Happening this weekend –

Cobourg Christmas party
Friends and fans of The Cobourg (533 Parliament) are invited to tonight’s Cabbagetown Christmas – the best party east of Yonge Street. From 10 pm to closing. DJs Liem Bui and Tophey Caulfeld.

Santa photo opportunity at Menagerie Pet Shop
Once again, Santa is ready to pose with your pet. (Our photo shows him hard at work last weekend at Pet Valu.) This week, he visits Menagerie Pet Shop (549-553 Parliament) on Saturday from 1 to 4 pm. Pictures are only $10. Bring your pets. But be sure to bring your kids too - they’ll love Menagerie’s amazing collection of fish, birds and reptiles. It’s like a visit to the zoo.

Santa stops at Stout too
Santa and Mrs Claus are at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) on Saturday from noon to 2 pm. It’s a family event with lots of good activities for your kids. Be sure to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank.

Sing your favourites
On Sunday, it’s the annual Christmas sing-a-long at The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament). The formal music is provided by the Sterling Brass. The lusty and loud singing comes from you, the audience. It’s a great time. 3 to 6 pm.

Cabbagetown Classical Youth Choir
A Christmas Concert on Sunday from 3 pm at St Peter Anglican Church (188 Carlton). The concert is a fundraiser for the choir. Admission is $20.

Cabbagetown Christmas catalogue

Order your Christmas dinner from Mark
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is now taking your orders for your Christmas turkeys. Tell Mark what you need and it’ll be ready by December 22. If you’re planning on alternative menus, check out his hams and his PEI prime ribs.

Beautiful flowers from Simmons
At Christmas, decorations play such an important part in our festivities. Order your table centerpieces for your own home and to take with you as a gift for your hosts. All sorts of fresh flowers are available for delivery in-town, out-of-town, or anywhere in the world. Simmons also has nice hostess gifts too! Open Christmas week, Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 7:00 pm. 540 Parliament Street, 416.920.6580.

Healthy Whey’s gift of health
Shahina suggests Healthy Whey’s gift certificates (at $10, $20, $25 and $50) to introduce your family and friends to health supplements. She carries a wide variety for adults, children and pets. Popular names such as Genuine Health, Platinum, New Chapter, Flora and Sisu line the shelves. For all the boxers, dancers, cyclists, body builders and competitors out there, she has the Animal Line from Universal Products for nutrition for the serious athlete as well as Optimum Nutrition for strength and endurance. She’s recently added Omega Alpha’s natural pet care products for parasites, joint care, immune support, and stress relief. While you’re shopping, enter the draw to win a $150 gift basket full of pet care supplies. 250 Carlton.

Fashion Wearhouse
Drop in to discover loads of bargains for your Christmas gifts. Denice (a life-long Cabbagetown resident who was born and raised here) can show you their specials and features. She particularly recommends the boots and footware currently in stock. 411 ½ Parliament

Dollar4U
You’ll need lots of last minute supplies to finish your gift wrapping and your decorating. At Dollar4U (405 Parliament), they have a lot of choice at very reasonable prices.

Christmas at Cranberries
Siva and Ruth are now preparing their annual Christmas Day feast. Cranberries (601 Parliament) has served a delicious three course turkey dinner annually and this year they’re doing it again. Understandably with this good food and cheery setting, they get a sell-out crowd, so reservations are needed for either the 5 pm or the 7:30 pm seating. $24.99. (416) 925-6330

For your Christmas table
Epicure Shop’s (474 Parliament) personalized baskets are a famous Christmas gift in Cabbagetown. You select your basket’s contents and Patty will create it for you – gourmet food items, cheeses, coffee and tea, gifts for children, and specialty desserts. On Saturday, one litre bottles of Frantoia Extra Virgin Olive Oil are on sale at $25 (save $7). Mini Pannettone are available, two for $5. And Patty has gourmet hot chocolate back in stock in four different flavours. It makes a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift.

Heroes at MJG Gallery
The “Heroes” show continues at MJG Gallery (555 Parliament). There are 42 paintings based on the theme of Heroes: Real, Fictional & Close to Home, including Stev’nn Hall’s “Lee as Perseus”. It’s all original artwork with prices ranging from $149 to $4200. 11 am to 6 pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Kendall & Co is all about form and function.
Only 9 days until Christmas! To help you make things easy, check out our updated Online Holiday Guide highlighting our fantastic assortment of festive decorations, greeting cards, gift wrapping, fun stocking stuffers, secret Santa gift exchange, party hostess gifts, and the most spectacular must-haves. You’ll find servingware, glassware, coasters, platters, trays, cheese boards, carafes, wine buckets, wine accessories, ice holders, appetizer/desert dishes, teapots, tea towels, cocktail/dinner napkins, placemats, napkin holders and more, all in a fine selection of locally made and international designs. Beautiful to give and to keep. 541 Parliament http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/shop-holiday/

Beer Tasting at JAMCafe
On Thursday December 22 at 6:30 pm, Av is presenting a beer tasting and matching it with his specially prepared hors d’oeuvres. You’ll sample eight Belgian beers and a food suggestion with each. $30, reservations are recommended. JAMCafe, (416) 921-1255, 195 Carlton.

Special offers at Number 9
Only two weeks (9 business days!) left before Christmas, but there’s still time for you to squeeze in a project or two before the holiday season ends. A few spots are still available in the schedule for recording projects and CD/DVD duplication jobs and the staff will be more than happy to work with you to get your project done in time. Be sure to ask about the #9 Anniversary Sale and about the Price Match Guarantee. http://www.number9.ca/only-two-weeks-until-christmas/ 222 Gerrard.


Riverdale Farm Shop
There’s a big clearance sale happening at the Shop (Winchester & Sumach) this weekend. 70% discounts available on most items. On Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, fresh fruit pies are on sale at the Farm. There’s also a selection of gingerbread and sugar cookies plus handcrafts and Christmas decorations.