Winter Stages Come Alive at ROM for the Holidays

This holiday season, ROM transforms into a lively festival of music, dance, puppetry, and pop-up surprises as part of its expanded performance lineup for ROM for the Holidays, running December 26, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Across the museum, visitors can experience a rotating schedule of shows that celebrate creativity, culture, and the magic of winter. 

In the Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre, families will be treated to the joyful return of Chris McKhool, the four-time JUNO Award nominee known as one of Canada’s most dynamic eco-troubadours for young audiences. McKhool’s two daily shows—Earth, Seas & Air and Fiddle Fire’—blend environmental storytelling with high-energy music. With multiple musicians onstage and children invited to join the performance, his concerts offer a rare mix of inspiration and pure fun. Daily from Dec 29 to Jan 2.  

Throughout the museum, spontaneous moments of wonder unfold with pop-up performers. In the Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery, performer Heath Tarlin will bring bursts of colour and whimsy with appearances as a giant butterfly or enchanting walking tree.  

On December 27 and December 28, the space will also host Nimkii, a world-renowned hoop dancer whose performances blend traditional movement, drumming, and song into a powerful expression of Indigenous artistry. On the same dates, in Chen Court, families can gather for Rabbit & Bear Paws, a puppet show series sharing stories about the stars, winter traditions, and our relationship with nature—perfect for young visitors and anyone young at heart. 

Visit the Museum this holiday season as it transforms into a vibrant holiday stage—inviting visitors to celebrate winter through art, storytelling, and shared moments of joy. 

ROM for the Holidays is presented by BASF Canada. 

Melissa Smith is AVP, Gallery Engagement at ROM.