1. CANADIAN SWEET TREATS: FOOD EXPERTS DEBATE THE CLASSICS
Everyone knows butter tarts are a little taste of Canadiana, but what about carrot pudding and fruitcake? A panel of food experts, including Canadian Living’s Elizabeth Baird, culinary historian Liz Driver and writer Rose Murray, take on the nation’s culinary history, discussing these and other desserts. Sweet-toothed foodies will especially enjoy the taste-test portion of the afternoon. Dec. 13. $32. ROM, 100 Queen’s Park, 416-586-5797, rom.on.ca.

2. BALLET CREOLE: SOULFUL MESSIAH
Fast on its way to becoming a holiday tradition, Ballet Creole’s Soulful Messiah is a high-energy, totally funky take on Handel’s famed oratorio. Created by the company’s artistic director and founder, the show features contemporary and Afro-Caribbean dance set to Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and Patti Austin. Dec. 11 to 13. $25–$45. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 207 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

3. EVERYONE’S A DJ (FREE!)
The second anniversary of this DIY dance party sees 22 DJs with varying levels of experience take the stage for 20-minute sets. Expect tunes as diverse as the lineup—a somewhat incongruous (but still enjoyable) mix of deep house, top 40 and ’90s hip hop. Don't forget donations of non-perishable food items and winter clothing; Disgraceland will pass them on to its neighbour, women's shelter Sistering. Dec. 12. Disgraceland, 965 Bloor St. W., everyonesadj.ca.

4. TORONTO SMALL PRESS BOOK FAIR (FREE!)
Bookworms and the people who love them won’t want to miss this one-day book fair. In addition to the plethora of books, zines, graphic novels, magazines and audio books up for grabs, there will be plenty of chances to meet and greet authors like Austin Clarke, Shinan Govani, Timothy Quinn and Karen Dales. Dec. 12. The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., torontosmallpressbookfair.org.

5. THE NUTCRACKER
Choreographer James Kudelka and designer Santo Loquasto put a spin on this holiday favourite, setting it amid the opulence and splendour of imperial Russia. Clara and Fritz are out; instead, the story follows siblings Misha and Marie as they meet the Nutcracker Prince, Snow Queen and Sugar Plum Fairy. With challenging choreography and gorgeous sets and costumes, it’s one of the best Nutcracker productions in the world. Dec. 12 to Jan. 3. $33–$121. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W., 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

6. CHANUKAH FAMILY FESTIVAL
Kick off the Festival of Lights with this family-friendly holiday celebration. On offer: folk dancing, singing, candle lighting and latkes. Dec. 13. $8 per person; $20 per family. Oraynu Children’s School, 131 Fenn Ave., 416-385-3910, oraynu.org.

7. CONSTANTINES
Toronto indie darlings the Constantines are celebrating a decade of art-rock musical stylings with a two-night engagement at Lee’s Palace. The Guelph natives will play favourites from their four-album repertoire, and promise guest appearances by a few “famous friends.” Dec. 11 to 12. $20. Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St. W., arts-crafts.ca/constantines.

8. TORONTO MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Road warriors (wannabe or otherwise) should check out this trade show for an advance look at 2010 models and new gear, as well as stunt performances, a riding workshop for kids, and an exhibit of classic bikes. Until Dec. 13. $16. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Bldg., 222 Bremner Blvd., torontomotorcycleshow.ca.

9. SANTA SPEEDO RUN (FREE!)
Like most charity runs, this one is pretty straightforward. The goal is to raise as much money as possible for the Hospital for Sick Children, but participants do that by donning a Speedo, sneakers and Santa accessories ... and that's it. This short sprint through Yorkville has raised upwards of $100,000 for SickKids' Toy and Game fund since the inaugural run in 2005. Exhibitionist types can get their jollies while contributing to this year's goal of $25,000. Dec. 12. Hemingway's, 142 Cumberland St., torontosantaspeedorun.com.