1. The Nutcracker Suite
When: Saturday, December 14, 7:30 pm
Where: The Arden Theatre, St. Albert
Cost: $35
About: The Craig Brenan Big Band perform Duke Ellington’s re-worked jazz version of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score The Nutcracker Suite — along with some traditional holiday favourites.
More Info: www.ardentheatre.com
2. Meghan Smith
When: Friday, December 13, 7:30 pm
Where: The Arden Theatre, St. Albert
Cost: $32
About: A musician with a deep love for the holidays, Juno award winner Meaghan Smith drew inspiration from the ’20s, ’30s, and ’40s to create a collection of original holiday songs and re-imagined favourites that sparkle with merriment for the holiday season for her Christmas album It Snowed.
More Info: www.ardentheatre.com
3. The Singing Christmas Tree
When: December 19 – 22
Where: Jubilee Auditorium
Cost: $38.40 – $74.65
About: 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.
More Info: edmontonsingingchristmastree.com
4. Chantal Kreviazuk
When: Tuesday, December 10, 7:30 pm
Where: Winspear Centre
Cost: $39 – $69
About: This Juno award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter is joined by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra to perform hits and holiday songs.
More Info: www.winspearcentre.com
5. Nutcracker Unhinged
When: December 12 – 14
Where: Varscona Theatre
Cost: $21 – $26
About: A delightful local twist on a holiday tradition! Comprised of seasonal music, comedy, readings, and playlets, the show sees the characters from Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet are set loose in Edmonton’s beloved Old Strathcona district.
More Info: www.tixonthesquare.ca
6. We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
When: December 20 – 22
Where: Winspear Centre
Cost: $24 – $89
About: Get in the holiday spirit with delightful Christmas tunes as the irrepressible Bob Bernhardt leads the Greenwood Singers, vocalist Mela Dailey, and the U of A Faculty of Education Handbell Ringers.
More Info: www.winspearcentre.com
7. Christmas with the Janes
When: December 15, 7:30 pm
Where: Varscona Theatre
Cost: $15
About: Join the Plain Jane Theatre Company for an evening of songs and scenes from musicals that radiate the spirit of Christmas, including a special Charlie Brown’s Christmas scene!
More Info: www.tixonthesquare.ca
8. Murder Mystery: It’s a Wonderful Death
When: December 9 – 10, 6 pm
Where: Fort Edmonton Park
Cost: $129 per person. Price includes one welcome drink, mise-en-bouche reception, four course dinner and entertainment.
About: Take an enjoyable break from the busy holiday season and spend an evening full of suspense and intrigue. It’s Christmas Eve in 1945 Bedford Falls. George Bailey is having a really bad day. Then a kindly old gentleman arrives claiming to be a guardian angel, and it appears that George’s wish has been granted. But all is not well in this alternate world. Someone in this sleepy town is a murderer…
More Info: www.fortedmontonpark.ca
9. A Christmas Carol
When: Through December 23
Where: The Citadel Theatre
Cost: $35 – $104
About: The annual production of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday story is portrayed with elaborate sets, period costumes, and outstanding acting and is sure to delight and entertain the whole family.
More Info: www.citadeltheatre.com
10. The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!
When: December 19 – 22
Where: Varscona Theatre
Cost: $20 – $22
About: 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 story.
More Info: www.tixonthesquare.ca
11. With Bells On
When: December 10 – 22
Where: Roxy Theatre
Cost: $20
About: This hilarious holiday play details the story of an unlikely partnership between a mild-mannered accountant and a 7-foot tall Glamazon who must work together to escape from a broken elevator in order for her to claim the coveted crown at the Christmas Queen Pageant.
More Info: www.theatrenetwork.ca
12. Concordia Community Chorus Christmas Concert
When: Monday, December 16, 7:30 pm
Where: Bethel Lutheran Church, Sherwood Park
Cost: $12 – $17
About: This concert features projections of paintings from a children’s book by Canadian painter William Kurelek, who visions the Nativity in various places around Canada. The ensembles will be singing traditional, modern, Christmas, and winter pieces.
More Info: www.tixonthesquare.ca
