26 December 2025

Gabriella Lester interviewed by Ellen at The Fame Reporter

From the article "Gabriella Lester || Now You See Me LIVE" by Ellen at The Fame Reporter:

At 14, you became one of the youngest performers to execute Houdini’s suspended straitjacket escape. What do you remember most vividly from that moment?

The straitjacket escape was my first career “child.” It was something I decided I wanted to do when I was around 13 years old. Not one person in the industry wanted to help. I was encouraged to stay “young and cute” and focus on smaller things – but it didn’t matter. 

This was one of the first times in my life that I learned to put blinders on and not care about the background noise. It taught me that success comes from a balance of caring deeply and not caring at all. 

Read more. 


 

Found at the December 24th post of Shawn Farquhar's Facebook feed

 

 

 

 

25 December 2025

ICYMI: David Acer hosts the Happy Pawlidays Virtual Show

Previously shared December 25, 2021 and every year thereafter.  

 

This has come to be a holiday tradition at the blog.   Enjoy!

 

From the December 19, 2020 upload on the Official SuperDogs YouTube channel:

Join The President's Choice SuperDogs for their magical, musical holiday celebration, "Happy Pawlidays."

 

 

 



 

 

 

ICYMI: Happy Holidays from Lucy Darling, Miranda Allen, and Richard Lee

Previously shared December 25, 2024.  

 

From the December 21, 2020 Facebook post by Carisa Hendrix:

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Written and performed by
Carisa HendrixCo-staring Miranda Allen and Richard Lee
Special thanks to Jim Millan
Dedicated to the memory of Martin Gardner
Custom Music by Esin Aydingoz & Adam Traister

 

 


 

 

 

ICYMI: Wes Barker's Backwards Hallmark Movie

Previously shared December 25, 2024.

 

Nothing says Christmas like a good old fashioned Hallmark Christmas Movie!


From the December 4, 2024 Facebook post by Wes Barker:

 

 

 


 

 

 

24 December 2025

ICYMI: Magical traditions from Tips & Tricks for Magicians

Previously shared December 24, 2024

 

From the December 4, 2024 Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:

 


There's also this one from the December 22, 2022 Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:

 

 

 

And last but not least, our favourite from the December 22, 2022 Facebook post by Tips & Tricks for Magicians:

 

 


 

 

 

 

ICYMI: A magical song to get you into the holiday spirit!

Previously shared December 24, 2024

As performed by by Bernard & Elizabeth at the December 13, 2024 Magic Circle of Saint John Christmas party.    


Reprinted with permission.


Magical Bells
(To the tune of “Jingle Bells”)

🎵 Chorus:
Magic spells, magic spells, tricks are on display,
Oh, what fun it is to cast illusions all the way, hey!
Magic spells, magic spells, rabbits jump away,
Abracadabra! Cards appear, the crowd shouts out, “Hooray!” 🎵

Verse 1:
Dashing through the stage,
With wands held high in hand,
Conjuring amaze,
A show that’s truly grand!
Top hats full of cheer,
With scarves that never end,
The crowd is full of wonder here,
And laughter we will send!

🎵 Chorus

Verse 2:
Pulling coins from air,
And flowers from a hat,
Rings that float and fly,
Imagine all of that!
The deck begins to move,
Your card is guessed just right,
A little wave, a little smile,
And magic fills the night!

🎵 Chorus

 

 



 

 

23 December 2025

ICYMI: The Professor and His Student by Shawn McMaster in Genii

Read the October 20th article "The Professor and His Student" by Shawn McMaster at Genii.  (Excerpt available for free, full article for Genii subscribers.)

 

From the November 6th Facebook post by Genii magazine:

Read Shawn McMaster's lovely reminiscence of two of the biggest names in magic and their magical encounter at The Magic Castle in the 1970s. 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook November 6.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22 December 2025

2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase summary

This concludes the 2025 Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase (ICMS)! 

We hope you enjoyed reading about many of the talented magicians across the country.  Thank you for joining us on the journey.

A huge shout out to everyone who submitted names and supporting text to us last month.  Thank you for generously making the time to celebrate your peers!

   

We couldn't have done this without the help of:


Thank you for the thought and time involved in sending us your submissions.

 



Congratulations again to everyone featured.  Keep up the great work!

Be sure to click on the links below to find out what makes each magician inspirational in their own right.  The story isn't just about who was selected.  Of equal, or perhaps greater importance, is why they were selected!










19 December 2025

Ian Stewart: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Last, but certainly not least in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ian Stewart!

 

Ian Stewart: Inspirational Canadian Magician
Ian Stewart: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Canadian magician, hypnotist and multiple record holder Ian Stewart is an inspiration because despite his multiple achievements his pure love of magic is demonstrated by his unwavering support and mentorship of up and coming magicians. 

In his home of Nova Scotia he has been a constant source of help in supporting the local magic community. All the while asking for nothing in return -- just because of his love of magic. Ian also is constantly a source of encouragement for local magicians to push their own boundaries.

Submitted by Tabraze Sheikh 



Congratulations Ian!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Ian Stewart visit his website at WorldRecordMagician.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.


Thank you to Tabraze, for your excellent submission!  

To learn more about Tabraze Sheikh, follow him on Facebook and Instagram.






Los Angeles: Bill Abbott presents Magic Hideaway [Jan 7]

For more information or to reserve your spot, call TheMagicApple.com.
 

 

 From the December 18th Facebook post by Bill Abbott:

Looking forward sharing my exclusive working routines from my four-year residency at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa at this lecture on Wednesday January 7th. Call The Magic Apple (818) 508-9921 to reserve. 


Previously shared on Instagram December 17.






18 December 2025

Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Next in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Chris Gowen!

 

Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician
Chris Gowen: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Chris has been consistently increasing the quality, variety, and strength of his shows. He's been performing multiple times per week at the Rec Room in Edmonton, and selling out many of them. His dedication to creating original effects, always looking to improve, and constantly learning and putting on multiple shows per week is an incredible inspiration.

Submitted by Ryan Michael 



Congratulations Chris!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Chris Gowen, visit his website at ChrisGowen.ca and follow him on Facebook, and Instagram.  


Thank you to Ryan, for your excellent submission!  

To learn more about Ryan Michael, visit RyanMichaelMagic.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.  






Kelowna: Mind Games and Prophecy [Jan 4, 11, 18, & 25]

For tickets and more information visit CrownThieves.com  


 

From the December 16th Instagram post by Ryan Michael:

✨January dates are now on the website and are already flying!

✨January 4th - Mind Games (sold out) 
✨January 11th - Mind Games 
✨January 18th - NEW SHOW Prophecy 
✨January 25th - NEW SHOW Prophecy  

 

 

 

 

Previously shared on Instagram December 16. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 December 2025

Montreal: Winter Jam / Jam D'Hiver 2026 [Jan 5]

From MontrealMagicJam.com:

To celebrate the New Year, in collaboration with le Club de magie de Montréal, we're hosting a gathering that includes a number of mini-lectures from special guests AND great company. Speakers include Rico Weeland from the Netherlands, our very own Slim Card, and many more.  

Read more and buy tickets.

 

From the Montreal Magic Jam Facebook Event "Winter Jam / Jam D'Hiver 2026":
 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook December 15

 

 

 

 

 

16 December 2025

Ryan Joyce: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Next in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ryan Joyce!

 

Ryan Joyce: Inspirational Canadian Magician
Ryan Joyce: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Ryan Joyce for his continued leadership of the Canadian Association of Magicians.  Notably in 2025, Ryan championed the the launch of the "Canada Proud" deck of playing cards, which features his artwork on the backs.

Submitted by Mystery Magician II 



Congratulations Ryan!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Ryan Joyce, visit his website at RyanJoyce.com or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.


Thank you to our anonymous Mystery Magician II, for your excellent submission!






Billy Hsueh and Eric Leclerc at the Magic Castle [Dec 15 - 21]

From the December 15th Facebook post by The Magic Castle:

NOW PERFORMING! 🪄
Monday, December 15th,  2025 through Sunday, December 21st, 2025 at the world-famous Magic Castle: 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook December 15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 December 2025

Stéphane Bourgoin: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Next in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Stéphane Bourgoin!

 

Stéphane Bourgoin: Inspirational Canadian Magician
Stéphane Bourgoin: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Stéphane has been a driving force in the Montreal magic community for years. 

He has been creating relentlessly and consulting on some of the biggest projects out there — from collaborations with Cirque du Soleil to theatre productions and television.

Just this year, he created the magic for Luc Langevin’s new stage show and consulted on the theatre adaptations of Dracula and Peter Pan, just to name a few of his projects. 

Always generous with his time and advice, he continues to be a vital part of our community.

Submitted by Marc Trudel 



Congratulations Stéphane!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Stéphane Bourgoin, visit his website at StephaneBourgoin.com or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.



Thank you Marc for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Marc Trudel, visit MarcTrudelMagicien.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram







Toronto: Mikey V’s Skool 4 Fools [weekly Jan 6th - Feb 4]

For more information or to register, visit ComedyBar.ca 

 

From the December 4th Instagram post by eyedoomagk

 

Previously shared on Facebook December 4. 

 

 

 

 

11 December 2025

Winnipeg: Darcy Oake [Oct 24, 2026]

Tickets at CentennialConcertHall.com.   For the pre-sale code click through Darcy's Facebook or Instagram posts.

 

From the December 10th Facebook post by Darcy Oake:

Winnipeg! It’s finally happening. I’m coming home for one epic night: October 24th, 2026 at the Centennial Concert Hall  and I’m bringing out all the bells and whistles for this one! 

 

 

[With thanks to Gwyn Auger for letting us know!] 

 

 

 

 

 

10 December 2025

Ed Fernandez: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fourth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Ed Fernandez!

 

Ed Fernandez: Inspirational Canadian Magician
Ed Fernandez: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Ed has been an inspiration for me when I first met him in 1976 at a night club in St. Catharines. He was touring with Johnny Green and the Greenmen (the Jokers henchmen from the original Batman TV series).

He toured the world with his illusion show on premier cruise lines. He had the largest Illusion show of its kind in Santo Domingo. He was an act in Liberace's show in Las Vegas and appeared in many television talk shows. 

This past year he suffered a serious health scare and got through it with flying colours. We worked together in Quebec this past September. 

Ed performs Mentalism and Hypnosis these days. What an inspiration!

Submitted by Ken McCreedy 



Congratulations Ed!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Ed Fernandez, visit his website at FernandezHypnotist.com or follow him on Facebook.



Thank you Ken for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Ken McCreedy, visit KenMcCreedy.com and follow him on Facebook







Thank you to our personal sponsors for December 2025!

A quick reminder of our earlier Mail as Medicine request for Katie Hunt.  If you have the time, Katie and Doug would both benefit from hearing from their friends!

 --

Thank you to John Harrison, Richard Lyn, Joan Caesar, Ian Crawford, Matt DiSero, Doug Hunt, John Smithman, Loran, Peter Mennie, Noah Nogueira, Aaron Matthews, Cam Dix, Ian Batterbury, Sonny Patel, and the Toronto Magic Company for being Friends of Canada's Magic!

It's good to have friends like you.

You too can Be Our Friend for only $20 per year! 

Donations of any size are always welcome.





or

 

 

 

09 December 2025

Toronto: The Oy-llusionists -- Oy to the World [Dec 24]

Featuring Phil Pivnick, Artemus Syman, and Rob Fishbaum at Oria on King, 220 King Street West.

 

From Eventbrite:

Get ready to be mind-blown by The Oy-llusionists as they bring their magical tricks to life in a show you won't forget!

Get ready to laugh till your latkes fall over!

Join us this Christmas Eve for a one-of-a-kind Jewish Comedy Magic Show that blends classic shtick, mind-boggling miracles, and enough Yiddishkeit to make your bubbe kvell. 

Read more and buy tickets. 

 

 

From the December 2nd Facebook post by 15FirstDates 
[Note the text in the image below doesn't reflect the 2025 location of the show listed at Eventbrite]: 
 

 

 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook December 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

08 December 2025

Alain Choquette: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Fourth in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Alain Choquette!

 

Alain Choquette: Inspirational Canadian Magician
Alain Choquette: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Alain Choquette embodies the spirit of Canadian magic with his unique blend of storytelling, wonder, and heartfelt connection to audiences. In 2025, his performances reminded me how magic can transcend language and culture, inspiring me to pursue creativity with authenticity and passion. He is truly one of the greatest entertainers to ever exist in the world of magic, and his career continues to show that true magic lies in touching people’s hearts. 

Submitted by Alex Boyer 



Congratulations Alain!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Alain Choquette, visit his website at AlainChoquette.ca or follow him on Facebook.



Thank you Alex for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Alex Boyer, visit his website at AlexBoyer.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.







Toronto: A very merry magic show [Dec 20 - 22]

Tickets at Tickets.Ticketwise.com

 

From the December 1st Instagram post by Magic Mel:

✨🎄 Exciting Announcement! 🎄✨
@bentastic_magic and I are performing together this December at the Wychwood Theatre! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

05 December 2025

Connie Boyd: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Third in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Connie Boyd!

 

Connie Boyd: Inspirational Canadian Magician
Connie Boyd: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Connie Boyd is my inspiration because she has broken barriers and redefined what it means to be a woman in magic. Her groundbreaking book, The Power of Magical Women — the first ever written by a female magician — has made history and continues to empower performers around the world. Connie’s passion, talent, and advocacy for women in the art form inspire me to pursue my own magic with confidence, creativity, and purpose. 

Submitted by Chanelle Munroe 



Congratulations Connie!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Connie Boyd, visit her website ThePowerOfMagicalWomen.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.



Thank you Chanelle for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Chanelle Munroe, visit her website at ChanelleMunroe.com, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.







Billy Hsueh makes his Magic Castle debut [Dec 15 - 21]

From the December 1st Facebook post by Billy Hsueh

Officially making my @magiccastlehollywood debut in the Parlor of Prestidigitation Dec 15th-21st! 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook December 1.   

 

For a look at the rest of Billy's dates in December, check out is December 4th Facebook post:

December is PACKED!  

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook December 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

04 December 2025

Calgary: The fifth annual Born Brewing Co. Magic Show [Dec 11]

Tickets at BornBrewing.co

 

From the December 1st Facebook post by Ben Price:

December 11 - The fifth annual Born Brewing Co. Magic Show! Tickets are on sale now at bornbrewing.co
See you there! 

 

 

 

Previously shared on Facebook December 1st.

 

 

 

 

 

 

03 December 2025

Dean Gunnarson: Inspirational Canadian Magician

Second in this year's Inspirational Canadian Magician Showcase, is Dean Gunnarson!

 

Dean Gunnarson: Inspirational Canadian Magician
Dean Gunnarson: Inspirational Canadian Magician.
 
 

 

Dean Gunnarsson was an incredible inspiration and mentor to me. His fearless creativity and dedication to the art of escape taught me the power of perseverance and showmanship. Dean always encouraged me to push boundaries, stay authentic, and believe in my own unique magic. His guidance helped shape not only my performances but also my confidence as an entertainer. 

Submitted by Sean Watson 



Congratulations Dean!  Keep up the great work!

To learn more about Dean Gunnarson, visit his website AlwaysEscaping.com or follow him on Instagram.



Thank you Sean for your excellent submission!

To learn more about Sean Watson, visit his website at SeanWatsonMagician.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.