THREE WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS STORY

Welcome to the 2022 season of The Christmas Story! The Church of the Holy Trinity offers three ways to experience this holiday classic in its 85th year.

There will be two Live Screenings of their film, The Christmas Story: A Pandemic Pageant at The Church of the Holy Trinity, at 7pm on December 9 and December 16.

The film will also be available on-demand for home screenings from December 1, 2022, through January 7, 2023. Three special live words and music performances of the carols, readings and organ music from The Christmas Story round out the season on December 10 and 17 at 2pm, and December 23 at 7pm. Masks are encouraged for all public gatherings.

The Christmas Story at The Church of the Holy Trinity has been a holiday tradition in Toronto since 1938. When the pandemic shut down live theatre in 2020, the cast of The Christmas Story took to the streets of Toronto to create a one-of-a-kind “Pandemic Pageant”. This remarkable film presents the classic Nativity story against the backdrop of life in an urban centre in the middle of a pandemic.

Shot outside and socially distanced in downtown Toronto with professional crew and volunteer performers, the tale of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus takes on deep new resonance. The story of a vulnerable family seeking shelter is scored with The Christmas Story’s beautiful choral music and is suffused with the true meaning of Christmas.

Co-directed by Holy Trinity’s Susan Watson and Eric Miller of Thalweg Media (who also edited the film), The Christmas Story: A Pandemic Pageant brings the Nativity to life in a whole new way.

Gorgeous choral arrangements, powerful organ music, and moving narration take centre stage in three special live presentations of the words and music from The Christmas Story. These will be simplified performances without a costumed cast. Professional choral musicians – on stage instead of in the choir loft – bring the soaring traditional carols to new heights thanks to the stunning acoustics of the 175-year-old Church of the Holy Trinity.

The Christmas Story is a calming antidote to a hectic season and a troubled world. It is a beautiful reminder that this is a season of blessings and new beginnings that we should all share with each other. We look forward to sharing this season’s celebrations with you! Access is by donation via www.thechristmasstory.ca.

WHEN & WHERE

Live screenings of A Pandemic Pageant: December 9 and 16 at 7pm at The Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto. Access by donation (suggested: $10 adults/$5 children) via www.thechristmasstory.ca.

Virtual home screenings of A Pandemic Pageant: On-demand from December 1, 2022 until January 7, 2023 (through the Twelve Days of Christmas). Access by donation (suggested: $10/family) via www.thechristmasstory.ca. A link to the screening will be sent via email.

Live performances of the words and music: December 10 and 17 at 2pm and December 23 at 7pm at The Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto. Access by donation (suggested: $10 adults/$5 children) via www.thechristmasstory.ca.