TORONTO—Some gifts are unwrapped in a moment. Others begin with the dimming of the lights, the first notes from the stage, and the thrill of experiencing live music together.

This holiday season, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is offering both festive things to do in December and memorable gifts for the months ahead. Audiences can celebrate at Roy Thomson Hall with Elf in Concert, TSO Holiday Pops: A Celtic Celebration, and Handel’s Messiah—or put future nights of Classics, Pops, family programming, and films performed live with orchestra under the tree.

A TSO gift can be shaped around the person receiving it, from a first orchestral experience to an entire season of nights out.

For the classical music lover: Choose a Classics concert featuring celebrated conductors and soloists, orchestral favourites, or a work they have always wanted to hear live. Highlights in the new year include Beethoven’s Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 (Mar 25 & 27) and Mahler’s Eighth (Jun 17 & 19), performed as part of a live recording project.For the one who loves popular music: TSO Pops concerts bring the sounds of Broadway, jazz, radio, and popular culture to the orchestral stage. Upcoming highlights include The Greatest Love of All: A Whitney Houston Tribute (Feb 24 & 25) and Swing Is the Thing (May 26 & 27).For the film fan: Films in Concert pair movies on the big screen with their scores performed live by the Orchestra. In January, audiences can experience Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert (Jan 28–31), with John Williams’s iconic score performed live by the TSO.For families: Young People’s Concerts introduce children to orchestral music through engaging, family-friendly performances and activities. Upcoming concerts include Sounds of Lunar New Year (Feb 7, 2027) and Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony (Apr 4, 2027). Four-concert subscriptions start at $76.For someone who wants a season of music: A TSO subscription offers several concerts to look forward to, with options including Classics, Pops, and Young People’s Concerts. A Pick 5 package lets the recipient mix and match five or more eligible performances to create a season of their own, with savings of up to 20% per concert and package prices starting at $120.For music lovers ages 15–35: TSOUNDCHECK offers discounted tickets to select TSO performances, starting at $22. A subscription option is also available for those who want to make live music a regular part of their year.For the person who prefers to choose: A TSO Gift Certificate lets the recipient select the concert, date, and experience that feel right for them. Gift Certificates never expire, so they can be redeemed for tickets to concerts in future seasons. Available in any denomination, they can be used to purchase tickets through TSO Patron Services or online at TSO.CA.

Tickets can become a special night for two, an outing for the whole family, or the start of a new tradition. There is nothing to size, ship, or find room for—just music, time together, and something wonderful waiting on the calendar.

Tickets, subscriptions, gift cards, and complete concert information are available at TSO.CA.

Thursday, December 3 at 7:30pmFriday, December 4 at 7:30pmSaturday, December 5 at 2:00pm and 7:30pmSunday, December 6 at 2:00pm

Christopher Dragon, conductor

For anyone who considers Elf essential holiday viewing, the TSO is making movie night bigger than ever.

After being accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised among Santa’s elves, Buddy travels to New York in search of his family—with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra accompanying his adventure. Audiences can watch the complete film on the big screen while the TSO performs John Debney’s score live.

With matinee and evening performances, Elf in Concert is a festive outing for families, film fans, nostalgic friends, and anyone who knows there is always room for a little more holiday cheer.

Wednesday, December 9 at 2:00pm and 7:30pmThursday, December 10 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm

Lucas Waldin, conductor

Natalie MacMaster, fiddle

Donnell Leahy, fiddle

MacMaster Leahy Family

Modern Sound Collective

Kai Leung, MSC Artistic Director

Canadian fiddling icons Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy join the TSO and members of their family for a Celtic-inspired celebration filled with spirited fiddling, familiar carols, and infectious seasonal energy.

Featuring lively reels and jigs alongside beloved holiday favourites, this warm, joyful concert is made for music-loving families, Celtic music fans, and anyone who likes their holidays with a little extra lift.

Return to a timeless tradition: Handel’s MessiahTuesday, December 15 at 7:30pmWednesday, December 16 at 7:30pmFriday, December 18 at 7:30pmSaturday, December 19 at 7:30pmSunday, December 20 at 3:00pm

Ivor Bolton, conductor

Louise Alder, soprano

Deepa Johnny, mezzo-soprano

Paul Appleby, tenor

Joshua Hopkins, baritone

Toronto Mendelssohn Choir

Jean-Sébastien Vallée, TMC Artistic Director

For generations of concertgoers, the holidays are not complete until Handel’s Messiah fills Roy Thomson Hall.

The TSO, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and four acclaimed soloists come together for an evening of warmth, wonder, and celebration. From its intimate arias to the soaring “Hallelujah” chorus, Messiah remains one of Toronto’s most treasured holiday traditions—whether experienced for the first time or revisited year after year.

Orchestra Images and B-RollWebsite preview