1. CINDERELLA IN MUDDY YORK
This whimsical play sets the classic tale of Cinderella in 1834 York, just before the town (nicknamed Muddy York due to its unpaved streets and lack of sewers) was incorporated as the City of Toronto. Staged with rod marionettes, special effects and live actors, the show is a beautiful, entertaining look at Toronto’s history. Dec.19 to Jan. 1, 2010. $16. Tarragon Theatre Extra Space, 30 Bridgman Ave., 416-531-1827, puppetmongers.com.

2. OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY (FREE!)
Olympic madness ramps up as the torch makes its way through Toronto from Thursday afternoon to Saturday morning. It will cover 48 kilometres in the city and pass between around 1,000 torchbearers. Check out the interactive route map to scope out the perfect spot to catch a glimpse, or take the kids to Nathan Phillips Square for dancers, musicians, acrobats and fireworks. Dec. 17 to 19. toronto.ca.

3. MATTHEW GOOD
Matthew Good, front man of the B.C. band that shared his name, provided the soundtrack for many a mid-’90s teen, with such tracks as “Indestructible,” “Apparitions” and “Hello Time Bomb.” Good has had a steady solo career since the band’s 2002 split. It hasn’t netted him the same number of chart-topping hits, but the politically outspoken rocker (check out his blog) doesn’t seem to mind. Dec. 18 and 19. $39.50–$54.50. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St., 416-870-8000, ticketmaster.ca.

4. WINTERSONG
For the past two decades, the Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre has been performing a beautiful program of dances to celebrate the season, built around Aboriginal, Jewish, Christian and secular themes. This year, highlights include the world premiere of Roberto Campanella’s A Wintery Night and Deborah Lundmark’s Unquiet Dreams, based on Celtic myth and set to live music by Kirk Elliott. Dec. 18 and 19. $18–$28. Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 207 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

5. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Since its Broadway premiere in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof has been an audience and critic favourite, and Mirvish scored the musical as part of its 2009–2010 lineup. But Toronto fans were disappointed when news broke that Chaim Topol, who starred as Tevye in both the theatrical production and the motion picture adaptation, had pulled out because of an injury. Fortunately, Tony winner Harvey Fierstein is an adequate replacement; he held the role on Broadway in 2005. Until Jan. 10, 2010. $30–$120. Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria St., 416-872-1212, mirvish.com.

6. PAROL PAARALAN
This kid-friendly event puts a multicultural spin on Christmas crafts with a workshop on making traditional Filipino parols—brightly coloured holiday lanterns. Check out the parols made by local Filipino-Canadian artists, which will be auctioned off on-line. Proceeds benefit an organization that rebuilds schools and daycares in the Philippines that were destroyed by two typhoons earlier this year. Dec. 19. $10. Kapisanan Philippine Centre, 167 Augusta Ave., 416-979-0600, kapisanancentre.com.

7. CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
This old-fashioned Christmas celebration is a tradition in Toronto. The rooms of Colborne Lodge, the former home of High Park founders John and Jemima Howard, are decked out in Victorian-era style. Tour the cottage to see period decorations and enjoy treats and centrepiece making. Until Jan. 3, 2010. $5.71. Colborne Lodge, High Park, 416-392-6919, toronto.ca/culture/museums/colborne-lodge.htm.

8. SANTARCHY (FREE!)
This Newmindspace event is akin to the Toronto Zombie Walk, but with Santas, elves and reindeer. Participants sporting holiday costumes meet at Yonge and Dundas or in Yorkville and jingle all the way to Queen and Gladstone for an evening of festive debauchery. Dec. 19. newmindspace.com.