The holiday spirit is well and alive on the Edmonton stage! Celebrate the season by taking in a festive ballet, a cheery radio show, an uplifting play, or a glorious symphony.
1. The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant Ever | December 18 – 22
What could be so hard about directing a Christmas pageant? It’s always the story with the same carols. But no one was expecting the Herdmans — “the worst kids in the world” — to show up for auditions! What has the potential to be the worst pageant ever turns out to be the best one as everyone learns the true meaning of Christmas in this funny, heartwarming play.
Varscona Theatre | 10329-83 Ave. | 780-433-3399
2. Trailer Park Boys | December 15
Your favourite foul-mouths are back to spread some Christmas cheer and laughter! In this special holiday show, Bubbles tries to spread the true meaning of Christmas, while Julian cashes in on the season and Ricky plans to meet the real Santa.
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | 11455-87 Ave. | 780-427-2760
3. Jerry Granelli: A Charlie Brown Christmas | December 16
You don’t know “Christmastime Is Here” until you hear it sung in A Charlie Brown Christmas. Jerry Granelli, the drummer of the Vince Guaraldi Trio who scored the heartwarming Christmas cartoon, will play the timeless classics that will have you reliving festive childhood memories.
The Arden | 5 St. Anne St., St. Albert | 780-459-1542
4. Handel’s Messiah | December 5 – 6
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the Richard Eaton Singers in this popular annual concert. Led by Ragnar Bohlin, the director of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, Handel’s Messiah will have never felt so glorious before!
Winspear Centre | 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. | 780-428-1414
5. The Christmas Carol Project | December 19 – 20
A musical interpretation of Dickens’ classic tale, The Christmas Carol Project features original songs written from the perspectives of various characters in the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.
ATB Financial Arts Barns | 10330-84 Ave. | 780-409-1910
6. The Nutcracker | December 12 – 15
This classical holiday tale of Klara and her Nutcracker battling the evil Rat Tsar set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score will dazzle all audience members. And an hour before the performance, the Sugar Plum Parties will bring a wonderland of activities to get families into the holiday spirit!
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | 11455-87 Ave. | 780-427-2760
7. A Pro Coro Christmas | December 14
The Strathcona string quartet and the Edmonton Youth Choir will join the magnificent voices of the Pro Coro Canada chamber choir to perform music by Antonio Vivaldi and Camille Saint-Saens.
Winspear Centre | 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. | 780-428-1414
8. Stuart Mclean Vinyl Cafe Christmas | December 7
The live — and holiday-themed — version of CBC’s popular Vinyl Cafe radio show is written and hosted by Stuart McLean, who recites amusing, charming stories and essays about a likeable cast of characters including Dave, the owner of the second-hand record store.
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | 11455-87 Ave. | 780-427-2760
9. A Christmas Carol | Through December 23
A favourite holiday tradition, this Dickens’ classic is sure to delight audiences young and old. Now on its 15th consecutive year of performance, this show provides exceptional entertainment with its unforgettable story, rich characters, and dazzling special effects.
Citadel Theatre | 9828-101A Ave. | 780-425-1820
10. The Singing Christmas Tree | December 18 – 21
This local Christmas tradition provides fun and holiday wonder for the whole family! A 35-foot Christmas tree comprised of 150 singers, thousands of dazzling lights, and a live orchestra set the tone for a whimsical holiday season. Canadian country star Brett Kissel joins the choir as a special guest this year!
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | 11455-87 Ave. | 780-427-2760
11. It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show | December 17 – 23
Watch the classic holiday tale of despair and redemption performed as a 1940s radio broadcast by a cast in full period costume with live music and sound effects. It’s a perfect holiday treat with classic holiday music and hilarious commercial breaks.
Fort Edmonton Park | 7000-143 St. | 780-496-8787
12. We Wish You a Merry Christmas! | December 19 – 21
JUNO Award winner Meaghan Smith lends her beautiful voice to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for holiday pops hits, such as “Silver Bells” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. It’ll provide the perfect holiday cheer for the whole family!
Winspear Centre | 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. | 780-428-1414
