Weekend need to know: Holiday events in the GTA; TTC/road closures

Holiday events continue in the GTA this December including light and flower installations, the return of Kringlewood in Midtown, and pet-friendly Christmas-themed markets.

There is a TTC subway closure on Line 1 this weekend, alongside ongoing road closures. Scroll down for those details.

Here’s what’s going on this weekend:

Northern Lights Exhibition Place

A giant Northern Lights experience has taken over the Grand Bizarre at Exhibition Place this winter and runs until January 8.

The experience includes art installations, holiday photo and video opportunities, a 25 foot illuminated Christmas tree, games and a holiday vendor market.

Northern Lights is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. between Thursdays and Sundays from December 1 to December 18 and every night from December 22 to January 8.

Space is limited so organizers suggest attendees choose their preferred date and time slot before they visit.

A portion of every Northern Lights ticket sold will be donated to SickKids hospital. There’s also an option to make a separate donation on The Northern Lights website.

Photo credit | Instagram @northlightsto

Kringlewood

Kringlewood is back in the residential streets of Midtown Toronto.

The annual tradition takes place in the Moore Park neighbourhood on Inglewood Drive where neighbours get together to decorate their front lawns with giant, inflatable Santas.

The Kringlewood tradition began in 2013 when resident Amy Westin bought an oversized inflatable Santa at Canadian Tire, starting a trend that’s now an annual community attraction.

Photo with Santa at Square One

Square One shoppers can hang out with Santa at Centre Court on Level 1 of the mall.

People can get their photo taken with Santa until Christmas Eve.

Howliday Market

The Howliday Market is the place to be for any dog owner.

The market includes complimentary, pet-friendly photos with Santa, a giant Christmas tree full of treats and a cocktail lounge.

The event is happening at Heritage Court at Exhibition Place this Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo credit | Doggos Events

Fleurs de Villes NOËL in Bloor-Yorkville

The Bloor-Yorkville area is celebrating the season with Fleurs de Villes NOËL.

The event is a festive, floral trail across the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood, made of over 30 bespoke floral installations from local florists.

Fleurs de Villes NOËL is a self-guided walking trail, free to the public, with floral workshops and pop-up flower markets nearby.

A fresh flower market will also open at multiple locations throughout the neighbourhood on Saturday.

The trail starts at the W Toronto hotel and runs until Sunday.

Photo credit | Fleurs de Villes

Road Closures

Downtown Ontario Line construction 

To support construction of the future Ontario Line in the area of Osgoode Subway Station, alternating lane closures will take place on University Avenue between Queen Street West to Armoury Street.

While some of these lanes may re-open temporarily, this closure will largely remain in place until mid 2023.

Metrolinx says safety barricades will be in place and signage will be posted in multiple areas around the closure to caution and direct drivers.

Ongoing closures

• Dundas Street West is closed to traffic between Brock and Sheridan Avenues after a sinkhole opened up in the area. Closures are expected to stay until at least December 16.
• Southbound Yonge St will be reduced to one lane at Wellington St for overnight construction from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Wellington westbound curb lane will be closed from Yonge to just west of the intersection.
• Richmond Street between Parliament and Sherbourne streets is reduced to two lanes, and the dedicated bike lane is closed.
• Adelaide Street is down to a single lane in sections between Spadina Avenue and Bay Street. The work, which is expected to be completed in spring 2023, is taking place ahead of the Ontario Line subway construction.
• College Street is undergoing a major overhaul, with full and partial closures of the road between Bathurst and Bay streets. Streetcar replacement between Bathurst and Major has been completed, allowing for one lane of traffic in each direction. City of Toronto officials said the project is expected to be done by the end of the year.
• Bloor Street is impacted by long-term construction, which is behind schedule, between Parliament and Sherbourne streets.

TTC closures

Line 1 Osgoode to King single-day closure 

There will be no subway service on Line 1 between Osgoode and King stations on Saturday for track work. Shuttle buses will operate.