Ross Petty - The Little Mermaid

One of the best pantos we have seen, with lots of action, jokes aimed at both the adults and the kids, and eye candy. A talented bunch of performers with our favourites in lead roles, including Ross Petty himself as the evil villain, Plumbum, the ever faithful and easily duped sidekick and some very talented newcomers, including a really incredible dancer playing the evil sidekick (Jordan Clark, winner of So You Think You Can Dance Canada). Our teens have assured us that they intend to continue to join us for this show, a Christmas tradition of ours for close to ten years, for many more.

Stuart McLean Vinyl Cafe Christmas

One of our family Christmas traditions is to participate in the Vinyl Cafe Christmas show with our family and friends. While the Sony Centre venue is not as homey as convocation Hall, you can buy your tickets early and sit close enough to make it feel more cozy. In addition to the wonderful Dave and Marley stories, in particular the eagerly awaited Christmas story, we were treated to a medley of Christmas stories past and a hilarious Night Before Christmas version of the Senate.  This year's musical talent was heavenly - you should check out the Juno award winning Good Lovelies. And, as always, the show was enhanced by the stellar accompaniment on bass and piano.

Barra MacNeil's Christmas

A lovely Christmas show with lots of special guests, including two local Dance groups one Irish and one Highland. Solid performances by all, some great music and fiddling and beautiful vocals from the only sister in this almost all-family Celtic band from Cape Breton. Let's hope they come back again for a Christmas show next year.

TSO - Pops Christmas

A magnificent show. Awesome performance from the TSO, the ESA holiday Chorus and the amazing Ashley Brown. Lovely arrangements of the classical favourites and some lesser known but equally charming pieces. This was definitely one of Steven Reineke's best Christmas concerts. We truly didn't want it to end!

One of a Kind Christmas Show

The usual favourites were there - the jewellers I have come to love, the delicious goodies that are perfect for gift baskets, the unique pieces of clothing and a myriad of affordable lovely gifts. Its very hard to resist purchasing for oneself (OK, I didn't really try that hard ..) so Christmas came early for me this year :)

Definitely my go-to place for food baskets and special gifts.

CanStage - Winners and Losers

Not quite sure how to describe this play. A challenge between two accomplished debaters, evolving from a friendly game of labeling people and places as winners or losers to a mean spirited personal attack. The obvious respect and admiration between the actors continued to show through and I wasn't convinced that their feelings were sincerely belligerent. Still, the repartee was fast and witty so you might consider this play if you're looking for something to do in the vicinity of the Distillery District.

Off Mirvish - God of Carnage

Absolutely hilarious. Some realistic and entertaining jabs at various parenting styles and how these tend to exaggerate other tensions. Have to say I saw a little bit of my husband and myself in this play, but I won't tell you who either one of us most resembles. It was actually an exaggerated parody of the many small things that build up in any relationship - you will enjoy it!

Distillery District Christmas Market

Lots of festive treats and gifts to choose from. Some lovely ornaments, scrumptious cakes and cookies and a wide array of trinkets to fit in a stocking. Plan to have a meal as you wander through the Christmas stalls, as there are several yummy options at the vendors spread throughout. For those of you that didn't know this existed, its a great way to spend an afternoon, but very crowded in evenings or on weekends.

National Geographic Live - The Lens of Adventure: Brian Smith, Extreme Filmaker

Filming the participants in extreme sports - solo climbing up vertical rock faces, walking along a tight rope over the Grand Canyon, base jumping off mountain peaks, kayaking through wicked rapids and down waterfalls - the photographer and crew have to be almost as crazy as the sports enthusiast. Risk takers and inventors, their creativity and drive lead to unique solutions to get that amazing shot so they can share the experience with us. The story behind how they got the story and the shot is always exciting.

Second City - The Second City's Holiday Spectacular

A very entertaining show – some sketches were not quite there, but overall lots of laughs and great comedic timing. The improvs were the most fun parts, particularly when unsuspecting members of the audience were encouraged to participate. There were several big groups in the house and our group all enjoyed the show very much. Appropriate for older teens and up, this is a fabulous option for a night out (or day, as there are matinee performances) for the extended family.

YPT - Jabber

Thought provoking and superb acting. Very frank portrayal of the biases that young people hold about people who are different and the conflict that arises in teens, who just want to fit in. The electronic screen was a nice touch - integrating technology into the play and cleverly capturing how young people use social media to build relationships. Excellent play for pre-teens.