Monday, November 23:
7pm. The Question of Celebrity Film Series @ The ROM. In association with the ROM Exhibit Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008, there is a special screening tonight of Annie Leibovitz: Life Through A Lens and Valentino: The Last Emperor. $10 for one film, or $15 to see both. Signy and Cleophee Eaton Theatre, level 1B of the museum.

Wednesday, November 25:
7pm. Ladyfest Toronto 2009 Launch Party @ The Gladstone Hotel. There will be live performances (Bollywood Burlesque!), and screenings of films including Queeropolis. 1214 Queen St. W.

7pm. Opening of the exhibit Fruits, by Japanese photographer Shoichi Aoki at the Lakeview Restaurant. Aoki has covered the evolution of Tokyo street fashion in his stunning photos. Sponsored by Steam Whistle. 1132 Dundas St. W.

8pm. Launch for Wrong Bar by Nathaniel G. Moore @ Wrong Bar. “When Maudlin City writer Charles Haas wakes up in a make-shift grave complete with windowpane roof, he realized two things: firstly, it’s a scene from one of his abandoned manuscripts, and secondly, he must stop showing his writing to strangers.” Has your interest been piqued? Celebrate the launch of this new novel with the folks at Tightrope Books.

Thursday, November 26:
5pm. Preloved Customer Appreciation Night @ preloved, 881 Queen St. W. Drop by for home bakin’s, live music, and 30 % off everything in the store!

8pm. The Best Canadian Essays 2009 Launch @ Revival. Tightrope Books celebrates the launch of this new book, showcasing fourteen exceptional essays published in Canadian magazines this year. Door prizes are from womenindance.com. 5040 Yonge St.

The Headless Woman @ Cinematheque, 317 Dundas St. W. Screening from the 27th-3rd, the Canadian premiere of a film lauded by critics as one of the best of the decade. http://www.cinemathequeontario.ca/filmdetail.aspx?filmId=1664

Saturday, November 28:
10am-5pm. Mondo Bazaar @ The Gladstone Hotel. Skip that headache-inducing trip to the mall you had planned and instead, go for brunch at the Gladstone and shop for original Christmas gifts made by local artists. 1214 Queen St. W.

6:30pm. Best of 2009 Short Films festival @ the NFB. See some of the best short films from all over the world for free at the National Film Board! RSVP here.

7pm. Opening of Cavalcade of Lights @ Nathan Phillips Square. Fun for the whole family! The official Toronto Christmas tree will be lit, there will fireworks and a skating party, and some Toronto celebs (Steven page, Keshia Chante, Friz Helder & The Phantoms) will perform.

Sunday, November 29:
10am. Flipside Record Sale @ The Gladstone Hotel. A sale for DJs and collectors, with everything from old disco, reggae, soul, hip hop, house and more! Perfect for the music geek on your Christmas list. Admission is $4. 1213 Queen St. W.

Parallel Universe @ Show & Tell Gallery, 1161 Dundas St. W. This is your last chance to check out this show, by stencil artists C215 and Logan Hicks, takes a unique look at this subculture of graffiti. Not to be missed.

Portobello East @ The Burroughes Building, 639-647 Queen St. W. Pick up some unique crafts from a collection of artists and designers. 12-6 pm.