The top 5 holiday comedy shows to see in Toronto

Look, you have all winter to ski, skate, and shop. With many of Toronto's best comics home from LA for the holidays, these line-ups are especially stacked with talent. And besides, studies show that people who acquire experiences over possessions lead much happier lives. SCIENCE.

Here are my picks for the top comedy shows to see in Toronto during the holidays.

CLICK, BAIT, & SWITCH | SECOND CITY | WED-SAT ALL DEC | $30-45

My date left the show bewildered. How come she never knew THAT'S what they meant by sketch and improv comedy?! She thought it was just gonna be a bunch of adults playing dress-up. During the show, I must've muttered genius on at least four separate occasions, and that's when I wasn't laughing at the brilliant improv that the performers weaved into their sets. The above clip features Kyle Dooley, one of the show's stars.

QUINN C. MARTIN | HARLEM RESTAURANT | 67 RICHMOND E | SUN DEC 6 & WED DEC 30 | 830PM | $15

In the past year, Quinn's done everything from a Timmie's commercial to receiving a sponsorship from Ewing Athletics. But now, armed with a licence, US Visa, and tour dates galore, this might be the last time we see him for awhile. But hey, that's how Canadian stars are born, right?

PERFECT 10 | COMEDY BAR | 945 BLOOR W | SAT DEC 12 | 1OPM | $12 ADV $15 DOOR

For my money, this is the PERFECT late-night stand-up show. Comics like Sandra Battaglini, Todd Graham, and Daniel Woodrow are so talented that even fellow comedians can't stop talking about them. Expect a TON of variety, as Marito Lopez brings the ruckus while Todd Graham kills them softly.

DAVE MERHEJE & MARK LITTLE | COMEDY BAR | 945 BLOOR W | DECEMBER 20 | 8PM | $10

Dave and Mark might as well be 6ix gods in the comedy community, and a show featuring them as the main event is as good as stand-up is going to get. That might sound like hyperbole, but these are two guys that are at their best when they have the time and atmosphere to let it all hang out.

YUK YUK'S NYE EXTRAVAGANZA | MASSEY HALL | 178 VICTORIA | DEC 31 | 730PM | $39-69

Massey Hall's NYE tradition continues, hosted this year by Shaun Majumder and headlined by Simon Cotter. Mark Breslin, Yuks' owner, has done a great job in diversifying the line-up, including some of Toronto's best like Mark Heath, Darryl Orr, and Keith Pedro.

by Michael Jagdeo via blogTO