November events in Toronto dial things up. They fill enormous rooms with unique experiences like a living GQ Magazine, an Alice in Wonderland style art auction, and mystical landscapes. Fill up your brain and heart with these major happenings before the avalanche of holiday happening begin.

Here are my picks for the top events in Toronto this November.

The Royal Winter Fair (Nov. 4-13, Exhibition Place)
The full fall experience isn't complete without a visit to the country in the city via the Royal Winter Fair. There's lots of yummy food, snacks, shows, vendors, and of course many, many baby animals. The horse and dog shows are a must see, as well as all the highly entertaining animal competitions and presentations. Show up anytime and you'll have fun.

Day of the Dead (Nov. 5-6, Harbourfront Centre)
There are a few Day of the Dead events happening in November, but this one is the only multi-day extravaganza that features post mortem puppet theatre, Amor Eterno: A Tribute to Juan Gabriel and the Viva Mexico Mariachi band. They don't just celebrate Mexico during this haunting holiday, they dive right in.

Election Night viewings (Nov. 8, Various locations)
There are numerous ways to get ready for the US election, but it's the big night we're all really concerned with. Check out viewing parties at The Beaver, The Fox and Fiddle on the Danforth, and at Hot Docs Cinema, to name a few.

Mystical Landscapes (Until January 29, AGO)
This new show features works from Monet, Van Gogh, Emily Carr and so many more depicting magical, mystical, and imagination filled landscapes. Almost 90 paintings and 20 works on paper, many of which seldom leave their home museum, visit the AGO for this massive, colourful show, which is getting rave reviews.

Art Attack! (Nov. 10, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre)
Every year, Buddies welcomes hundreds of art lovers and adventurous shoppers for an outrageous art auction unlike anything you've ever seen or been to. The live auction features work from over 25 contemporary artists, and the Rock Hudson Memorial Tuck Shop offers limited edition stuff at a slightly more affordable rate. This is a true art party.

The Gentlemen's Expo (Nov. 10, Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
Like GQ magazine brought to life, this mega men's show features all things men's health, including grooming, food, fashion, tech and other manly things. Obviously women are very welcome at this event to get a sneak peek into what the boys are fussing about.

CLGA Electric Circus Gala (Nov.12, Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives)
The CLGA's annual gala is usually a crazy fun party, but they're really stepping things up with year with their Electric Circus-themed dance party. Hostess with the mostess Monika Deol will be in the house alongside Jeanne Beker. CityTV represent! There'll be a fashion show and '90s dance hits all night long.

Gourmet Wine and Food Expo (Nov. 17-20, Metro Toronto Convention Centre)
Sample over 1,500 wines, beers, spirits and foods at this mega-foodie event. Head here on an empty stomach with friends and eat and sip your way through the room at what's called one of the country's biggest cocktail parties. There's a chef stage with demos all weekend as well as a spiritology Pavilion where bartenders show off their skills and live music shows.

One of a Kind Show (Nov. 24-Dec.4, Enercare Centre)
Over 800 vendors and artisans welcome you and your holiday shopping coins at this massive shopping event. Clothes, fashion, visual arts, eatables and all kinds of other unique gift ideas and the people who make them in one spot. It saves you a lot of time and keeps you indoors while getting all that shopping done.

Cavalcade of Lights (Nov. 26, Nathan Phillips Square)
If you thought fireworks were impressive, head to City Hall to see a bunch of light contained in bulbs illuminate the sky and downtown core. It's a fun, annual tradition with a tree lighting, live shows, and ok fine, fireworks as well. There's also a skating party with music under a sheet of twinkling lights.

Photo by Sue Holland.