Urban Planner: December 21, 2008

FESTIVAL: Kensington Market Festival of Lights brightens the longest night of the year with music, dance, theatre, and a parade led by Olivia Chow. The parade is participatory, so bring something to make noise with—drums, pots and pans, bells, a loud voice—and a lantern. The parade ends with a celebratory fire at Bellevue Square Park. Intersection of Oxford and Augusta, 6 p.m., FREE.

BRUNCH: Things are getting festive at the Tranzac today, in the form of Ye Olde Christmas Brunch. Hosts Victoria Kent, Erinn Langille, Mike LeBlanc, and Jeremy Singer will be performing music as Ye Olde Syrup Shoppe. Chef Ian McGettigan’s menu includes magic pancakes and breakfast burritos. After breakfast, browse the resident artisan craft fair. Tranzac (292 Brunswick Avenue), 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., $8.

COMEDY: It’s a double-feature of fun at the Comedy Bar. There's the regular Sunday Night Live gig from The Sketchersons and added to the bill tonight is Etched in Sketch. We presume both acts will be performing sketch comedy. Comedy Bar (945 Bloor Street West), 8 p.m., $8.

FUNDRAISER: An impressive display of Toronto roots musicians have gotten together for Hotcha!, a fundraiser for the Daily Food Bank. All proceeds go directly to the food bank, and any donations come with entry to a raffle draw. Musicians performing this year include Joan Besen, Darbazi, Howard Gladstone, HOTCHA!, Bob Snider, Solstice, Ryan Wayne and Dave MacEathron of the Warped 45s, and Noah Zacharin. Gladstone Hotel Melody Bar (1214 Queen Street West), 8:30 p.m., FREE. (with optional donation).