Markham Theatre features tradition this holiday season
The 2025/26 Diamond Season at Markham Theatre is looking especially exciting for the holiday season as we head into December.
“Honestly, the holidays at the theatre are just fantastic,” says Acting General Manager Scott Hill. “We look forward to celebrating every year, and it’s wonderful to have the building packed with families and cheer.”
December arrives with Danú: An Emerald Isle Christmas on December 4. Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. Featuring the sounds of centuries gone by along with the energy of a foot-stomping kitchen party, this show promises traditional Irish reels, haunting reveries, holiday carols, and the occasional wry joke and sarcastic wit.
“These guys are opening up our December Christmas season in style,” says Hill. “We have such a large audience for Irish music in Markham, it’s going to be a great night.”
The following night has the legendary voices of The Blind Boys of Alabama bringing a gospel Christmas to town. Recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music, The Blind Boys of Alabama have been celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Recording Academy/GRAMMYs and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In a career spanning seven decades, they have been sought out for collaboration by Ben Harper, Peter Gabriel, Susan Tedeschi, Béla Fleck, and Amadou & Mariam. This Christmas show promises to be a feast for your ears but also your soul, in the truest of Gospel traditions.
December 11 sees the return of Classic Albums Live for their second show this season. This time, they tackle an album that many say invented the future of pop/rock music: Revolver by the Beatles. This album, which features classics like Eleanor Rigby, Got to Get You Into My Life, and Taxman, marked a turning point for the Beatles as they became primarily a studio-based band and, as a result, no longer felt the need to ensure they could easily perform the songs live after they recorded them. The experimentation that follows makes Classic Albums Live’s job all that much harder here.
“It’s an incredible album,” says Hill, “and CAL doing Beatles recordings is, as well as flawless, fascinating as well. There’s just so much in these recordings to get on stage. I can’t wait.”
The very next night, on December 12, Broadsway (featuring Heather Bambrick) The Most Wonderful Time… Maybe sets the stage for big laughs and even bigger showstopping musical performances. This show features three of Canada’s finest musical theatre, cabaret, and jazz artists doing their best to “go Broadway.” Dora Mavor Moore award-nominee Diane Leah, Juno-nominee Heather Bambrick, and international touring jazz artist Julie Michels promise to bring the spirit of NYC to Markham for one night.
Then, the next night, acclaimed songstress Serena Ryder brings her Merry Myths tour to Markham for the holiday season. Performing on December 13, Merry Myths promises a musical journey into the heart of the season’s most beloved traditions. The show will also blend her signature soulful songs into this festive concert inspired by the folklore, stories, and symbols that shape our ideas of the holiday season. And while we speak of the holidays, Serena’s bass player, Markham native and MDHS grad Brian Kobayakawa, gets to play a rare hometown show for Christmas, a special night indeed.
“Seeing Serena Ryder in an intimate venue like ours is such an incredible opportunity for music fans,” says Hill. “I’m so very much looking forward to having her on our stage.”
There are few traditions in Markham as consistent as traditional East Coast music at the theatre for Christmas, and this year is no exception. Legendary, multi-generational music family Leahy presents their Celtic Roots and Christmas Cheer show on December 18. There are no deeper roots in Canadian folk and Celtic music culture than this musical family and this show is a high-energy, family-friendly holiday concert celebrating Canadian folk, Celtic, Irish, Scottish, and French-Canadian traditions with fiddle, accordion, step-dancing, and powerful vocals, blending original Leahy music with classic Christmas carols.
“We love the Leahys,” says Hill. “So does Markham. They’re just so talented, and warm, and immediately charming to boot. They’re always a must-see.”
As long as we’re talking about holiday traditions in Markham, let’s not leave out The Nutcracker. Ballet Jorgen once again brings its beautiful version of The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition back to the theatre for shows on Dec. 30 and December 31. Born from a collaboration with Kleinburg’s world-renowned McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and with well over 100 costumes in richly coloured fabrics, acclaimed choreographer and artistic director Bengt Jörgen has reinvigorated Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score with fresh choreography. This show’s annual stop in Markham is one of the theatre’s most anticipated events.
“When you think of Christmas, you think of The Nutcracker,” says Hill. “We’re so lucky to have built this tradition here at the theatre.”
December at the theatre features exceptional community presentations. Kindred Spirits Orchestra: Sounds of the Season takes to the stage on December 6. The Markham Concert Band returns with its Seasonal Celebration on December 7 and the Toronto All-Star Big Band brings its Swingin’ Christmas back to the theatre on December 14.
“We love our community presenters,” says Hill, “but there’s something extra special about the holiday run of shows. It feels like home.”
Adding one more option for theatre goers this December, the independent production of The Wonderful World of Christmas – Graceland Edition brings Elvis back to life on December 20. Legendary Elvis performer Steve Michaels dons the cape once again for another Blue Christmas.
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information.
Photo: Leahy returns to Markham this Christmas.