The concert scene always slows down a bit over Christmas — although you might not know it from looking at this year's Toronto schedule, which is full of multi-night stands and concert series from beloved artists. The can't-miss concerts for December 2024 and January 2025 also include a chance to see the future stars of tomorrow.
Alvvays
December 5–7 @ The Concert Hall
Buy tickets here, here and here
Local indie pop greats Alvvays spent 2024 touring internationally, but they're returning home on the victory lap behind their 2022 album Blue Rev — which we named the best Canadian album of the decade so far. Their live show is reliably meticulous and note-perfect.
The Basement Revue
December 5, 12, 19, 21, 28 @ The Paradise Theatre
Buy tickets here
Songwriter Jason Collett holds his hometown variety show every holiday season, and the Basement Revue is back for its 16th year, each of the five nights bringing a surprise lineup of performers. In a unique twist, writer and activist Desmond Cole is curating the December 12 lineup.
Clairo
December 16–18 @ Massey Hall
Buy tickets here, here and here
Clairo had to postpone her Toronto shows due to "extreme exhaustion," but now she's back on her tour behind the charming Charm, one of Exclaim!'s favourite albums of 2024.
Parklife
December 20 @ Adelaide Hall
Buy tickets here
Didn't score tickets to Oasis's very expensive, sold-out reunion tour? No worries — the cheekily-named tribute act Parklife are here to cover the classics with a stacked lineup fronted by Deanna Petcoff (Tange) and featuring members of Tokyo Police Club, Born Ruffians and Two Hours Traffic.
Exclaim!'s Class of 2025
January 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 31 @ multiple venues
Buy tickets here
Exclaim!'s annual concert series of emerging artists is back! Across seven nights of music, fans can witness the rise of a new generation of stars. Notable alumni from past years include Orville Peck, Lido Pimienta, NOBRO, Luna Li, and — who knows what future faves might emerge this year?
Jamie xx
January 14–15 @ History
Buy tickets here and here
Alright baddies, time to get on the floor. The xx's beatmaker is returning after a very long break between solo albums to tour behind In Waves — and he recently promised Exclaim! that he was going to "do it big."
Sum 41
January 28, 30 @ Scotiabank Arena
Buy tickets here and here
Having spent 2024 on their farewell tour, Sum 41 have reached the end of the line. The beloved pop-punk band will play their two final shows ever (not including an appearance at the JUNOS in March) in Toronto. Get into the pit and leave with a fat lip and lifelong memories.