Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope you’re having a great week so far. I’m in a particularly jolly mood these days, because the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner… oh, who am I kidding? It’s already here!
Yes, we’ve officially reached that time of year when houses are bedecked in twinkling lights, carols are heard throughout every shopping mall, and Starbucks’ pumpkin spice lattes have been replaced with gingerbread and peppermint concoctions. If you love Christmas as much as I do, you’re probably already filling your December calendar with holiday festivities. And luckily, here in Toronto and Southern Ontario, there’s no shortage of fun Christmas activities and events to enjoy! From quaint Christmas markets to drive-through light shows to themed pop-up bars, there’s truly something for everyone. One of my favourite things to do during the holiday season is see a good old-fashioned “Christmas spectacular” show, and the one I’m sharing today definitely delivers on the “spectacular”!
Christmas On Ice is a delightful holiday musical that provides festive entertainment for all ages. The show takes place in Niagara Falls at Fallsview Casino’s Avalon Theatre, from late November into mid-December. The website describes Christmas On Ice as “a thrilling high-paced spectacle of world-class ice skating and holiday cheer.” It’s a classic revue-style show, and probably the closest thing we have to a Radio City Rockettes show here in Canada: high-kicking chorus girls and all! I love starting new holiday traditions, and now that I’ve been to this show two years in a row, I think it’s officially reached tradition status!
Tania and I first attended this show in 2021, when it was Christmas Wonderland: a similar musical concept, but with only dancers (no ice skaters.) Last year, they revamped it into Christmas On Ice. This time, Tania and I invited my parents to see the show with us, and everyone loved it. Although I enjoyed both versions of the show, there’s something especially magical about the ice skating component. Clearly I’m not the only person who feels that way, because Christmas On Ice is returning to the Avalon Theatre this year!
The 2023 Christmas On Ice show debuts this Friday, and will run daily shows (with the exception of December 2 and 6) until Tuesday December 12. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased here. The prices are very reasonable, starting at just $45 per person. Don’t worry too much about where your seats are: the Avalon Theatre is an intimate venue, seating approximately 1,500 people, and there’s truly no bad seat in the house. We got balcony seats last year, and had an amazing view of the stage!
The show runs approximately 1 hour in length with no intermission, and features a variety of popular Christmas tunes, from traditional carols (We Three Kings, Hallelujah) to classic pop tunes (Frosty the Snowman, Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland) to R&B favourites (What Christmas Means To Me.)
There’s a great mix of song styles and presentations: some are sung by solo artists, some by an entire chorus, and some feature choreographed dance and/or skating routines set to instrumental music. Every song includes either a dancing or ice skating component – and often both! As someone who grew up obsessed with old Hollywood films and Broadway musicals, I love entertainment that brings the glitz and glam, and Christmas On Ice definitely delivers. I was impressed with the Broadway-style choreography, the talented performers, and the fabulous costumes – so bright and sparkly!
My very favourite song in the lineup is Hallelujah. It’s sung by a talented solo artist with a backup choir, while two figure skaters perform a mesmerizing pair routine. I won’t admit it made me cry, but… maybe bring some Kleenex with you just in case! With a show like this, photos alone don’t do it justice, so check out my Instagram reel with highlights of last year’s show to get a better sense of the experience.
Another nice thing about this show: it’s located right within Fallsview Casino, so there’s plenty of dining options around if you’re hungry before or after the show. Or, you can try your luck at the slots! I’m not a gambler, but I always have fun playing a small amount of cash (my limit is usually $20.) I normally lose it or win very little, but I once won over $300 from a $10 bill at Fallsview, so never say never! And the casino always has the cutest holiday decorations.
While you’re in Niagara Falls, don’t forget to check out the dazzling Winter Festival of Lights, which is on now through January 7. It’s the largest free outdoor Christmas light festival in Canada, and they’re celebrating their 41st anniversary this year!
If you’d like to experience Christmas On Ice for yourself, you can buy tickets here. And one word of advice: dress warmly! The theatre is kept at a cool temperature so the rink doesn’t melt, so wear a warm sweater and bring your coat in with you in case you get chilly.
If you’re looking for more fun Christmas activities in and around the GTA, check out my Christmas page. And be sure to subscribe to blog updates (see the “Subscribe” button in my header menu) because I’ve got a lot more great holiday content headed your way over the next few weeks!
Do you have a favourite holiday tradition you look forward to every year?
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