TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

A a | a B : BEND (dance) by Azure Barton. Dancers and musicians coexist on stage to embrace human friction, tension and beauty. Runs Dec 4 to Dec 6. Bluma Appel Theatre, www.tolive.com.

& Juliet (musical) by Max Martin. Juliet does not kill herself at the end of the Shakespeare’s play and instead goes to Paris with her nurse, a friend and Shakespeare’s wife. Runs Dec 3, 2025, to May 17, 2026. Royal Alexandra Theatre, www.mirvish.com.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (children) by Charles Schulz. Live actors and music bring the favourite television show to life on stage. For ages 5+. Runs Dec 6 to Dec 7. Meridian Hall, 1 Front St East, tolive.com.

The Nutcracker (ballet) by James Kudelka to music by Tchaikovsky. A brother and sister discover a magical world under the Christmas tree. Runs Dec 5 to Dec 31. Four Seasons Centre, national.ballet.ca.

Robin Hood: A Very Merry Family Musical (panto) by Matt Murray. A panto version of Robin’s adventures in medieval Torontoshire. Runs Nov 26, 2025, to Jan 4, 2026. Elgin Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

The Sound of Music (musical) by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II. A novice leaves holy orders to become a governess of seven children. Runs Nov 25, 2025, to Jan 4, 2026. Princess of Wales Theatre, www.mirvish.com.

We Will Rock You (musical) by Queen & Ben Elton. In the near future Bohemians rebel against the corporation that controls the globe. Runs Nov 28, 2025, to Jan 4, 2026. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, www.mirvish.com.

Wing Chun Dance Drama (dance) by Feng Shuangbai. Martial arts and dance combine to tell the story of Ip Man, Bruce Lee’s teacher. Runs Dec 16, 2025 to Jan 4, 2026. Meridian Hall, 1 Front St East, tolive.com.

The Woman in Black (drama) by Stephen Mallatratt. A lawyer is obsessed with a curse cast over him and his family. Runs Dec 4, 2025, to Jan 4, 2026. CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, www.mirvish.com.

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

Bad Hats Narnia (children) by Landon Doak & Fiona Sauder. A musical adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Runs Nov 18 to Dec 28. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

BUG (drama) by Tracy Letts. A lonely waitress and a Gulf War veteran seek shelter in a rundown Oklahima motel room. Runs Nov 28 to Dec 14. The King Black Box, 1224 King St West, www.thekingblackbox.com.

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Charles Dickens. John Houston presents Dickens’s own adaptation of his famous holiday story. Runs Dec 22 to Dec 24. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, redsandcastletheatre.com.

The Czárdás Princess (operetta) by Imre Kálmán. An aristocrat falls in love with a cabaret singer in pre-World War I Budapest. Runs Dec 30, Jan 2-4. Jane Mallett Theatre, www.torontooperetta.com.

Dogs Do Magic: Canine Christmas (circus) by Aaron Matthews. World champion dogs perform acrobatic tricks and illusions alongside human performers. Runs Dec 13 only. Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St East, www.theredwoodtheatre.com.

Dying for a Clue (performance). At dinner the with the characters from Clue, someone dies and the question is “Whodunnit?” Runs Dec 5, 13 & 20. Chelsea Hotel, mysteriouslyyours.ca.

Fulfillment Centre (drama) by Abe Koogler. In New Mexico the lives of four lonely people come together as they look for fulfillment. Runs Nov 20 to Dec 7. Coal Mine Theatre, www.coalminetheatre.com.

Holiday! An Improvised Musical (musical) by Jan Caruana. A comedic holiday musical entirely made up on the spot. Runs Dec 10 to Dec 20. Factory Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca.

Let It Snowball (comedy). Unhinged comedy with holiday-themed songs, sletches and improv. Runs Nov 20 to Dec 30. The Second City, 1 York St, www.secondcity.com.

Moonlight Schooner (drama) by Kanika Ambrose. In 1958 a small group of Black sailors are stranded on the island of St. Kitts. Runs Nov 21 to Dec 14. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St, www.canadianstage.com.

a profoundly affectionate, passionate devotion to someone (-noun) (drama) by debbie tucker green. The journey of three couples seeking connection. Runs Nov 11 to Dec 7. Tarragon Theatre, tarragontheatre.com.

Rizz the Season (comedy). Classic sketches, new material and imrpov on holiday themes. Runs Nov 18, 2025, to Jan 4, 2026. The Second City, 1 York St, www.secondcity.com.

Rogers v. Rogers (comedy) by Michael Healey. Edward Rogers fights for control of the family telecom business founded by his father. Runs Dec 2 to Dec 28. Streetcar Crowsnest, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com.

Rudolph Runs Wild (children). Festive songs, sketches and improv for young people. Runs Nov 29 to Dec 31. The Second City, 1 York St, www.secondcity.com.

Shrek The Musical (musical) by Jeanine Tesori. A musical version of the DreamWorks animated movie. For ages 6+. Runs Nov 13 to Dec 30. Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

’Twas on a Night Like This (variety) by Beau Dixon. A combination of seasonal music and storytelling. Runs Dec 12 to Dec 28. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

Twelve Dinners (comedy) by Steve Ross. A young man tells us about a year of monthly dinners with his parents one fateful year. Runs Nov 27 to Dec 6. Venue TBA, www.tift.ca.

The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical (musical) by Eloise Coopersmith. City executive Holly returns to her quirky home town and reunites with an old flame. Runs Nov 10, 2025, to Jan 4, 2026. The Royal Theatre, 608 College St, feverup.com.

Wonderstruck (magic) by Savio Joseph. Magic, mind reading, illusion, hypnosis and more Runs Dec 6 only. Isabel Bader Theatre, www.saviojoseph.com.

Les Zinspiré.e.s 13 (plays). Five original plays by Ontario high school students enacted by professional actors. In French with English surtitles. Runs Nov 27 to Dec 19. Berkeley Street Theatre, theatrefrancais.com.

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

A Christmas Story (comedy) by Philip Grecian. A stage adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s classic story of a young boy’s Christmas wish for a BB gun in the Midwest in the 1940s. Runs Dec 5 to Dec 20. [community] Theatre Scarborough, theatrescarborough.godaddysites.com.

The Marvellous Museum of Munsch (children). A collection of staged stories by Robert Munsch. Runs Nov 26 to Dec 6. [student] Young Centre, www.georgebrown.ca.

BANCROFT

Hook: A New Family Musical (panto). The story of Peter Pan as seen from the point of view of Captain Hook. Runs Dec 10 to Dec 20. Bancroft Village Playhouse, www.tweedandcompany.com.

BEAMSVILLE

A Christmas Carol (drama) by James Reynard. Another stage adaptation of the beloved Dickens tale. Runs Nov 28 to Dec 7. Former Beamsville District Secondary School, www.theatrebacchus.com.

BLYTH

A Huron County Christmas Carol (drama) by Gil Garratt. A version of Dickens’s seasonal favourite set in Huron County. Runs Dec 3 to Dec 21. Memorial Hall, blythfestival.com. ★★★★☆

BOBCAYGEON

Jack and the Beanstalk (panto) by Sarah Quick. A panto version of the well-known fairy tale. Runs Dec 3 to Dec 17. Globus Theatre, www.globustheatre.com.

BURLINGTON

A Niagara Christmas Carol (drama) by Jamie Williams. A version of the famous Dickens story set in 19th-century St. Catharines. Runs Dec 18 to Dec 21. Burlington PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

CAMBRIDGE

Shrek The Musical (musical) by Jeanine Tesori. A musical version of the DreamWorks animated movie. Runs Dec 3 to Dec 28. Hamilton Family Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

COLLINGWOOD

The Little Mermaid (panto) by Anne Raciunas. A panto version of the story of a mermaid who falls in love with a human prince. Runs Dec 10 to Dec 21. Sincoe Little Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

CREEMORE

J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow (performance) by Tom Allen. At age 18 JS Back goes on a 400km walk to find a mentor. Runs Dec 7 only. St. John’s, tomtomallen.com.

HAMILTON

Frozen (musical) by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez. A stage musical based on the 2013 Disney movie. Runs Nov 19 to Dec 21. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

Merry Puppetmas (puppetry) by Tasos Nikopoulos. A Christmas sing-along with five different puppets. Runs Dec 7 only. FirstOntario Concert Hall, www.firstontarioconcerthall.ca.

KINGSTON

Champions of Magic: Chasing the Unbelievable (magic). A team of magicians presents an all-new show featuring thrilling, mind-bending illusions. Runs Dec 14 only. Slush Puppie Place, www.slushpuppieplace.com.

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Charles Dickens. John Houston presents Dickens’s own adaptation of his famous holiday story. Runs Dec 21 only. Tett Centre, Queens University, www.theatrekingston.com.

KITCHENER/WATERLOO

{dis}Ability Unleashed (variety). A showcase of music, dance, comedy, poetry and more by artists with disabilities. Runs Dec 3 only. Centre in the Square, Kitchener, centreinthesquare.com.

Večeras smo sami (comedy) by Semir Gigić. The story of the love life of two people whose relationship swings between passion and conflict. In Serbian. Runs Dec 2 only. Registry Theatre, www.eventbrite.ca.

LONDON

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Charles Dickens. John Houston presents Dickens’s own adaptation of his famous holiday story. Runs Dec 14 only. Aeolian Hall, events.humanitix.com.

Frozen (musical) by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez. A stage musical based on the 2013 Disney movie. Runs Nov 21 to Dec 28. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

MORRISBURG

A Christmas Carol (drama). A stage version of Charles Dickens’s beloved holiday classic. Runs Dec 4 to Dec 21. Upper Canada Playhouse, uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

NIAGARA FALLS

Evolution (magic) by Greg Frewin. New large-scale illusions by Greg Frewin. Runs Oct 13, 2022, booking to Jun 11, 2026. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, gregfrewintheatre.com.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

THE SHAW FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 9 to Dec 21 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, two hours south from Toronto. For tickets and information phone 1-800-511-7429 or visit the website at www.shawfest.com.

At the Festival Theatre

White Christmas (musical) by Irving Berlin. Two show biz guys team up with a sister act to put on a show to save a Vermont Inn. Runs Nov 7 to Dec 21.

At the Royal George Theatre

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Tim Carroll. Yet another version of Dickens’s holiday favourite. Runs Nov 1 to Dec 21.

ODESSA

Jack and the Beans Talk (panto) by Rob Torr. A panto version of the fairy tale about a boy who visits a giant in the sky. Runs Dec 23, 2025, to Jan 4, 2026. The Hall at Emmanuel United Church, torrentproductions.com.

ORANGEVILLE

Rapunzel: A Braid New World (panto) by Debbie Collins & David Nairn. A panto version of the fairy tale about a girl with really long hair. Runs Nov 27 to Dec 21. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

Baobab (children) by Hélène Ducharme. Amondo hatches from an egg at the foot of a tree and is tasked with bringing water back to his parched land. In French. For ages 3-8. Runs Dec 13 to Dec 14. National Arts Centre, nac‑cna.ca.

Big Stuff (comedy) by Matt Baram & Naomi Snieckus. A married couple debate the sentimental power of objects. Runs Nov 25 to Dec 7. Great Canadian Theatre Company, www.gctc.ca.

A Christmas Carol: Solo (drama) by Pierre Brault. Brault performs a one-man version of Dickens’s holiday tale. Runs Dec 18 to Dec 21. Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, meridiancentrepointe.com.

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience (performance). A dinner served as if you were part of the famous TV show with Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Runs Dec 16 to Dec 21. Ottawa Marriott, faultytowers.ca.

Kid Koala’s The Storyville Mosquito (children) by Kid Koala. A young mosquito leaves his small town to pursue his musical dreams in the big city. For ages 7+. Runs Dec 3 to Dec 13. National Arts Centre, nac‑cna.ca.

Lysistrata (comedy) by Aristophanes. Women hold a sex strike to prevent men from going to war. In French. Runs Nov 19 to Dec 14. Théâtre de l’Île, Gatineau, calendrier.gatineau.cloud.

Mačak u Čizmama (children) by Akademija 28. The story of Puss in Boots, a special cat who helps his master marry a princess. For ages 4-14. In Serbian. Runs Dec 3 only. Srpski parohijski centar www.eventbrite.ca

La Magie de Noël (children). Père Noël and the elf Bourrasque have lost the magic of Christmas and need childrens’ help to find it. In French. For ages 3-8. Runs Dec 14 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Nutcracker (ballet) by Galina Yordanova to music by Tchaikovsky. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet dances the holiday favourite. Runs Dec 3 to Dec 7. National Arts Centre, nac‑cna.ca.

Oh Canada Eh?! (revue). Archetypal Canadian characters sing over 70 songs from all-Canadian artists. Booking from Mar 14 to Dec 26, 2025. Oh Canada Eh?!, 330 Kent St, ohcanadaehottawa.com.

A Sherlock Carol (drama) by Mark Shanahan. Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the strange death of Ebenezer Scrooge. Runs Dec 3 to Dec 20. [community] Ottawa Little Theatre, www.ottawalittletheatre.com.

PARRY SOUND

The Knitting Pilgrim (performance) by Kirk Dunn. Dunn has knitted huge panels of the three Abrahamic faiths and discusses everything associated with the project and its meaning. Runs Dec 17 only.  Stockey Centre, stockeycentre.com.

PETROLIA

Starbright Christmas 2025 (revue). A cast of singers and dancers perform songs associated with the holidays. Runs Nov 25 to Dec 14. Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, thevpp.ca.

PORT HOPE

Hansel & Gretel (panto) by Rob Kempson. A panto version of the well-known fairy tale. Runs Nov 21 to Dec 28.  Capitol Theatre, capitoltheatre.com.

SPENCERVILLE

The Diablo Manor X-Mass Extravaganza! (magic) by Scott McClelland. A sumptuous meal followed by an intimate Victorian production of mystifying wonders and a séance. Runs Nov 1 to Dec 21. Diablo Manor, www.diablomanor.com.

ST. CATHARINES

A Niagara Christmas Carol (drama) by Jamie Williams. Charles Dickens’s beloved tale set in St. Catharines at the time of the the Welland Canal’s second build. Runs Dec 4 to Dec 14. Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, fosterfestival.com.

ST. JACOBS

Cinderella: The Panto (panto) by Caroline Smith. A panto version of the well-known fairy tale. Runs Nov 27, 2025, to Jan 4, 2026. St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Plaid Tidings (musical) by Stuart Ross. A 1960s singing group comes back to bring harmony to a discordant world. Runs Nov 19 to Dec 28. Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

STIRLING

Robin Hoodie (panto) by Ken MacDougall. A panto version of the story of a medieval do-gooder in both “family” and “naughty” versions. Runs Nov 21 to Dec 31. Stirling Festival Theatre, www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com.

STRATFORD

HERE FOR NOW THEATRE:

A series of one-act plays of 60-90 minutes. Here For Now Theatre, 24 St. Andrew St, www.herefornowtheatre.com.

Ruby and the Reindeer (comedy) by Mark Crawford. 12-year-old Ruby finds an ailing reindeer in her family’s barn one December day. Runs Dec 10 to Dec 24.

THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 19 to Dec 14 in Stratford, two hours west from Toronto. For tickets and information phone 1-800-567-1600 or visit the website at www.stratfordfestival.ca.

At the Festival Theatre

Annie (musical) by Charles Strouse & Marin Charnin. Billionaire Daddy Warbucks takes the little orphan Annie under his wing. Runs May 27 to Dec 14. ★★★☆☆

THUNDER BAY

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) (comedy) by Michael Carleton et al. A group of actors decide to perform every story ever written about Christmas. Runs Dec 4 to Dec 20. Magnus Theatre, magnustheatre.com.

TWEED

Hook: A New Family Musical (panto). The story of Peter Pan as seen from the point of view of Captain Hook. Runs Dec 3 to Dec 6. Marble Arts Centre, www.tweedandcompany.com.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

A Canine Christmas (circus) by Aaron Matthews. World champion dogs perform acrobatic tricks and illusions alongside human performers. caninecircus.ca

• Dec 6: Kiwanis Theatre, Chatham

• Dec 7: Flato Academy Theatre, Lindsay

• Dec 13: Redwood Theatre, Toronto

• Dec 14: Festival Hall, Pembroke

• Dec 19: Shenkman Arts Centre, Orléans

• Dec 20: Meridian Centrepointe, Ottawa

• Dec 21: Capitol Centre, North Bay

• Dec 27: Brockville Arts Centre, Brockville

• Dec 28: Meaford Hall, Meaford

• Dec 29: River Run Centre, Guelph

• Dec 30: Sault Community Centre, Sault Ste Marie

Holiday Dreams - A Spectacular Holiday Show! (circus). Circus acts with a holiday theme. holidaydreamsshow.com

• Dec 12: Casino Rama, Rama

• Dec 13: Tribute Communities Centre, Oshawa

• Dec 15-16: Algonquin Commons Theatre, Ottawa

• Dec 17: Centre in the Square, Kitchener

• Dec 18: The Colosseum, Casino Windsor

The Nutcracker (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen. The holiday ballet as inspired by paintings of the Group of Seven. www.jorgendance.ca

• Dec 3: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• Dec 6: FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton

• Dec 8-9: Grand Theatre, Kingston

• Dec 12-13: Centrepointe Theatre, Ottawa

• Dec 15: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga

• Dec 17-18: Rose Theatre Brampton

• Dec 21: Centennial Hall, London

• Dec 22-23: River Run Centre, Guelph

• Dec 28: Centre in the Square, Kitchener

• Dec 30-31: Flato Markham Theatre, Markham