McDermott Family Christmas

December 3, 2022 – Kitchener, ON – St. Marys Catholic Church – Tickets
December 4, 2022 – Port Hope, ON – Capitol Theatre – Tickets
December 6, 2022 – Brantford, ON – Sanderson Centre – Tickets 
December 10, 2022 – Gravenhurst, ON – Gravenhurst Opera House – Tickets
December 11, 2022 – Oshawa, ON – The Regent Theatre – Tickets
December 15, 2022 – Toronto, ON – Yorkminster Park Baptist Church – FREE/ Donations if you choose
December 16, 2022 – Newmarket, ON – Newmarket Theatre – Tickets
December 17, 2022, & December 18, 2022 – St Catharines, ON – First Ontario PAC, Recital Hall – Tickets

John McDermott

John McDermott returns with his ever-popular Family Christmas concert. John McDermott’s last appearance at the Regent Theatre to a near sold-out audience was way back in 2019. After a three-year wait, these tickets will sell fast, so don’t delay!

Toronto

Stars – The Christmas Anyway Tour
December 1, 2022, at 7:00 pm
Danforth Music Hall
Tickets

Stars

Stars are beloved for their annual seasonal holiday sets, and for 2022, The Christmas Anyway Tour will feature shows in Toronto on December 1, a hometown show in Montreal on December 2, and New York on December 7. Additional dates are set for venues in Waterloo, ConnecticutWashingtonBoston, and Philadelphia, and a newly added date in Portland, Maine, on December 5.

Laila Biali – Wintersongs & Holiday Classics
December 3, 2022
Koerner Hall
Tickets

Laila Biali

Laila Biali debuts her Wintersongs project accompanied by an all-star ensemble, including special guests Jane Bunnett, Emilie-Claire Barlow, The Venuti String Quartet, George Koller, Larnell Lewis, and Ben Wittman. The evening features original material alongside arrangements of beloved secular and sacred classics, inviting you into the magic of winter and the holiday season.

18th Annual Andy Kim Christmas
December 7, 2022, at 8:00 pm
Massey Hall
Tickets

Andy Kim

The 18th Annual Andy Kim Christmas with special guests Metric, Broken Social Scene, The Sadies, Molly Johnson, Ron Sexsmith, Dan Hill, Scott Helman, High Flyer, and more!

Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas To All!
December 9, 2022 & December 11, 2022
Scotiabank Arena
Tickets

Mariah Carey

The queen of Christmas music, Mariah Carey to play two shows at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Matt Dusk Sings Sinatra
December 9, 2022, at 7:00 pm
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Tickets

Matt Dusk
Photo Credit: Christina Siamalekas

Sinatra. All that cool, classy style and energy from the Rat Pack shows of yesterday are right here, right now. Take a journey with Award-Winning, Multi-Platinum Selling crooner Matt Dusk as he whisks you away to Las Vegas in 1966, where he pays homage to his hero, Frank Sinatra.

With new arrangements by Grammy Award-winning arrangers Pat Wiliams and Sammy Nestico, Dusk transports you back in time to one of music’s most elegant eras. A time when Come Fly With Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Fly Me To The Moon, and One For My Baby dominated the charts.

Glass Tiger – Songs For a Winter’s Night
December 10, 2022
Massey Hall
Tickets

Glass Tiger

The December 10th Glass Tiger show at Massey Hall will feature all of the band’s hits, with a few holiday songs thrown in here and there.

Sean Jones
December 11, 2022, at 3:30 pm
Koerner Hall
Tickets

Sean Jones

JUNO Award-winning R&B singer-songwriter Sean Jones is set to debut his festive new concert Holiday Soul at Toronto’s beautiful Koerner Hall.

Sean will perform soul-inspired renditions of timeless holiday classics and share the stage with the Toronto Concert Orchestra and award-winning performers Divine Brown and Jackie Richardson.

The merry event is musically directed by Darryn de Souza, and Holiday Soul supports the Toronto-based charity Daily Bread Food Bank. All concert-goers are encouraged to bring “Soul Food” (a non-perishable food item) to the on-site donation bins.

Toronto Children’s Chorus
December 17, 2022, at 2:00 pm
Roy Thomson Hall
FREE

Toronto Children's Chorus

Kindle the joys of the holiday season with the angelic voices of the Toronto Children’s Chorus in our annual celebratory concert at Roy Thomson Hall! More than 300 choristers, including the TCC’s Alumni Choir and the Toronto Youth Choir, will perform some of our holiday hits, celebrating 45 years of the Toronto Children’s Chorus and over 30 years at Roy Thomson Hall. Under the baton of new Artistic Director, Zimfira Poloz, the Chorus will be commemorating this milestone with previous Artistic Director, Elise Bradley, MNZM, conducting carols in the lobby prior to the start of the performance. We will be joined on stage by some of our friends from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Jennifer Castle
December 21, 2022, at 7:00 pm
The Great Hall
Tickets

Jennifer Castle

Celebrate the Winter Solstice at The Great Hall in Toronto with Jennifer Castle and Eucalyptus.

Suzie Vinnick
December 22, 2022, at 8:00 pm
Hugh’s Room Live
Tickets

Suzie Vinnick

Suzie Vinnick‘s Holiday Show at Hugh’s Room Live will feature Suzie solo performing music from her new album Fall Back Home, some fan faves from her repertoire, and a few bluesy takes on songs from the holiday season. 

Skydiggers
December 23, 2022, at 8:00 pm
Danforth Music Hall
Tickets

Skydiggers

Spend Christmas Eve Ever enjoying a magnificent Skydiggers show featuring Jerry Leger & The Situation.

The Tenors: A Season of Miracles
December 23, 2022, at 8:00 pm
Roy Thomson Theatre
Tickets

The Tenors

JUNO Award-winning, multi-Platinum selling vocal group The Tenors are excited to return to the stage this Christmas season with a few select holiday performances called “A Season of Miracles.”

“We’ve worked hard to put together an unforgettable holiday experience filled with timeless Christmas classics and Tenors’ hits for our fans and families. We can’t wait to share a magical night filled with joy, stories, and surprises to help capture the wonder of the season and leave you singing and smiling all the way to Christmas day,” said The Tenors.

Bovine’s New Year’s Eve/ Gabe’s Retirement Party
December 31, 2022, at 9:00 pm
Bovine Sex Club
Tickets

Bovine
BSC & LMP presents: Gabe’s retirement & New Year’s Eve party
Featuring Pkew x3, The Bare Minimum, Wiseguise, and Lime Ricky

New Year’s Eve Comedy Extravanganza
December 31, 2022, at 7:30 pm
Massey Hall
Tickets

NYE Comedy

Curated by Yuk Yuk’s founder Mark Breslin, the annual New Year’s Eve event returns to the newly renovated Massey Hall and features a stellar line-up of Canada’s top comics. The evening will be hosted by award-winning comedian and host of CBC’s The Debaters, Steve Patterson.

Headlining the proceedings is the star of CTV’s Comedy Now! And CBC’s Comic!Don Kelly. Don has also appeared at The Winnipeg Comedy Festival, The Debaters, Madly Off in All Directions, and is the host and star of the Gemini-nominated series Fish Out of Water on APTN.

To make this a New Year’s Eve to remember, this show also includes performances by Zabrina DouglasCourtney GilmourKyle HickeyDave BurkeChris QuigleySharon Mahoney, and Martha Chaves.

Guelph

A Caroll Baker Christmas
December 3, 2022, at 7:00 pm
River Run Centre
Tickets

Carroll Baker

Renowned as Canada’s ‘First Lady of Country Music,’ Carroll Baker returns to the stage in her hometown of Guelph to share a selection of seasonal songs and fan favourites. She will be joined by the Baker Street Band for a performance welcoming the holiday season.

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
December 7, 2022, at 7:30 pm
River Run Centre
Tickets

O Christmas Tea

Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, London’s 3-time Impresario Award-winning duo steep an outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive show reminiscent of classic British pantos.

Rich in wordplay, comic physicality, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea is uproarious fun, yet it is the duo’s boundless imagination and endearing chemistry that provide the real magic and heart of this play.

The Wonderful World of Christmas
December 10, 2022, at 8:00 pm
River Run Centre
Tickets

The Wonderful World

Inspired by the music of Elvis Presley, this Yuletide spectacular is hosted by none other than the man himself. Steve Michaels sings the Christmas classics and serenades you with the King’s own holiday season favourites. The Wonderful World of Christmas is a Graceland of wonderment, celebrating the most glorious time of the year.

A Christmas Carol with Rod Beattie
December 16, 2022, at 7:30 pm, December 17, 2022, at 4:00 pm or 7:30 pm, and December 18, 2022, at 2:00 pm
River Run Centre
Tickets

Rod Beattie

Rod Beattie, of the beloved Wingfield Farm series, performs a unique adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, perfectly capturing its timeless appeal. Delight in watching Beattie transform himself into characters including Ebenezer Scrooge, Marley’s Ghost, and members of the Cratchit family, all in the twinkling of an eye!

Handel’s Messiah
December 17, 2022, at 7:30 pm
River Run Centre
Tickets

Handel's Messiah

George Frederic Handel’s monumental and moving oratorio offers a message of hope and renewal that is especially fitting for this season of rejuvenation. Our popular annual choral tradition is presented at River Run Centre, complete with a chamber orchestra, guest soloists, and some special surprise guests.

A Very Charlie Brown Concert
December 20, 2022, at 7:00 pm or 8:30 pm
River Run Centre
Tickets

Charlie Brown

A Charlie Brown Christmas is an Emmy Award-winning holiday tradition enjoyed by children everywhere. The soundtrack composed by Vince Guaraldi is equally as magical as the film, especially hits such as “Christmas Time is Here.” Join us this holiday season for a jazz performance featuring Adam Bowman on drums, Duncan Wilson on piano, and Tyler Wagler on bass. These three musicians will perform A Charlie Brown Christmas, top to bottom. Accompanying the musical trio are The Kingsbury Music Singers, directed by Shannon Kingsbury.

Ballet Jörgen The Nutcracker
December 22, 2022, at 7:30 pm
River Run Centre
Tickets

Ballet Jorgen

Ballet Jörgen’s seasonal classic sparkles with holiday magic year after year. Set to the much-loved Tchaikovsky music and in collaboration with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, this quintessentially Canadian Nutcracker features the vibrant works of the great Group of Seven landscape artists. Join Klara as she embarks on her magical dream journey through our northern landscapes filled with snowflakes, trilliums, loons, chipmunks, and other delightful woodland creatures. Ballet Jörgen Canada’s Nutcracker is a national treasure that warms the hearts of young and old alike.

Guelph Symphony Orchestra: New Year’s Day in Vienna
December 31, 2022, at 3:00 pm
River Run Centre
Tickets

Symphony

Ring in the New Year with your favourite Strauss waltzes and Viennese-inspired revelry. GSO’s New Year’s Day in Vienna concert is a delightfully joyous tradition – it’s the perfect way to bid a fond farewell to an old year while ushering in a new one.

Hamilton

Past Presents Future Weekend
December 8, 2022 – December 10, 2022
Corktown Pub
Tickets

Past Present Future

Get ready for a weekend of rockin’ music at Past Presents Future in Hamilton.

Boney M
December 13, 2022
FirstOntario Concert Hall
Tickets

Boney M

Liz Mitchell is a Jamaican-born British singer who is most famous for being the voice behind Boney M, one of the UK’s most loved disco and reggae bands. Boney M went 5x Platinum in Canada for Nigthflight To Venus record sales and double platinum for their Christmas album.

Kitchener

Marie Osmond: A Symphonic Christmas
December 1, 2022, at 8:00 pm
Centre in the Square Main Theatre
Tickets

Marie Osmond

Marie Osmond has spent five iconic decades in the entertainment business performing as a successful singer, television performer, actor, author, entrepreneur and public speaker. She has continued to maintain relevance, remaining an instantly recognizable figure across the globe.

Experience the magic and enchantment of Marie Osmond performing festive favourites, as well as Billboard chart-topping singles from her five-decade career.

Connie Kaldor Christmas
December 4, 2022, at 3:00 pm
The Registry Theatre
Tickets

Connie Kaldor

A seasonal afternoon with Canada’s legendary prairie folk musician, Connie Kaldor. The JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter is a perennial favourite on the folk music scene. Her beautiful original songs blur musical lines, embracing elements of gospel, country and western, and bluegrass. A popular solo performer, don’t miss Connie on guitar and piano, accompanied by her band’s full, rich sound.

Waterloo

Maxwell’s Rocks For Toys featuring Finger Eleven & I Mother Earth
December 7, 2022, at 8:00 pm (Doors 7:30 pm)
Maxwell’s Concerts & Events
Tickets

Finger Eleven

Maxwell’s Concerts & Events, 107.5 Dave Rocks, Swan Dust Control & the Waterloo Knights of Columbus are proud to present Maxwell’s Rocks for Toys featuring Finger Eleven & I Mother Earth, Wednesday, December 7th! Maxwell’s Rocks for Toys is both a TOY DRIVE & CONCERT! 19+, licensed, standing room only with very limited accessible seating

The Glorious Sons Holiday Hangover
December 19, 2022, at 8:00 pm (Doors 7:30 pm)
Maxwell’s Concerts & Events
Tickets

The Glorious Sons

Maxwell’s Concerts & Events proudly presents The Glorious Sons Holiday Hangover Monday, December 19th, and Tuesday, December 20th (Tuesday, SOLD OUT)!

Ottawa

Masters in the Hall – Celtic Music for Christmastime
December 10, 2022, at 8:30 pm
Fourth Stage
Tickets

North American Irish Fiddle Champion Kyle Burghout joins forces with flute/whistle player Justin Thériault and Celtic harpist Susan Toman to perform a collection of traditional and contemporary Celtic music from Ireland, Scotland, and Canada. The concert will feature music specially selected for the holiday season, with accompanying anecdotes about the history of the tunes and stories from the trio’s travels. This is a rare opportunity for audiences to hear three of Ottawa’s leading traditional musicians performing in concert together.

Genna G at the NAC: Hosting the Holidays
December 14, 2022, at 7:30 pm
Fourth Stage
Tickets

Genna G

Genna G returns to the NAC with special guests for a holiday cabaret, including your favourite classics and timeless standards. You’ll feel right at home gathering around the piano as Genna shares stories about the familiar fuss and fun of hosting family and friends over the holidays.

Molly Johnson: This Holiday Season
December 17, 2022, at 7:30 pm
Babs Asper Theatre
Tickets

Molly Johnson

“I am very honoured and excited to be returning to National Arts Centre to present my new holiday songs.” 

Known as one of Canada’s greatest voices, JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter Molly Johnson has captivated audiences all over the globe with her distinct voice and authentic stage presence.

The Tenors: A Season of Miracles
December 18, 2022, at 7:00 pm
Southam Hall
Tickets

The Tenors

The Tenors‘ A Season of Miracles will bring the magic of the holiday season to life, featuring holiday classics with new and popular songs and stories. Guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit, these four voices will bring the music to life like no other.

Céleste Lévis
December 21, 2022, at 8:30 pm
Fourth Stage
Tickets

Céleste Lévis

Accompanied by her musicians, Céleste Lévis invites you to an evening of fun for the whole family. She will sing, with her soft yet powerful voice, the most beautiful Christmas songs from her original Christmas album, as well as some essential holiday covers. It will be an evening not to be missed around the piano, just like her early days at her grandfather’s house.

Kellylee Evans: Winter Song
December 22, 2022, at 8:00 pm
Azrieli Studio
Tickets

Kellylee Evans

Welcome the festive season with a mix of holiday classics and original songs from the stylistic, award-winning Kellylee Evans.

Niagara Falls

Michael Bolton
December 16, 2022
OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
Tickets

Michael Bolton

Michael Bolton is a multiple Grammy Award winner and Emmy nominated Singer, Songwriter, and Humanitarian who has sold more than 65 million records globally and continues to tour the world. Michael will be performing greatest hits and holiday favourites!

Smiths Falls

Ambre McLean Christmas Concert
December 16, 2022, & December 17, 2022
Smiths Falls Community Theatre
Tickets

Ambre McLean

The 4th Annual Ambre McLean Christmas Concert in Smiths Falls takes place on December 16 & 17, don’t miss it!