Clowns, concerts and musicals: Here’s a list of GTA events to celebrate the holidays
Danielle Wade stars in "Chris Mrs." at the Winter Garden Theatre. Max Power/Handout
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
'We need new leadership': Liberal MP writes to caucus, says Justin Trudeau should resign
A sitting Liberal MP has written to the federal caucus to say he thinks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign. 'For the future of our party and for the good of our country we need new leadership and a new direction,' said New Brunswick MP Wayne Long in the brief note.
TREND LINE
TREND LINE Trudeau Liberals 'under siege' across the country, with Conservatives cracking red 'fortresses' like Toronto and Vancouver: Nanos
Hot on the heels of the Conservatives' stunning byelection victory in the riding of Toronto—St. Paul's, new seat projection data from Nanos Research show ridings considered previously safe for the Liberals are increasingly up for grabs.
Ontario MPP removed from PC caucus over 'serious lapses in judgment'
Premier Doug Ford has removed a member of his caucus due to what he’s describing as 'serious lapses in judgment.' In a statement released Friday morning, the premier’s office said MPP Goldie Ghamari had been removed from the Progressive Conservative caucus 'effective immediately.'
Biden concedes debate fumbles but declares he will defend democracy. Dems stick by him ─ for now
U.S. President Joe Biden forcefully tried on Friday to quell Democratic anxieties over his unsteady showing in his debate with former President Donald Trump, as elected members of his party closed ranks around him in an effort to shut down talk of replacing him atop the ticket.
Is marriage harder than it was 10 years ago? Why one psychologist thinks so
Marriage might be the oldest institution in the world, but it's struggling to adapt to the pressures of modern life. Registered psychologist Adisa Azubuike explains why it's more difficult today.
Need multiple alarms to wake up in the morning? Here's what could be happening, according to experts
If you are clogging your clock app with multiple morning alarms, you’re setting yourself up for a groggy morning, experts say.
Is homemade sunscreen safe to use? Here's why it's 'a horrible idea,' according to experts
If you could make sunscreen with items found in your kitchen pantry, should you do it? Posts from social media influencers and bloggers including recipes to make your own sunscreen have been wildly circulated online, but the dermatologists who spoke to CTVNews.ca call it a 'horrible idea.'
New charges against Frank Stronach involve 7 additional complainants: court documents
Billionaire businessman Frank Stronach stands charged with sexually assaulting seven additional complainants from 1977 to as recently as February, court documents filed Friday show, bringing the total number of accusers in his case to 10.
'His heart still beats on': Young track star remembered for giving the gift of life
Not a day goes by when Scott and Amanda Cadman don’t think about their son Kirk.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Montreal
-
Child psychiatry patients sue over sex abuse allegations by two former Montreal hospital employees
Montreal's Jewish General Hospital finds itself at the heart of a class action lawsuit for sexual abuse allegedly committed against children by two former social workers employed by its Child Psychiatry Department, Gino Londei and Steve Trowbridge.
-
Major crime hike on Montreal metro concerns special constables
The Montreal metro's special constables are warning of a major hike in crime on the city's underground public transport system, and with summer festivals and tourism spiking, they feel it's only likely to get worse.
-
'We need new leadership': Liberal MP writes to caucus, says Justin Trudeau should resign
A sitting Liberal MP has written to the federal caucus to say he thinks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign. 'For the future of our party and for the good of our country we need new leadership and a new direction,' said New Brunswick MP Wayne Long in the brief note.
Ottawa
-
Carleton MPP removed from PC caucus over 'serious lapses in judgement'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has removed Carleton MPP Goldie Ghamari as a member of the Progressive Conservative caucus due to "serious lapses in judgement."
-
What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: June 28-July 1
CTV News Ottawa looks at things to do in Ottawa during the Canada Day long weekend.
-
Robbery suspect sought by police in Ottawa's west-end
The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help in identifying a suspect after allegedly stealing products from a store in Ottawa's west-end on June 21.
Northern Ontario
-
'We need new leadership': Liberal MP writes to caucus, says Justin Trudeau should resign
A sitting Liberal MP has written to the federal caucus to say he thinks Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign. 'For the future of our party and for the good of our country we need new leadership and a new direction,' said New Brunswick MP Wayne Long in the brief note.
-
Critics say end of safe consumption services in northern Ont. will strain health system, lead to more deaths
The northeast’s only remaining supervised consumption site, Safe Health Site Timmins, is shutting down its safe consumption services at the end of the month.
-
Fallen tree damages fence, allowing 50 bison to escape in northern Ont.
Anyone travelling along Highway 64 near Lavigne, Ont., should be on the lookout for bison crossing the road.
Kitchener
-
Showdown momentarily delays – but doesn’t stop – Stratford council meeting
Drama is usually reserved for the Stratford Festival stage, but on Thursday night, it played out at Stratford City Hall.
-
Check out these local Canada Day celebrations
The countdown is on to Canada Day! Here’s a quick look at the celebrations happening in your neighbourhood.
-
Guilty plea to second-degree murder of Kitchener man
A man, previously found guilty of first-degree murder in connection to a 2014 death in Kitchener, has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
London
-
Western says 'patience is wearing thin' over pro-Palestinian encampment
Western University says its patience is wearing thin. It also says it’s exploring options to shut down a pro-Palestinian protest on campus. In its latest message to the community, Western says it’s grappling with concerning and illegal behaviours.
-
London man arrested after crime spree
A London man is in custody in relation to several investigations over the past two weeks.
-
Canadian PGA star promoting fire safety in new province-wide campaign
Corey Conners isn't promoting a new putter or golf brand with his newest commercial. He's lending his name and prestige to promote fire safety across Ontario.
Windsor
-
Longer than normal wait times at Ambassador Bridge for Canada-bound traffic
The Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) is warning of longer than normal wait times for traffic coming into Canada.
-
Guns seized at Windsor-Detroit Tunnel
Canada Border Services Agency officers seized three guns from a traveller at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel.
-
Two arrests made following theft of brand new vehicle
Two suspects have been arrested by Windsor Police after a brand new vehicle was stolen from a factory lot on Thursday afternoon.
Barrie
-
'It just doesn't add up': Barrie bistro owner faces $38,000 landlord debt dispute
A Notice to Terminate posted on the front door of a downtown Barrie establishment shortly after its closure states the owner owes thousands in rent and utilities, but the owner argues he paid for more than his fair share before closing up shop.
-
South-end Barrie road to be closed to through traffic for months
Starting Tuesday, Bayview Drive will be closed to through traffic from Little Avenue to Big Bay Point Road.
-
Victim of head-on crash caused by impaired driver gives emotional statement
The woman who nearly died in a crash involving an impaired driver on Highway 26 in Springwater in 2022 gave an emotional victim impact statement on Friday.
Winnipeg
-
'His heart still beats on': Young track star remembered for giving the gift of life
Not a day goes by when Scott and Amanda Cadman don’t think about their son Kirk.
-
Inquest into fatal police shooting finds officer had no other option
The inquest into the death of a Winnipeg man who was fatally shot by police determined that the officer had “no viable options” after failed attempts to use a Taser.
-
Plan to improve section of Route 90 clears hurdle at Winnipeg City Council
A $586-million plan to widen and improve a section of Route 90 has cleared a hurdle at city hall, though it still remains unclear how the upgrades will be paid for.
Atlantic
-
'As I turned around, he lunged and grabbed me': Fredericton woman recovering after attack in parking lot
The Fredericton Police Force has laid three charges against a Fredericton man in connection with an alleged assault in a public parking lot on Wednesday.
-
N.S. man charged with impaired driving following three-vehicle collision in Mount Uniacke
A 75-year-old man from Scotch Village, N.S., is facing multiple impaired driving offences in connection to a three-vehicle collision in Mount Uniacke that hospitalized five people on Thursday.
-
N.B. government rules against a public inquiry into travel nurse contracts
The New Brunswick government says it won’t be creating what it calls a “second” public inquiry into what led to several multi-million dollar contracts for travel nurses.
N.L.
-
Judge acquits Newfoundland lawyer on sexual assault, interference charges
A judge dismissed all sexual misconduct charges against a Newfoundland lawyer Thursday, saying repeated inconsistencies and falsehoods in the complainant's accounts eroded her credibility and left him unable to believe her allegations.
-
Threat from Churchill Falls wildfire eases, officials say 'promising' forecast ahead
With rain coming down in central Labrador and temperatures dropping, the wildfire near Churchill Falls has been downgraded, although fire officials say there's still work to be done to keep the flames at bay.
-
'The weather conditions are favourable,' N.L. premier says as wildfire remains away from Churchill Falls
The wildfire that forced the evacuation of Churchill Falls remains three kilometres from the community as the premier of Newfoundland and Labrador signalled cautious optimism.
Edmonton
-
Sexual offender sought by police after breaching release conditions
Edmonton police are looking for a convicted sexual offender who has not checked in with his supervisor.
-
Charges pending after 3-year-old Edmonton boy struck, killed by truck in marked crosswalk
Police say charges are pending after a boy was killed and his mother and sister were injured in a crash in south Edmonton on Thursday.
-
Appeal denied for man who hit victim with hammer, ran him over with SUV while suffering from delusions
A man convicted in a 2019 death in Parkland County has had his appeal denied.
Calgary
-
Tree set on fire in Lake Louise, Alta.
Authorities are working to try and find whoever lit a tree on fire in Lake Louise.
-
7 suspects face dozens of charges in downtown Calgary bust
Calgary police say charges have been laid against seven people, all believed to be street-level drug traffickers, following a sting on "hot spot locations" in the city's downtown core and on transit.
-
Drumheller man faces charges for allegedly trying to impersonate a police officer
A Drumheller man faces multiple charges in relation to a Wednesday incident where he is alleged to have impersonated a police officer.
Regina
-
Missing Moose Jaw man found dead, no foul play suspected: Police
An 80-year-old Moose Jaw man who was reported missing earlier this week has been found dead.
-
Tornado watches issued for parts of southeast Sask., watch ends for Regina
Tornado watches have been issued for parts of southeastern Saskatchewan on Friday.
-
Nelson Bird bids farewell to CTV Regina after 26 years
After 26 years with CTV Regina, Nelson Bird is ready for a new challenge.
Saskatoon
-
Family of nine unharmed after Saskatoon house explosion
The Saskatoon Fire Department is investigating the cause of a house explosion Thursday night.
-
Saskatoon Bus Rapid Transit expands as Sask. gets $327M infrastructure boost
The Saskatchewan and federal governments have announced joint funding of $327 million for infrastructure projects.
-
Missing Moose Jaw man found dead, no foul play suspected: Police
An 80-year-old Moose Jaw man who was reported missing earlier this week has been found dead.
Vancouver
-
Human remains discovered at recycling facility in B.C.'s Lower Mainland
Workers discovered human remains at recycling facility in New Westminster, B.C., on Thursday, CTV News has learned.
-
B.C. RCMP investigating after 16-year-old girl in serious condition from fentanyl overdose
Mounties in northern British Columbia say an as-yet-unidentified drug trafficker could face serious consequences after a 16-year-old girl overdosed on fentanyl this week and remains in hospital in serious condition.
-
Dad's bid to prevent children's HPV vaccinations rejected by B.C. court
A vaccine-fearing father has been ordered not to discuss the HPV vaccine – or even the human papillomavirus itself – with his children after losing a battle against their mother in B.C. Supreme Court.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. RCMP investigating after 16-year-old girl in serious condition from fentanyl overdose
Mounties in northern British Columbia say an as-yet-unidentified drug trafficker could face serious consequences after a 16-year-old girl overdosed on fentanyl this week and remains in hospital in serious condition.
-
Navy facility in Canadian Arctic 'could be finished this season,' a decade overdue
Nearly a decade behind schedule, the Canadian military’s long-promised naval refuelling station in the High Arctic could open as early as this summer, albeit with restrictions on the facility's operations and serious questions about its long-term viability.
-
Murder charge laid in Tori Dunn's killing, homicide investigators announce
A man has been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of 30-year-old Tori Dunn, homicide investigators say.
