Holiday Events Light Up City Amid Subway Closures This Weekend

As the festive season gains momentum, the city is adorned with vibrant lights and a variety of holiday events this weekend. Residents and visitors can enjoy seasonal markets, live performances, and family-friendly activities. However, attendees should be aware of subway closures affecting critical lines.

Festive Activities Across the City

One of the standout events is the Festive Lights at Queen’s Park, where guests can capture memorable photos with Santa Claus and other popular characters. This event showcases the historic Legislative Assembly of Ontario, featuring seasonal activities, live music, and stunning light displays. The festivities will occur on December 13, 17, 20, 22, and 23, with free admission. Note that some dates may require prior registration to manage attendance.

Another highlight is the annual Winter Glow at Sankofa Square, transforming the area into a Winter Wonderland for its third consecutive year. Starting at 17:00 on Thursday, this event will include a special performance by My Pop Choir, along with carnival rides, artisan shopping, and opportunities for photos with Santa. New this year is the Holiday Market organized by Epilepsy Toronto, which will feature local artisan vendors, handmade gifts, and a Polar Point Bar serving mulled wine and spiked hot apple cider.

For those looking for a unique family experience, the Village Wonderland at Variety Village in Scarborough offers a one-day festival on Sunday. Kicking off at 10:00 and running until 16:00, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, cookie decorating, train rides, giant inflatables, and a holiday market. Admission is priced at $20 per person or $50 for a family of four, with all proceeds supporting Variety, a charity dedicated to helping children and youth thrive across Ontario.

Transit Adjustments and Road Closures

While the city celebrates, transport disruptions may affect weekend plans. Subway service on Line 1 will be replaced by shuttle buses between Osgoode and College stations from 23:59 on Friday through Sunday for planned track work. Likewise, Line 2 service will also shift to shuttle buses between Ossington and St. George stations during the same timeframe.

Additionally, adjustments to GO Transit services will impact riders on the Lakeshore West line. There will be no service at stations such as Appleby, Bronte, Port Credit, Long Branch, Mimico, or Exhibition. Passengers will need to use replacement buses that will stop at West Harbour, Aldershot, Burlington, Oakville, and Clarkson stations. Trains will continue to run between Aldershot and Niagara Falls, with buses connecting riders to the Kitchener line trains.

Ongoing construction on the Gardiner Expressway has also resulted in lane reductions. The westbound lanes will be decreased from four to three lanes from Park Lawn Road to Grand Avenue in southern Etobicoke, while eastbound lanes will be narrowed without a reduction in the number of lanes between April 2025 and December 2026.

For the latest traffic and closure updates, visit the official website of 680 NewsRadio Toronto.