1. THE SANTA CLAUS PARADE (FREE!)
We were having a little trouble getting into the holiday spirit (it’s weird that Christmas trees and Halloween candy are on sale at the same time), but we’re pretty sure the annual Santa Claus parade will help. Head out early and you’ll be able to take advantage of the free breakfast at Yonge-Dundas Square and snag front-row seats. Nov. 15. Bloor and Christie, 416-249-7833, thesantaclausparade.ca.

2. BREAKING THE CYCLE 6: CANADIAN BBOY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Though the crowd at this all-ages event will probably be mostly students, hardcore hip-hop fans should still check it out. B-boy crews from across the country will compete for bragging rights (and $500) in this dance throw-down. There will also be performances by rapper RTB, funk band The Harshmallows and Toronto's own Street Dance Academy. Nov. 14. $10. The Underground, York University Student Centre, 4700 Keele St., 647-285-7138, facebook.com/event.php?eid=149529734322.

3. ILLUMINITE (FREE!)
The city is all about the holiday season this weekend. The lights at Yonge-Dundas Square go on this Saturday with a celebration that includes pyrotechnics, flame throwers, live music and, of course, a high-impact, tree-lighting finale. Nov. 14. 6 p.m. Yonge-Dundas Square, wintermagic.ca/illuminite.

4. DR. STRANGELOVE
If all that warm and fuzzy holiday spirit makes you want to gag, this screening of Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 cult classic Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is just the thing. This black comedy follows an unhinged general who sets the ball rolling toward a nuclear holocaust. Presented by the Toronto Socialist Action, expect politically driven commentary and discussion, post-film. Nov. 13. PWYC, suggested donation $4. OISE, 252 Bloor St. W., Room 2-212, 416-535-8779.

5. TORONTO REEL ASIAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Another reminder that TIFF’s not the only film festival game in town, the 13-year-old Reel Asian welcomes work by East and Southeast Asian filmmakers from around the world. Our must-sees include White on Rice, the much-lauded comedy by American director David Boyle, and When the Full Moon Rises, Malaysian director Mamat Khalid’s latest, a noir flick shot in black and white that manages to include slapstick comedy and musical numbers. Nov. 11 to 15. Festival pass $80, regular ticket $12. Various locations, reelasian.com.

6. JACOB TWO-TWO MEETS THE HOODED FANG
It’s story time at the Young Centre this weekend, and actress and comedian Andrea Martin is doing the honours. Launching Canadian Children’s Book Week, Martin will be reading from a kid lit classic: Mordecai Richler’s Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang. The book is hilarious, and we bet Martin’s the type to do funny voices. Nov. 14. $20. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 55 Mill St., Bldg. 49, 416-866-8666, youngcentre.ca.

7. THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
When this Rudolf Nureyev–choreographed ballet was first performed by the National Ballet in the early 1970s, it was a landmark in the company’s history. Notoriously difficult to stage, this fairy tale is nothing like the Disney version. Opulent sets, gorgeous costumes and phenomenal dancing make it a must-see. Nov. 13 to 22. $20–$210. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W., 416-345-9595, national.ballet.ca.

8. DRAGONS’ DEN: WHERE DRAGONS ARE BORN IN FLAMES (FREE!)
Reality TV lovers will enjoy this plain old reality version of the CBC show. Head down to the CBC building at lunchtime to watch three young entrepreneurs compete for a propertyguys.com franchise in front of a live audience. Nov. 13. CBC, Barbara Frum Atrium, 250 Front St. W., 416-205-3311, cbc.radio-canada.ca/visit.