Music, Magic and Holiday Traditions Fill December at Flato Markham Theatre

As the holidays approach and the year draws to a close, the Flato Markham Theatre is preparing for its most festive month of the year. The 2026/27 Diamond Season continues with a lineup that celebrates the holidays with Canadian music legends, family favourites, world-class jazz, and a beloved ballet that has become an essential part of the holidays in Markham.

“December is always a special time for us,” says Acting General Manager Scott Hill. “It feels like home. We bring in shows that people love and love to share with family.”

The Diamond Season begins on Friday, December 4 at 8pm with Susan Aglukark: Upinnaq – ᐅᐱᓐᓇᖅ A Beautiful Christmas. One of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous artists, Aglukark has spent more than three decades bringing Inuit culture and storytelling to audiences across the country and around the world. A multiple JUNO Award winner and recipient of the Order of Canada, her Christmas performance blends traditional holiday favourites sung in English and Inuktitut with personal stories and reflections inspired by her life in Nunavut and Inuit culture.

“Susan is awesome; legendary,” says Hill. “It’s really an honour to have her back on her stage. An added bonus too is that she’ll be performing a couple numbers with the choir from Unionville High School, which is such a treat for the community.”

The following weekend brings another celebration of Canadian musical tradition with Next Generation Leahy on Friday, December 11 at 8pm. Carrying forward the remarkable musical legacy of the Leahy family, these talented young performers combine Celtic and Irish traditions with French-Canadian, jazz, country, pop and swing influences.

“If you want a fun night out, this is it,” says Hill.

Known for their extraordinary abilities as multi-instrumentalists, singers and dancers, the young musicians deliver a high-energy performance that combines remarkable technical skill with the warmth and spontaneity of a family making music together. Their holiday program adds seasonal favourites to a repertoire already bursting with infectious rhythms and joyful performances.

“The first time we had them here was a decade ago, when these kids were really just incredibly talented kids” says Hill. “It’s going to be such a treat for our audience to see how they’ve grown up onstage, seemingly right in front of them.”

The very next night, Saturday, December 12 at 8pm, Canadian jazz icon Holly Cole returns with Swinging Christmas 2026. One of the country’s most distinctive vocalists, her unmistakable voice and sophisticated arrangements have made her a favourite with audiences for decades, and her approach to holiday music is no exception. Rather than simply recreating familiar Christmas songs, Cole brings her signature blend of jazz, swing and musical imagination to the season’s best-loved melodies.

“After Holly performed at Christmas here in 2024 the demand for her return was incredible,” says Hill. “It’s such a warm and wonderful night of perfect holiday music.”

The Diamond Season continues on Saturday, December 19 at 8pm with A John McDermott Family Christmas, featuring Drew Jurecka, Maury Lafoy and Jason Fowler. McDermott and his rich tenor voice has been one of Canada’s most beloved singers for decades. His annual Christmas performances have become a cherished tradition for many Canadian families, blending seasonal classics, traditional favourites and personal storytelling into an intimate and nostalgic celebration.

“John McDermott himself is a tradition,” says Hill. “There’s something about his performance that makes you feel like you’re in the exact right place; it feels like home.”

As the year approaches its conclusion, one of the Theatre’s most enduring holiday traditions returns. Ballet Jörgen presents The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition on Wednesday, December 30 at 2pm and 7pm, and Thursday, December 31 at 11am and 3pm. The production has become a fixture of the holiday season in Markham, introducing generations of young audiences to the beauty and excitement of classical ballet.

“It’s so great that we have our own Nutcracker tradition,” says Hill. “This is something that generations of family come to and build memories from.”

This uniquely Canadian interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet reimagines the classic story through the landscapes, wildlife and traditions of Canada. Audiences follow Klara on a magical journey featuring snowflakes, woodland creatures, Mounties and lumberjacks, all set to one of the most recognizable musical scores ever composed.

“We’ve been welcoming Ballet Jörgen to Markham for so many years now,” Hill explains. “It’s really part of the magic of Christmas here.”
But the celebrations don’t quite end with the calendar year. On Saturday, January 2 at 8pm, The Dreamboats arrive to help audiences welcome 2027 with a high-energy celebration of classic rock and roll.

“This is such a perfect night out for just after the holidays to start your year,” says Hill. “It’s a high energy take on the golden age of rock n’ roll that is not to be missed.”

Drawing inspiration from the sounds of the 1950s and 1960s, the Canadian group brings together vintage style, tight harmonies and an infectious enthusiasm for the music that helped define a generation. Their performances celebrate the early days of rock and roll with the energy and showmanship of a contemporary concert.

As always, December also features a strong selection of community presentations, with local arts organizations helping to make the Theatre a gathering place throughout the holiday season.

The Kindred Spirits Orchestra returns on Saturday, December 5 at 8pm with Romance in Blue and Gold. The evening includes Debussy’s Images and featuring pianist Aidan Cheng, with Daniel Vnukowski hosting. The performance also features a silent auction supporting music education and the arts.

The following afternoon, Sunday, December 6 at 2pm, the Markham Concert Band presents A Seasonal Celebration. Now in its 49th season, the longtime community ensemble brings its signature concert band sound to an afternoon of music celebrating the holiday season.

Young performers also take centre stage as Unionville High School presents their annual music presentation, Winter Fantasia 2026 on Tuesday, December 8 and Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm.

“These performances are such an important part of what we do,” says Hill. “I can’t imagine the theatre without their talent, commitment, and community.”

Adding even more holiday entertainment to the calendar are several independently produced performances. Dogs Do Magic: A Canine Christmas arrives on Thursday, December 3 at 7pm, offering a family-friendly combination of canine entertainment and holiday fun. The Jersey Nights Before Christmas performs on Thursday, December 10 at 8pm, while A Swingin’ Christmas featuring the Toronto All-Star Big Band takes the stage on Sunday, December 13 at 2pm. Rounding out the independent presentations is Elvis Wonderful World of Christmas Legacy Tour on Friday, December 18 at 8pm, celebrating the King’s music and his enduring connection to the holiday season.

With Indigenous storytelling, Celtic music, sophisticated jazz, beloved Christmas traditions, community performances and the magic of classical ballet, December at the Flato Markham Theatre offers audiences plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season together.

“We can’t wait to see everyone again for the holidays,” says Hill. “It’s a special time around here.”

Tickets for all shows are available through the Flato Markham Theatre Box Office.

Photo: Holly Cole gets in the spirit before her performance at the Flato Markham Theatre on December 4th.