WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER

Dec. 7-23:  The Christmas Story shares the magic of the first Christmas aided by masterful musicians, the genuine excitement of its 100-plus volunteer cast members (including a real baby in the role of Jesus!), beautiful costumes, and professional sound and lighting. The Christmas Story has become one of Toronto’s most beloved holiday traditions with performances for over 80 years. At the historic Church Of the Holy Trinity. Suggested donation is $25 adults, $5 children 17 and under (a collection will be taken). Seating is general admission. Reservations or advance bookings are recommended via www.thechristmasstory.ca or call 416-598-4521, ext. 301.

Until Dec. 23: The beloved Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the perfect setting to experience a Victorian winter wonderland. Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserable old miser, but when three ghosts decide to swoop in overnight, he gets the wake-up call of a lifetime. This charming Christmas classic by Charles Dickens has one of life’s most inspiring questions at its heart: what – and who – will really matter in the end? See it brought to life in the historic Royal George Theatre by the Shaw Festival’s world-class Ensemble. Michael Therriault as Scrooge, Sarena Parmar is returning as Christmas Past (she originated the role last year in this production) and Sanjay Talwar as Christmas Present. Tickets from $35; students and youth, 25; Under 30, $30. Call 1-800-511-7429.

Until Dec. 23: The magic, romance and spirit of the holiday season returns to Toronto’s Distillery Historic District with the ninth annual Toronto Christmas Market. A 50-foot Christmas tree, Ferris wheel and carousel, 100-foot light tunnel, European-style cabins selling hundreds of unique and locally handcrafted products, festive foods and warm and spirited beverages. More than 2,000 stage performances including carolers, choirs, dancers, brass bands, countless elves and the big man himself. Admission is free of charge on weekdays until Friday at 5 pm, and $6 on weekends starting at 5 pm. on Fridays. Children aged two and under are free. To purchase tickets or for more info, visit www.torontochristmasmarket.com

Jan. 6: Calcutta’s innovative slide guitar master and two-time Grammy nominee Debashish Bhattacharya has just been announced on the artist roster for globalFEST 2019. His inventive fusion of classical Indian ragas and bluesy Western music has captivated the world over the past four decades.  Tickets at bit.ly/2Nysi1v

Jan. 17: An Evening with Bob Woodward. Legendary Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and best-selling author and associate editor, The Washington Post, Bob Woodward will be interviewed by Steve Paikin of TVO’s The Agenda. 8 pm at Hammerson Hall. He will answer your questions about the first two years of Donald Trump’s presidency and the ramifications of the US midterm elections and you could win a copy of his latest book, Fear: Trump in the White House. More info at www.livingartscentre.ca

Until Jan. 6: Holiday-themed programs and events at Toronto History Museums. Program highlights: Spadina Museum’s Art Deco and Art Nouveau décor are in full 1920s Christmas holiday splendour, and visitors can sample holiday treats made from original recipes. Participating museums include Scarborough Museum, Montgomery’s Inn Museum, Mackenzie House, Gibson House and Colborne Lodge. More info about these family-friendly events at www.toronto.ca/holidays

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Free Desi Diary listings. List your event for free in Desi News and e-desinews. com. E-mail: desinews@rogers.com. Deadline for Jan. 2019 listings: Dec. 20, 2018.