Clowns, concerts and musicals: Here’s a list of GTA events to celebrate the holidays
Feeling stuck in your Christmastime routine? It can be easy to fall into tradition at this time of year, but there are lots of exciting cultural events that offer a new way to celebrate the holidays. Here’s a round-up of some of the Christmas shows and exhibits on offer around the Greater Toronto Area.
- Download our app to get the latest local news on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
A Hallmark-style original musical
“Chris, Mrs.” opened at the Winter Garden Theatre to rave reviews. The original musical is just like the cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies you might be used to watching, but with a catchy score and huge dance numbers. The show runs until Dec. 31. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ with a twist
Ever wondered how old-fashioned movies made their sound effects? “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at Young People’s Theatre in Toronto answers that question with live Foley sound effects in an adaptation of the classic film that’s perfect for kids and their parents. The show runs until Dec. 30. Tickets are available on the Young People’s Theatre website.
A big-budget musical with tap numbers galore
Mirvish Productions brings in a big Christmas musical every year, and 2023 is no different. “42nd Street” features extended dance routines, beloved music, and flashy costumes the way only a Mirvish show can. “42nd Street” runs until Jan. 21. Tickets are available on the Mirvish website.
The Muppets in concert
Arguably the greatest “Christmas Carol” adaptation of all time comes to Meridian Hall on Dec. 16. “Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert” will show the film with a live orchestra playing the score. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
An award-winning clown show
Slava’s Snowshow bringsa jaw-dropping clown to the Elgin Theatre. Billed as “a caravan of organized chaos,” the Tony Award-nominated and Olivier Award-winning show is an immersive treat for audiences, with mesmerizing special effects. The show runs until Dec. 31 and tickets are available here.
Ringing in the new year with Viennese music and dance
The Salute to Vienna concert, inspired by Vienna’s Neujahrskonzert, is presented annually in numerous cities across North America. The gilded event has been a New Year tradition since 1995, and features cultural offerings in dance, opera and more. The afternoon concert has two locations in Ontario: Hamilton and Toronto. Tickets are available on the Salute to Vienna website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard found not guilty of sexual assault
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
Police arrest Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
Missing B.C. climber died from fall on Mount Baker, medical examiner says
The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.
Following child's death in Ontario, here's what you need to know about rabies and bats
An Ontario child died last month after coming into contact with a rabid bat in their bedroom, which was the first known human rabies case in Canada since 2019.
A French judge in a shocking rape case allows the public to see some of the video evidence
A French judge in the trial of dozens of men accused of raping an unconscious woman whose now former husband had repeatedly drugged her so that he and others could assault her decided on Friday to allow the public to see some of the video recordings of the alleged rapes.
Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to 9 years for voting data scheme
A judge ripped into a Colorado county clerk for her crimes and lies before sentencing her Thursday to nine years behind bars for a data-breach scheme spawned from the rampant false claims about voting machine fraud in the 2020 presidential race.
Anne Hathaway confirms 'Princess Diaries 3': 'Miracles happen'
You might be thinking, 'Shut up!' but it’s officially true: the 'Princess Diaries' franchise is finally growing.
Youth pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of P.E.I. teen Tyson MacDonald
A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
Sask. man pleads guilty in U.S. after unknowingly providing videos of men raping toddlers to FBI agent
A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.