Toronto is one of North America’s great choral cities, and December is when its choirs shine. Here are the best Christmas choir concerts for 2026.
Choir concerts 2026
| Date | Concert | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Dec 12, 7 p.m. | St. Michael’s Choir School: Joyeux Noël, A Canadian Christmas | Massey Hall |
| Sun, Dec 13, 2 p.m. | Toronto Children’s Chorus: Songs of the Season | Roy Thomson Hall |
| Dec 15 – 20 | TSO Messiah with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir | Roy Thomson Hall |
| Dec 17 – 19, 7:30 p.m. | Tafelmusik Messiah (Baroque orchestra and chamber choir) | Koerner Hall |
| Sat, Dec 19, 2 and 7 p.m. | Choir! Choir! Choir!: Un-Silent Night | Massey Hall |
| Sun, Dec 20, 2 p.m. | Tafelmusik Sing-Along Messiah | Massey Hall |
Highlights
St. Michael’s Choir School
Toronto’s famous Catholic choir school, with a long tradition of Christmas concerts, brings a Canadian Christmas programme to Massey Hall on December 12.
Toronto Children’s Chorus
Bright, joyful seasonal programme at Roy Thomson Hall on December 13, with the alumni choir singing carols in the lobby beforehand.
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
One of Canada’s oldest and best-known choirs sings Handel’s Messiah with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from December 15 to 20. Messiah in Toronto
Choir! Choir! Choir!
Toronto’s famous drop-in singing phenomenon turns Massey Hall into one big choir. You are the performer. Two shows on December 19.
Why Toronto is a choral city
Toronto has one of the richest choral scenes in North America, with professional, community, children’s and church choirs performing throughout the year. The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, founded in 1894, is one of Canada’s oldest choirs. St. Michael’s Choir School trains young singers in the Catholic choral tradition, and the Toronto Children’s Chorus has performed around the world. December is their busiest and most joyful month.
Choosing a concert
- For a grand, traditional experience: Messiah with full orchestra and choir.
- For families: a children’s choir concert, often shorter and full of familiar carols.
- For something intimate: a chamber choir in a historic church.
- For a sing-along: look for concerts that invite the audience to join in. Christmas carols
- On a budget: church choir concerts and carol services are often free or by donation. Free Christmas concerts
Concert venues to know
- Roy Thomson Hall on King Street West, home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
- Massey Hall on Shuter Street, Toronto’s historic concert hall, reopened after a major renovation.
- Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory on Bloor Street West, known for its warm acoustics.
- Historic churches like St. James Cathedral, St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, Metropolitan United and St. Paul’s Bloor Street.
Tips for concert-goers
- Book early for weekend performances in mid-December.
- Arrive 30 minutes early to find your seats and settle in.
- Dress in layers; concert halls are warm, but you’ll wait outside in the cold.
- Check age guidance for very young children.
Christmas choir concerts: FAQ
What’s the most famous choir concert in Toronto at Christmas? Messiah with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the TSO is the city’s best-known choral tradition. See Messiah in Toronto.
Are there children’s choir concerts? Yes. The Toronto Children’s Chorus and St. Michael’s Choir School both perform in December.
Church choirs
Toronto’s cathedrals and historic churches host carol services and choral concerts throughout December, many free or by donation. Free Christmas concerts · Christmas services
