Stage/Comedy

Where: Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond St. W.
When: Sun., Dec. 17
Why you should go: Hosted by Canadian stand-up legend Kenny Robinson, the long-running Nubian Show at Yuk Yuk’s can boast of having had names like Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart and Russell Peters in its lineup, as well as playing a role in launching the career of many rising stars in Canadian comedy. A highlight of the regular shows on the Yuk Yuk’s calendar.

Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave.
When: Thurs., Dec. 14
Why you should go: Toronto’s Steph Tolev was a member of the sketch comedy duo Ladystache along with comedian Allison Hogg, winning Most Innovative Comedy Troupe at Montreal Sketchfest in 2010 and the Just for Laughs Award in 2014. She spent last year opening for Bill Burr on tour and appears on his recent Netflix special, Bill Burr Presents: Friends Who Kill.

Where: 154 Danforth Ave., 2nd floor
When: Fri., Dec. 15, SoCap Theatre
Why you should go: All of Us Are Asian is an improv show that takes its inspiration from growing up in an Asian family. The show is fuelled by real-life stories about secrets “we kept from our parents,” all of which are submitted (anonymously) by the audience. Past submitted secrets include “I paid someone to change all my report card grades in high school” and “I had sex with two of my professors in law school.” The show promises “a night of laughter and connection.”

Where: Yuk Yuk’s, 224 Richmond St. W.
When: Fri., Dec. 22 & Sat., Dec. 23
Why you should go: Woodbridge’s own Alex Pavone moved to New York City nearly 10 years ago and has since opened for stars like Bobby Lee and Bill Burr. His Instagram feed is a steady stream of digital skits and podcast clips about his sports fandoms and gambling. This homecoming trip has him headlining three shows at Yuk Yuk’s.

Where: Second City, One York Street, 110 Harbour St.
When: On now until Sun., Dec. 31
Why you should go: Second City promises that all who come to this improv-powered “Holidazed” showcase will be “roasted like chestnuts on an open fire.”

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.
When: Tue., Jan. 21
Why you should go: The Atlantic calls him “the nicest man in stand-up,” but Nate Bargatze is also one of the hottest acts in comedy right now. Bargatze is your favourite comedian’s favourite comedian. His material is clean and evergreen, which he delivers with a smooth, laidback Tennessee drawl that will instantly put you at ease, no matter how stressful a day it’s been. Saying that Bargatze is hilarious and a joy to watch is possibly the most uncontroversial opinion any human can have.

Where: Comedy Bar on Bloor, 945 Bloor St. W.
When: Every Friday
Why you should go: Each week, Adam Christie welcomes a different guest to do an extended stand-up set. The program promises “one of the best comedians in Canada,” though it’s hard to tell if that’s meant to refer to the weekly guests or the host himself. Christie is immensely talented and always hilarious, so it’s hard to imagine the weekly “headliner” being funnier than him.

Where: Comedy Bar on Bloor, 945 Bloor St. W.
When: Every Thursday
Why you should go: The long-running weekly show at Comedy Bar regularly features some of the best local stand-up talent in the city, including names like Tim Gilbert, Courtney Gilmour and Adam Christie. Many regular shows will claim to have the best acts in their lineup, but Laugh Sabbath actually delivers the goods. Come out and see the best of the best of Toronto’s comedy scene every week.