Holiday parties are in full force in Toronto, and we are already eating, drinking and being probably way too merry over clinking glasses and booze-fuelled smalltalk.
But if you want a break from the madness, there are some solid options when it comes to a live music fix that doesn’t involve Christmas carollers.
Here are 10 Toronto concerts in December that you need to know about.
See also
- 31 Toronto events worth checking out this December
- 32 FREE Toronto events worth checking out in December
- 23 Toronto food events worth checking out in December
Jake Bugg
British musician, singer and chart-topping songwriter Jake Bugg hits the Danforth Music Hall to kick off the month of December.
When: Saturday, December 2 at 7 pm
Where: Danforth Music Hall
Tickets: Available online at $28 (GA)
LCD Soundsystem
If you’re looking for a high-energy Saturday night, get yourself to the ACC for a show by LCD Soundsystems. The American dance-rock band is fresh from an electric, five-night residency at Hollywood Palladium, each show of which was sold out.
When: Sunday, December 3 at 7 pm
Where: Air Canada Centre
Tickets: Available online at $56 to $312
Jimmy Eat World
American emo-rockers Jimmy Eat World – who will headline next year’s Slam Dunk Festival in the U.K. – hit the Phoenix Concert Theatre on December 5.
When: Tuesday, December 5 at 7 pm
Where: Phoenix Concert Hall
Tickets: Sold out
Emily Haines
Toronto’s own homegrown talent Emily Haines, also known as the frontwoman of alt-rock band “Metric,” will perform at Massey Hall, fresh off the release of her latest solo album, Choir of the Mind.
When: Tuesday, December 5 at 8 pm
Where: Massey Hall
Tickets: Available online at $18.94 to $39.50
Hawksley Workman + more
Canadian rock singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman – who has released 11 full-length albums in his career – will take the stage in Toronto, where we can expect to see the multi-instrumentalist play guitar, drums, bass, keyboards and, of course, sing.
When: Wednesday, December 6 at 7 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Tickets: Available online $25 to $125
The National
American indie rock band The National – who have been known for their dark and somber (yet danceable) sounds – hits the Sony Centre on December 8 for a performance that will give you anything but the warm and fuzzy holiday feels.
When: Saturday, December 9
Where: Sony Centre
Tickets: Available online from $175 to $995
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball
The annual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball is back to offer your fix of “top 40” hits and nostalgic favourites. The power-packed lineup of performers includes Backstreet Boys, Fifth Harmony, Kelly Clarkson, Post Malone, Fergie, Cardi B, Noah Cyrus, Jessie Reyez, Ria Mae, and Virginia To Vegas.
When: Saturday, December 9 at 6 pm
Where: Air Canada Centre
Tickets: Available online at $99 to $411
Allan Rayman
Canadian rising star Allan Rayman hits Toronto for two shows. Last month, the buzzed-about artist released his latest five-song EP, Courtney.
When: Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 at 7 pm
Where: Pheonix Concert Hall (December 9) and Danforth Music Hall (December 10)
Tickets: Available online from $35
Cardi B
American Hip-hop artist Cardi B burst on the scene earlier this year in a pretty big way. In September, she became the first female rapper to have a solo no. 1 in the US since Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in 1998.
When: Saturday, December 9 at 10 pm
Where: Rebel
Tickets: Available online at $20
Daniel Caesar
Canadian R&B and soul singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar – who steadily built his own online following after releasing a handful of successful EPs – hits Toronto for five back-to-back performances. The 22-year-old released his debut album, Freudian, this past August.
When: December 16-20 at 7 pm
Where: Danforth Music Hall
Tickets: Sold out.