Free events in Toronto this November will take you from movie theatres and gyms to markets and all the way back to high school. There are also a couple of very impressive light shows that will help you get into the holiday spirit. Yup, that's right, it's already that time of the year.

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

Glory Days US election viewing party (Nov. 8, Gladstone Hotel)
You can watch the election coverage all over the city on November 8, but this event at the Gladstone is perfect because the venue is so spacious and welcoming. They'll be broadcasting the CBC coverage live starting at 6 p.m.

European Union Film Festival (Nov. 10-24, Royal Cinema)
The Royal Cinema hosts this great big film festival that highlights movies from the EU. The variety is astounding, and the quality is typically very high. The schedule hasn't been released yet, but you can expect good things.

Of Horses and Men screening (Nov. 12, The Royal)
This film won the Nordic Council prize for film (Scandinavia's most prestigious film award) and this screening is part of the Taste of Iceland fest happening this month. Set almost entirely outdoors, it showcases the island's beautiful landscapes and the human-horse relationship.

Sunday Sweat Series (Nov. 13, Academy of Lions)
Finish your weekend off right with a full, three hour power workout routine exercising mindfulness, movement and mobility. It's BYOM (bring your own mat) and you can register here.

Radiotopia Podcaster Meet and Greet (Nov. 19, Markham House)
This one's part of the city's first ever Podcast Festival, but free! Join Phoebe Judge of Criminal, Hrishikesh Hirway of Song Exploder, Radiotopia's executive producer Julie Shapiro and other audio producers for this unique opportunity to have your burning podcast questions answered.

Distillery District Christmas Market (Nov. 18- Dec. 22, Distillery District)
The Christmas Market is only free Tuesday to Friday (Friday until 5 p.m., that is). It's $6 on weekends. Otherwise walk on it, stroll around and let the Christmas spirit invade your soul! It's open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and features all types of entertainment and vendors. Perfect date night material.

Wrench Fest Dodgeball Tournament (Nov. 19, Jesse Ketchum P.S.)
This full day tournament will take you back to high school, for better or for worse. It's a co-ed tournament and both individual and and group registrations are welcome.

Illuminite (Nov.19, Yonge-Dundas Square)
You can expect big lights and music at this mega-tree lighting ceremony at Yonge Dundas Square. Ride the Tiger will perform, followed by a tree lighting performance from special guests the St. Michael's Choir. If this doesn't get you in holiday mode, I truly don't know what will.

Regent Park Film Fest (Nov. 23-26, Daniels Spectrum)
This is another completely free film festival - how lucky are we? The schedule is now live and all films play at Daniels Spectrum. Expect to see "local and international independent works relevant to people from all walks of life, with a focus on low income and public housing communities."

Cavalcade of Lights (Nov. 26, Nathan Phillips Square)
Head to City Hall to see fireworks illuminate the sky and the downtown core. It's a fun, annual tradition with tree lighting, and live entertainment. There's also a skating party with music under a sheet of twinkling lights.

Did I miss a big free thing we should know about? Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Benjamin Moogk via the blogTO Flickr pool.