Festive Weekend Events and Transit Adjustments in the City

As the holiday season unfolds, vibrant celebrations are lighting up the city. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of festive activities this weekend, including markets and community events. However, significant transit adjustments are in effect, particularly on the subway lines and GO Transit services.

Exciting Festive Activities

Festive Lights at Queen’s Park is a highlight this weekend, offering an enchanting atmosphere with dazzling displays. Attendees can capture photos with Santa Claus and other beloved characters while exploring the historic Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The event runs on select dates, including December 13, 17, 20, 22, and 23, 2023, and entry is free, although some dates require prior registration.

At Sankofa Square, the annual Winter Glow event transforms the area into a Winter Wonderland. Starting at 17:00 on Thursday, the festivities will include a special performance by My Pop Choir, along with rides on a Ferris wheel and carousel. This year, a Holiday Market hosted by Epilepsy Toronto will feature local artisans, handmade gifts, wood firepits, and a Polar Point Bar serving mulled wine and spiked hot apple cider.

Another notable event is the Village Wonderland at Variety Village in Scarborough. This one-day festival, taking place on Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00, will offer live entertainment, train rides, cookie decorating, giant inflatables, and a holiday market. Tickets are priced at $20 each, 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

Transit users should note that the TTC will implement service changes this weekend. Subway service on Line 1 will be replaced by shuttle buses between Osgoode and College stations, beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday until Sunday for planned track work. Similarly, Line 2 services between Ossington and St. George stations will also be replaced by shuttle buses from Saturday to Sunday.

In addition, GO Transit will experience service adjustments, with no trains operating at Appleby, Bronte, Port Credit, Long Branch, Mimico, or Exhibition stations. Replacement buses will stop at West Harbour, Aldershot, Burlington, Oakville, and Clarkson stations. Trains will continue to operate between Aldershot and Niagara Falls stations, while buses will connect riders from West Harbour and Aldershot to Bramalea station for Kitchener line connections.

Road conditions may also be affected due to ongoing construction. The westbound lanes of the Gardiner Expressway have been reduced from four lanes to three, impacting the stretch from Park Lawn Road to Grand Avenue. While eastbound lanes will be narrowed, there will be no lane reductions from April 2025 to December 2026.

For further details on transit services and road closures, residents can refer to the latest updates from 680 NewsRadio Toronto.