TORONTO

Larger Theatres (Professional)

Cinderella (panto) by Matt Murray. A panto version of the well-known fairy tale. Runs Dec 5, 2026, to Jan 3, 2027. Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St, www.canadianstage.com.

Dirty Dancing: The Musical (musical) by Eleanor Bergstein. A musical version of the 1987 movie about a young woman who falls in love with a dance instructor. Runs Nov 24, 2026, to Jan 10, 2027. CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St, www.mirvish.com.

Goblin:Christmas Carol (musical) by Spontaneous Theatre. Three goblins try to stage Dickens’s classic. Runs Dec 12, 2026, to Jan 10, 2027. CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, www.mirvish.com.

13 Going on 30 (musical) by Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner. A 13-year-old wakes up on her birthday and has magically turned 30. Runs Dec 1, 2026, to Jan 24, 2027. Princess of Wales Theatre, www.mirvish.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.

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical (musical) by David Cumming et al. The true story of a secret Bitish mission to deceive Hitler and win World War II. Runs Oct 27 to Dec 13. Royal Alexandra Theatre, www.mirvish.com.

Tell Tale Harbour (musical) A small fishing community in Atlantic Canada tries to lure a full-time doctor to stay. Runs Dec 22, 2026, to Jan 24, 2027. Royal Alexandra Theatre, www.mirvish.com.

'Twas the Night Before… (circus) by Cirque du Soleil. A circus show inspired by the well-known poem by Clement Clarke Moore. Runs Dec 10, 2026, to Jan 2, 2027. Meridian Hall, 1 Front St East, tolive.com.

Smaller Theatres (Professional)

All’s Well (comedy) by Erin Shields. Three mysterious strangers offer to cure the chronic pain of an actress who once had a promising career. Runs Nov 2nd to Dec 27. Crow’s Theatre, 345 Carlaw Ave, www.crowstheatre.com.

A Child’s Christmas in Wales (storytelling) by Tom Allen. A reading of Dylan Thomas’s story accompanied by music and song. Runs Dec 20 only. Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Gklen Manor Dr, tomtomallen.com.

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Tim Carroll. The Shaw Festival’s retelling of Dickens’s holiday story. Runs Nov 12 to Dec 23. Harbourfront Centre Theatre, harbourfrontcentre.com.  ★★★☆☆

Finding Nemo (musical) by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez. A musical version of the 2003 Disney/Pixar movie. For ages 6+. Runs Nov 26 to Dec 27. Young People’s Theatre, www.youngpeoplestheatre.org.

Hey Big Mike! (musical) by Anika Johnson & Indrit Kasapi. Over the holidays Mike and his father barely speak; instead Mike sings. Runs Dec 1 to Dec 12. Theatre Passe Muraille, www.passemuraille.ca.

Holiday! An Improvised Musical (musical) by Jan Caruana. A comedic holiday musical entirely made up on the spot. Runs Dec 10 to Dec 19 Factory Theatre, www.factorytheatre.ca.

Murder at the Ritz (comedy). During the Roaring ’20s someone is murdered at dinner at the Ritz, and you have to help uncover whodunnit. Runs Dec 4, 5, 12 & 19. Cheslea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St West, mysteriouslyyours.ca.

The Night Logan Woke Up (drama) by Michel Marc Bouchard. As a famed embalmer prepares for her mother’s funeral, there is a shocking revelation. Runs Nov 17 to Dec 13. Tarragon Theatre, tarragontheatre.com.

100% Real Human (comedy) by The Second City. No AI — just people making people laugh. Opened Oct 6, 2026, booking to Feb 28, 2027. The Second City, 110 Harbour St, www.secondcity.com.

Paganini (operetta) by Franz Lehár. In Lucca, the famous violinist falls in love with Napoleon’s sister. Runs Dec 29, 30, 2026, Jan 2 & 3, 2027. Jane Mallett Theatre, www.torontooperetta.com.

Parfumerie (comedy) by Miklós László. Two people write love letters to each other, not realizing they are co-workers.  Runs Nov 18 to Dec 20. Young Centre, www.soulpepper.ca.

Rogers v. Rogers (comedy) by Michael Healey. Edward Rogers, long dismissed by his father, fights for control of his father’s company. Runs Nov 8 to Dec 13. Berkeley Street Theatre, www.canadianstage.com.

Sleigh It Ain’t So (revue) by The  Second City. A mix of new and classic sketches related to the holidays. Runs Nov 19 to Dec 27. Theatre ’73, 110 Harbour St. www.secondcity.com.

12 Dinners (comedy) by Steve Ross. A young man tells us of a year’s worth of painful monthly dinners with his parents. Runs Nov 26 to Dec 10. Venue TBA, www.tift.ca.

The Unauthorized Hallmark-ish Parody Musical (musical) by Tim Drucker et al. City executive Holly returns to her quirky home town and reunites with an old flame. Runs Nov 28, 2026, to Jan 3, 2027. Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St, hallmarkish.com. ★★★☆☆

Wanton Lee (comedy) by Tien Providence. In the 1970s a jazz trumpeter is caught between the woman he loves and the one who loves him. Runs Nov 30 to Dec 6. Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St East, redsandcastletheatre.com.

Les Zinspiré.es 14 (plays). Professional productions of five plays written by francophone high school students. In French with English surtitles. Runs Nov 26 to Dec 11. Berkeley Street Theatre, theatrefrancais.com.

Smaller Theatres (Student and Community)

Galaxy of Munsch (children) by Christel Bartelse. A visit to multiple planets inhabited by characters from Robert Munsch’s stories. Runs Dec 2 to Dec 12. [student] Young Centre, soulpepper.ca.

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (drama) by Andrew J. Fenady. A play based on the famous response to a young girl’s letter written in 1897. Runs Dec 4 to Dec 19. [community] Scarborough Village Theatre, theatrescarborough.godaddysites.com.

AYLMER

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Charles Dickens. John Huston performs Dickens’s own dramatization of his famous story. Runs Dec 11 only. Aylmer Old Town Hall, artsinaylmer.com.

BANCROFT

Snow White: The Panto (musical) by Tim Porter. A panto version of the well-known fairy tale. Runs Dec 9 to Dec 19. The Village Playhouse, www.tweedandcompany.com.

BEAMSVILLE

A Christmas Chaos (comedy) by Michael Wehrli. When a professional company does show up, a local amateur society has only a few hours to get their own Christmas Carol ready. Runs Nov 27 to Dec 6. The Lincoln Community Hub, www.theatrebacchus.com.

BOBCAYGEON

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (panto) by Sarah Quick. A panto version of the well-known fairy tale. Runs Dec 9 to Dec 20. Globus Theatre, www.globustheatre.com.

BURLINGTON

Redefining Wonder (magic) by Chris Funk. Funk integrates live music with magic. Runs Dec 30 only. Burligton PAC, burlingtonpac.ca.

CAMBRIDGE

Frozen (musical) by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez. A stage adaptation of the 2013 Disney animated movie. Runs Nov 18 to Dec 27. Hamilton Family Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

CREEMORE

A Child’s Christmas in Wales (storytelling) by Tom Allen. A reading of Dylan Thomas’s story accompanied by music and song. Runs Dec 6 only. St. John's United Church, tomtomallen.com.

GUELPH

Marsh Marigolds (comedy) by Dan Needles. An agricultural thriller set in Walt Wingfield country. Runs Dec 1 only. River Run Centre, riverrun.ca.

HAMILTON

Cinderella (ballet) by Michael Art. The United European Ballet Company presents the ballet version of the well-known fairy tale. Runs Dec 2 only. McIntyre PAC, classicalarts.net.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (musical) by Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice. A musical based on the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers. Runs Nov 18, 2026, to Jan 3, 2027. Theatre Aquarius, theatreaquarius.org.

KINGSTON

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Charles Dickens. John Huston performs Dickens’s own dramatization of his famous story. Runs Dec 19 to Dec 20. Tett Centre, Queens University, www.theatrekingston.com.

LONDON

A Christmas Carol (musical) by David van Belle. A verson of Dickens’s well-known tale filled with familiar songs of the holidays. Runs Nov 24 to Dec 27. Grand Theatre, www.grandtheatre.com.

Cinderella (ballet) by Michael Art. The United European Ballet Company presents the ballet version of the well-known fairy tale. Runs Dec 1 only. Centennial Hall, classicalarts.net

MORRISBURG

Everything I Love About Christmas (drama) by Robert More. A 17-year-old girl is stranded in a bus station on Christmas Eve. Runs Dec 3 to Dec 20. Upper Canada Playhouse, uppercanadaplayhouse.com.

NIAGARA FALLS

Canadiana (revue). A celebration of Canadian music through the decades. Runs Dec 3 only. Greg Frewin Theatre, www.gregfrewintheatre.com.

Niagara Magic Live (magic) by Greg Frewin. Large-scale illusions performed by Greg Frewin. Booking to Dec 30, 2027. Greg Frewin Theatre, 905-356-0777, www.gregfrewintheatre.com.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

THE SHAW FESTIVAL:

The plays run in repertory from Apr 2 to Dec 23 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

Cinderella (musical) by Rodgers & Hammerstein. The fairy tale told as a classic musical. Runs Nov 21 to Dec 23.

At the Court House Theatre

A Year with Frog and Toad (musical) by Robert Reale & Willie Reale. The adventures of two amphibious friends with very different personalities. Runs Nov 14 to Dec 23.

OAKVILLE

The Addams Family (musical) by Andrew Lippa. 18-year-old Wednesday falls for a normal boy from Ohio and brings him home to meet her weird family. Runs Dec 9 to Dec 18. [student] Theatre Sheridan, www.sheridancollege.ca.

Company (musical) by Stephen Sondheim. Singleton Bobby looks the range of couples’ relationships around him. Runs Dec 5 to Dec 18. [student] Theatre Sheridan, www.sheridancollege.ca.

ORANGEVILLE

Aladdin: A Lad in Dufferin County (panto) by Debbie Collins & David Nairn. The story of Aladdin transferred to Dufferin County. Runs Nov 26 to Dec 22. Theatre Orangeville, www.theatreorangeville.ca.

OTTAWA/GATINEAU

A Christmas Carol: Solo (drama) by Charles Dickens. Pierre Brault performs Dickens’s own solo vesion of his holiday tale. Runs Dev 17 to Dec 20. Meridian Theatres @ CentrePointe, Ottawa, meridiancentrepointe.com.

The Comeback (drama) by Trish Cooper & Sam Vint. A Métis writer and his settler wife navigate identity. Runs Nov 26 to Dec 5. National Arts Centre, Ottawa, nac‑cna.ca.

Dans tous les sens (puppetry) by Sarah Migneron. Inventers Jo and Cam decide to create their own new friend. In French. For ages 5+. Runs Dec 5 only. La Nouvelle Scène, Ottawa, www.nouvellescene.com.

Fleurs d’acier (comedy) by Robert Harling. The lives of six women who gather each week at a hair salon. In French. Runs Dec 4 to Dec 5. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

Je compreds. Respect. (dance/drama) by Étienne Lou.  A troubled teen breaks into the world of urban dance. In French. Runs Nov 26 to Dec 5. National Arts Centre, Ottawa, nac‑cna.ca.

Je suis William (musical) by Rébecca Déraspe. It’s really Shakespeare’s sister Margareth who wrote his plays. In French. Runs Dec 19 to Dec 20. National Arts Centre, Ottawa, nac‑cna.ca.

Liars at a Funeral (comedy) bySophia Fabiili. A matriarch fakes her death to gather her estranged family around her. Runs Dec 1 to Dec 13. Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa, www.gctc.ca.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (comedy) by Joseph Robinette. A stage version of one of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia novels. Runs Dec 18, 2026, to Jan 2, 2027. The Gladstone, Ottawa, thegladstone.ca.

Miracle on 34th Street (comedy) by John Cook. The beloved film performed as a live radio play. Runs Dec 1 to Dec 5. The Gladstone, Ottawa, thegladstone.ca.

Nicolas Noël (comedy by Daniel Blondin & François Tremblay). A new graduate from Elf School wants Santa Claus to modernize Christmas. In French. Runs Dec 16 only. Salle Odyssée, Gatineau, www.maisondelaculture.ca.

A Night of Magic (magic) by Michael Conway. Nonstop comedy, magic and illusion. Runs Dec 11 only. Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa, shenkmanarts.ca.

Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical (revue). A survey of all-Canadian music from maritime folk songs to modern pop. Runs Mar 13 to Dec 27. Oh Canada Eh!? Theatre, Ottawa, www.ohcanadaeh.com.

The Sound of Music (musical) by Rodgers & Hammerstein. A novice leaves the convent to be nanny to seven children. Runs Dec 29, 2026, to Jan 3, 2027. National Arts Centre, Ottawa, nac‑cna.ca.

The Vinyl Café Christmas Musical (musical) by Colleen Dauncy & Akiva Romer-Segal. A musical involving characters from Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café stories. Runs Dec 14 to Dec 26. National Arts Centre, Ottawa, nac‑cna.ca.

PETROLIA

Starlight Christmas (revue). A cast of singers and dancers perform songs of the holidays. Runs Nov 17 to Dec 6. Victoria Playhouse, thevpp.ca.

PORT COLBORNE

A Christmas Carol (comedy) by DuffleBag Theatre. A family-friendly version of the holiday tale. Runs Dec 6 only. Roselawn Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT DOVER

A Christmas Carol (comedy) by DuffleBag Theatre. A family-friendly version of the holiday tale. Runs Dec 13 only. Lighthouse Theatre, lighthousetheatre.com.

PORT HOPE

RED! A Big Bad Wolf Panto (panto) by Rebecca Northan. Little Red Riding Hood is drawn to a groovy beat in the darkest part of the forest. Runs Nov 20 to Dec 27. Capitol Theatre, capitoltheatre.com.

SCHOMBERG

A Christmas Carol (drama) by Jacqueline Goldfinger. A stage adaptation of the favourite Dickens tale. Runs Dec 12 to Dec 20. Schomberg Community Hall, www.kingtheatre.ca.

ST. JACOBS

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 (drama) by Peter Rothstein. The story of how English and German soldiers created their own truce on Christmas. Runs Nov 24 to Dec 27. Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre, www.draytonentertainment.com.

Snow White and the Seven Tenors (panto) by Caroline Smith. Snow White meets seven tenors who help her find her voice and topple the evil Queen. Runs Nov 19, 2026, to Jan 10, 2027. St Jacobs Country Playhouse, www.draytonentertainment.com.

STIRLING

Puss ’N Boots — A Panto Pirate Adventure (panto) by Ken MacDougall. Puss ’N Boots falls in with some famous pirates when he’s on the run from the Ocean Pirate Police. Runs Nov 20 to Dec 31. Sirling Festival Theatre, www.stirlingfestivaltheatre.com.

STRATFORD

The Gift Exchange (comedy) by Meghan Gardiner. 11-year-old Phoebe tries to fit in at her new school but the holidays prove difficult. Runs Dec 9 to Dec 23. Here For Now Theatre, www.herefornowtheatre.com.

SUDBURY

Frozen (musical) by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez. A stage version of the 2013 Disney animated movie. Runs Nov 5 to Dec 13. 170 Shaughnessy St, yestheatre.com.

THUNDER BAY

A Christmas Carol Comedy (comedy) by Katie Leaman. A two-actor version of Dickens’s well-know story. Runs Dec 10 to Dec 20. Magnus Theatre, magnustheatre.com.

TWEED

Snow White: The Panto (panto) by Tim Porter. A panto version of the favourite fairy tale. Runs Nov 27 to Dec 5. Marble Arts Centre, www.marbleartscentre.ca.

ON TOUR IN ONTARIO

Dogs Do Magic (magic) by Aaron Matthews. Circus-style stunts, comedy and grand illusions featuring the talents of rescue dogs. dogsdomagic.com

• Dec 3: Flato Markham Theatre, Markham

• Dec 4: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• Dec 6: The Roxy, Owen Sound

• Dec 10: King’s Wharf Theatre, Penetanguishene

• Dec 11: Georgian Theatre, Barrie

• Dec 13: Centennial Hall, London

• Dec 16: Brockville Arts Centre, Brockville

• Dec 18: Festival Hall, Pembroke

• Dec 20: Capitol Centre, North Bay

The Nutcracker (ballet) by Bengt Jörgen. A version of the holiday ballet in a production inspired by the Group of Seven. www.jorgendance.ca

• Dec 5: FirstOntario Hall, Hamilton

• Dec 9: Sanderson Centre, Brantford

• Dec 14-15: Bronson Centre, Ottawa

• Dec 20: Centennial Hall, London

• Dec 22-23: River Run Centre, Guelph

• Dec 28: Centre in the Square, Kitchener

• Dec 30-31: Flato Markham Theatre, Markham

O Christmas Tea (comedy) by Aaron Malkin & Alastair Knowles. Catastrophe strikes James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party when the world is flooded. ochristmastea.com ★★★★★

• Dec 2: Imperial Theatre, Sarnia

• Dec 3: Capitol Theatre, Chatham

• Dec 4: Centennial Hall, London

• Dec 5: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

• Dec 8: Centre in the Square, Kitchener

• Dec 9: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga

• Dec 10: Flato Academy Theatre, Lindsay

• Dec 11: Orillia Opera House, Orillia

• Dec 12: Georgian Theatre, Barrie

• Dec 15: Brockville Arts Centre, Brockville

• Dec 16: Grand Theatre, Kingston

• Dec 17: Aultsville Theatre, Cornwall

• Dec 18–20: Algonquin Commons Theatre, Ottawa

• Dec 22: Shenkman Arts Centre, Orléans