It’s not a trick! Arriving in time for the fun and spooky season, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) offers a special Halloween treat with the return of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Live in Concert to Film. See Jack Skellington’s magical adventure unfold on the big screen of the majestic Roy Thomson Hall as the sounds of the TSO performing Danny Elfman’s delightfully quirky score sweep you away. 

For only three performances on October 18 & 19, join the TSO for a moviegoing experience unlike any other! Whether it’s your kids’ first time seeing it or they already know every line, this beloved classic is a surefire hit with all ages because of its sweet assortment of Halloween chills and Christmas cheer.

Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Live in Concert to Film isn’t just your regular movie screening… it’s a completely immersive entertainment experience! With the packed hall buzzing with anticipation, it’s a thrill to share this film’s spellbinding music and visuals with your kids along with the theatre hall full of fellow fans. The lights dim and the TSO kicks off the concert with those iconic opening notes, immediately taking you away to a wild dream world. The energy is electric, with each scene feeling more vibrant and exciting with the orchestra playing live right before you.

In addition, the TSO encourages families and fans to have a night of dress-up fun too! Maybe Mom and Dad want to come dressed as Jack and Sally, and kids love pretending to be the Oogie Boogie and those three mischievous trick-or-treaters, Lock, Shock, and Barrel! So, mark your calendars and get your costumes ready — this is one family night you’ll be talking about long after all the Halloween candy has been eaten.

TSO Nightmare 2

This Fan-Favourite Stop-Motion Animation Film Comes to Life Like Never Before!

Experience the magic of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performing the live music of this contemporary holiday classic on the big screen. Indeed, you’ll feel like you’re right in Halloween Town when you hear the score played live in full symphonic glory. It adds a whole new level of excitement when every note of songs such as “This Is Halloween” to “What’s This?” fills the Roy Thomson Hall with the movie’s whimsical and eerie charm.

Based on an original poem and characters created by Tim Burton, and directed by Henry Selick (James and the Giant Peach), The Nightmare Before Christmas was released in 1993 and has since become a much-loved cult classic for fans of both Halloween and Christmas. Performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Sarah Hicks, the film follows Halloween Town’s beloved Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon with music performances sung by Danny Elfman himself), on his earnest-but-misguided adventures to change the same old scare-and-scream routine of Halloween. Convinced that he can spread the joy of Christmas, Jack kidnaps Santa Claus and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere, against the advice of the caring and clever ragdoll Sally (voiced by Canadian comedy icon Catherine O’Hara).

Along with Tim Burton’s unmistakable visual style, the concert also features the full score by the legendary Grammy®-winning composer Danny Elfman, performed live to picture by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. This is one of many unforgettable compositions he has written for Burton’s films, including Beetlejuice (and its new sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice), Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Edward Scissorhands, Alice In Wonderland and Batman.

As fast as Santa’s sleigh, tickets to this fantastical musical experience are flying away, so don’t miss out — grab yours today here!

Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Live in Concert to Film

When: October 18-19, 2024
Time: Friday 7:30pm, Saturday 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto
Website: www.tso.ca

Check out our full list of spoooooky Halloween events in Toronto and the GTA here!