As the year draws to a close, it ends on a high note entertainment-wise. December 2025 delivers an explosive lineup of must-watch TV finales, highly anticipated cinematic blockbusters, compelling dramas, and memorable live events. Whether you’d rather stay cozy and binge watch anticipated must-sees, or hit a nostalgic concert, we’ve got you covered. From the epic conclusion of the global phenomenon Stranger Things to the grand return to Pandora in Avatar: Fire and Ash, and an array of warm and fuzzy array of holiday entertainment, here is your definitive entertainment guide to everything hitting screens, stages, and playlists this holiday season.
This is your monthly entertainment guide of what’s available to stream, binge, or watch live near you.
ON SCREEN
Sean Combs: The Reckoning
One of the most talked-about documentary events of December is the four-part series Sean Combs: The Reckoning, premiering on Netflix on December 2. Produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, this hard-hitting investigative series delves into the life and career of the music mogul, focusing heavily on the numerous recent sexual abuse and trafficking allegations, as well as the culture and environment surrounding his business empire.
Oh. What. Fun.
Prime Video is delivering a star-studded holiday event with Oh. What. Fun., premiering December 3rd. Directed by Michael Showalter, this festive comedy features an incredible ensemble led by the legendary Michelle Pfeiffer. She’s joined by a powerful supporting cast that includes Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Jason Schwartzman, Danielle Brooks, Eva Longoria, and Joan Chen, ensuring a lively and high-calibre comedic ride.
ADVERTISEMENT |
The Abandons
From Kurt Sutter, the creator of Sons of Anarchy, new Western drama The Abandons is a major draw for fans of gritty, intense storytelling. It features a stellar cast, including Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, as two rival matriarchs leading families battling over land and power in 1850s Oregon. It hits Netflix December 4th.
Jay Kelly
Directed by Oscar-nominee Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story), Jay Kelly stars George Clooney as a famous movie star and Adam Sandler as his devoted manager, following the pair on a tumultuous journey through Europe. It’s expected to be a sharp, funny, and meta look at celebrity life. It hits Netflix December 5th.
Spartacus: House of Ashur
This blood-and-sand prequel to the beloved Spartacus franchise drops from Starz on December 5th, focusing on the character Ashur as he rises from betrayal to forge his own brutal empire in Ancient Rome. If you’re into high-stakes, visceral action drama with a dark, binge-worthy political edge, this is your December go-to. Available in Canada on premium Crave and Prime add-ons.
Surely Tomorrow
Premiering Prime Video on December 7th, this new 12-episode Korean drama is for the romantic thriller fans, following a couple – starring Park Seo-joon – who are dramatically reunited years after their first love when the man is a journalist covering a sensational scandal involving the woman’s new husband. It’s a high-stakes, twisty adult romance.
ADVERTISEMENT |
The Game Awards 2025
The biggest night in video game culture airs live on Prime Video on December 11th. While the show celebrates the top video games of the year, it’s also packed with huge world premieres, celebrity appearances, and live musical performances, making it a major cultural event for the video gamers that sets the trends for the year ahead.
Slaycation
The Crave Original reality show Slaycation returns on December 12th, featuring six international queens from the Drag Race family as they trade in the runway for a Canadian winter cabin retreat. Expect major drama, spectacular fashion, high-energy challenges, and a big show-stopping performance to finish the season – perfect for a high-energy weekend binge.
Taylor Swift: The End of an Era
On December 12th, Disney+ launches two major pieces of Taylor Swift content: The Eras Tour: The Final Show, a concert film of the final performance (including the Tortured Poets Department set), and The End of an Era, a six-episode docuseries offering an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the making and execution of the history-making global tour.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Daniel Craig returns as the razor-sharp Detective Benoit Blanc in the highly-anticipated third installment of the stylish, clever, and star-studded whodunit franchise, premiering on Netflix on December 12th. With a guaranteed A-list cast and a brand new, intricate case to solve, this is the smart, cinematic blockbuster that’s perfect for a holiday movie night.
Emily in Paris
Lily Collins returns as Emily Cooper for the fifth season of the frothy, fashion-forward, and ridiculously fun romantic comedy, premiering on December 18th. Expect more over-the-top Parisian glamour, complicated love triangles, and inevitable career chaos. It’s the ultimate shameless escapism for your December downtime.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Stranger Things
The global phenomenon Stranger Things concludes its run on Netflix with two major drops in December. Volume 2 (episodes 5,6,7) premieres on Christmas Day (December 25th), followed by the super-sized Series Finale on New Year’s Eve (December 31st). This is the must-watch event of the month, concluding the epic Hawkins saga.
On stage
Second City: Rizz the Season
Unwrap holiday hilarity this season at an iconic Toronto institution. Now through January 4, The Second City’s mainstage production, “Rizz the Season” offers guaranteed LOLs, as it entertains the audience with quirky songs, sketches, and top-tier improv that delivers Yuletide cheer with a refreshingly unhinged, contemporary spin.
& Juliet
This massive hit pop musical & Juliet makes its Canadian premiere at the Royal Alexandra Theatre on December 3rd. It’s an empowering, fast-paced jukebox musical that reimagines Juliet’s story after Romeo dies, set to a catalogue of Max Martin’s infectious hits (Britney, NSYNC, Katy Perry). It’s a guaranteed good time with a soundtrack that hits all the nostalgic sweet spots for the under 45 crowd.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Home Alone
For a unique holiday experience, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is once again performing Home Alone in Concert from December 4th through 7th at Roy Thomson Hall. Expect to see(and hear) the iconic film in a new life, as the orchestra performs the beloved score live.
The Woman in Black
The world’s second-longest-running play arrives in Toronto at the CAA Theatre on December 4th, just in time for the British tradition of Christmas ghost stories. This gripping, two-person psychological thriller uses simple staging and masterful sound design to conjure a terrifying, chilling experience that is a must-see for fans of classic horror and suspense over feel-good holiday faves.
The Nutcracker
The National Ballet of Canada’s cherished annual production begins its run on December 5th at the Four Seasons Centre. While a classic, this James Kudelka-choreographed version is known for its spectacular scale, stunning visual design, and features the top talent of the company, making it a can’t-miss holiday spectacle that still feels uniquely grand and special.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Jessie Reyez
The highly acclaimed Toronto-born R&B and pop artist Jessie Reyez plays a two-night run at Massey Hall on December 5th and 6th. Known for her raw, emotionally charged lyrics and unmistakable voice, this is a must-see homecoming show for fans of powerful, contemporary Canadian music.
Orchestra Toronto and Sultans of String
Orchestra Toronto and Sultans of String are bringing the spirit of the holidays with their Celebrate the Season concert on Sunday, December 7th at the Meridian Arts Centre. The concert will include exuberant originals and several all-time favourite pieces, including Silent Night, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, and the Little Drummer Boy, as well as songs highlighting jazz, Jewish, Turkish and Caribbean influences and traditions.
The Tenors: Joy to the World Tour
The celebrated Canadian vocal quartet brings their annual holiday show, “Joy to the World Tour,” to Roy Thomson Hall on Monday, December 8th. Known for their blend of classical, pop, and contemporary repertoire, this concert is a spectacular, sophisticated evening of seasonal songs and uplifting performances by the uber-talented foursome.
ADVERTISEMENT |
The Spotlight at Second City
Iconic comedy institution Second City hosts its final monthly comedy troupe showcase of the year on a two-night run on December 9th and 10th at Theatre ’73. This event features two dynamic, young sketch comedy duos, Andy Assaf & Vivek Srikanthan, and Glen & Vinny, offering up fresh, sharp, and highly relevant sketch work straight from Toronto’s cutting-edge comedy scene.
The Flatliners with with Fucked Up
For fans of high-energy punk, a massive double-bill hits the Danforth Music Hall on December 12th. Toronto punk veterans The Flatliners headline, supported by Canadian hardcore legends Fucked Up, promising a night of loud, frenetic, and unforgettable mosh-pit energy (if that’s your thing).
Bringing You a Little Happy
Renowned Canadian comedian and actor Mae Martin (Wayward), Juno Award-winning vocalist Liberty Silver, and the artists of the Birdsong New Music Foundation are set to unite for an evening of original music and holiday cheer on Sunday, December 14. This annual fundraiser, taking place at Lula Lounge, supports the production of new music created by individuals living with mental illness.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Ms. Lauryn Hill
Hip-hop and R&B star Ms. Lauryn Hill is performing a rare solo show at the legendary Massey Hall on December 16th. This intimate concert offers a chance to experience a living legend’s seminal work, ensuring a night of powerful, socially conscious, and musically complex performance.
Burna Boy: No Sign of Weakness Tour
The global Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy brings his massive “No Sign Of Weakness Tour” to Scotiabank Arena for a two-night residency on December 17th and 18th. Known for his electrifying stage presence and genre-blending sound, this is easily the biggest concert premiere of the month for fans of international music and hip-hop.
IN THEATRES
Merrily We Roll Along
For the musical theatre lovers, the acclaimed Broadway revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical Merrily We Roll Along, a four-time Tony Award winner, will open in Canadian cinemas on December 5th. Directed by Maria Friedman, the live-filmed production stars Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez, offering audiences a chance to see one of the most celebrated and emotional theatrical events of the year on the silver screen.
Ella McCay
This political comedy-drama from Oscar-winning director James L. Brooks is a holiday prestige entry. Emma Mackey (from Sex Education) stars as the idealistic 34-year-old lieutenant governor, Ella McCay, who is suddenly thrust into the role of state governor. The film promises a witty, high-stakes look at her efforts to balance a major, career-defining job with a demanding personal life. In theatres December 12.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Hamnet
Premiering on December 12th, this historical drama Hamnet comes to theatres after a major buzz from the film festival circuit. Directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, the film explores the imagined, poignant story of Agnes – William Shakespeare’s wife – as she grapples with the devastating loss of their son, Hamnet, offering a deeply emotional and unconventional biopic.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
James Cameron returns with the highly-anticipated next chapter in the Avatar saga, premiering on December 19th. The Sully family is back on Pandora and set to encounter a new fire-aligned Na’vi faction, the Ash People. This will deliver massive scale, groundbreaking visuals, and a new layer of mythology to the popular franchise.
The Housemaid
The Housemaid, a psychological thriller adaptation of the bestselling novel, directed by Paul Feig, hits theatres December 19. Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie, a young woman who gets a seemingly perfect, live-in job working for the wealthy and mysterious Winchester family. She quickly uncovers dark, escalating secrets and must fight to escape the twisted web of lies she’s fallen into.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Marty Supreme
Marty Supreme is A24 sports comedy-drama directed by Josh Safdie. Timothée Chalamet stars as the American table tennis prodigy Marty Reisman, following his unique journey through the eccentric, intense, and often comical world of competitive ping pong. This Christmas Day (December 25) release is one to watch for its compelling performance and high-energy direction
No Other Choice
Adapted from a novel by Donald E. Westlake (The Ax), this incisive, darkly comic satire from Park Chan-wook (TIFF ’22’s Decision to Leave) follows a newly unemployed man who, desperate to land a coveted position, hatches a ruthless plan to dispatch his competition. Korean with English subtitles. Only at the TIFF Lightbox; opens December 25.
Stranger Things Season Finale
Some TV series require the larger-than-life feel of the big screen for their grand finale. Stranger Things is one of those shows. As mentioned, Season 5 streams on Netflix this month. Tiff Lightbox is offering fans the chance to experience the final instalment of the beloved TV series on the big screen, December 31 and January 1.
ADVERTISEMENT |
NEW MUSIC
Luke Combs: “Giving Her Away”
Country music favourite Luke Combs will release his new single, “Giving Her Away,” on December 5th. The song is a heartfelt and highly anticipated track, told from the perspective of a father-in-law speaking to the groom on his daughter’s wedding day, making it an inevitable candidate for inclusion in wedding playlists and solidifying Combs’ reputation as a master country storyteller.
Depeche Mode: Momento Mori: Mexico City
On December 5th, synth-pop legends Depeche Mode are set to release Memento Mori: Mexico City, a live album and accompanying film capturing the energy of their sold-out stadium shows during the massive Memento Mori tour.
Zac Brown Band: Love & Fear
Fans of country and rock can look forward to the release of the Zac Brown Band’s new studio album, Love & Fear, on December 5th, which continues to explore the band’s signature blend of high-energy grooves and poignant songwriting.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Fatboy Slim and The Rolling Stones: “Satisfaction Skank”
On December 11th, a unique cross-genre collaboration is expected as electronic legend Fatboy Slim and The Rolling Stones team up for a new official track titled “Satisfaction Skank,” which is rumored to be an eclectic, high-energy reimagining of the iconic Rolling Stones riff.
Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary Edition
Rock purists can celebrate the 50th Anniversary Edition of Pink Floyd’s seminal album Wish You Were Here, which is scheduled for release on December 12th and will feature new mixing, unreleased session tapes, and high-resolution vinyl masters.
Blur: The Great Escape 30th Anniversary Edition
Also on December 12th, British rock band blur is releasing the 30th Anniversary Edition of their album The Great Escape, featuring rare B-sides and previously unreleased demos from the 1995 recording sessions.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Happy Holidays, and stay tuned for our January entertainment guide.
