Weekend need to know: The Nutcracker, winter markets; road closures

Events celebrating the festive holiday season are here for another weekend in the GTA.

A one-night-only performance of The Nutcracker, a winter market at Evergreen Brick Works, and public ice skating rinks are a few of what’s going on this winter season.

There are no scheduled subway closures this weekend. But ongoing road closures in the city continue, including new lane restrictions for construction ahead of future work on the Ontario Line. Scroll below for more details.

Here’s what’s happening this weekend:

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The Nutcracker

The classic performance of The Nutcracker ballet is back in Toronto at Meridian Hall for one night only.

This rendition of The Nutcracker features principal dancers Vladyslav Romashchenko and Olga Posternak from Ukraine.

Last April, the married couple left Ukraine to raise money for Ukrainian humanitarian aid.

Along with other dancers, they took part in multiple charity performances throughout Europe, Japan and the United States.

They have now relocated to Toronto and are continuing their efforts to support Ukraine.

The ballet performance takes place on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works

A winter market is returning to Evergreen Brick Works this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The market features local crafts, vintage goods, outdoor skating, live music and walking tours.

Ice skating

Go ice skating at any public skating rink in Toronto.

Anyone is free to drop in at Nathan Phillips Square, Union Station, Christie Pitts, and a bunch more public rinks for a skate.

However, the Harbourfront Centre Rink will be closed this season due to construction.

Click here for a full list of public ice rinks in Toronto.

Self-Care Santa Giveaway

The Sheen for She Foundation is hosting a Santa’s Christmas Village at Bluebird Self Storage located at 19 Esandar Dr. on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Village will give away hundreds of toys, COVID-19 antigen tests, K-95 masks, and Perseverance Aid Kits to women and children facing socio-economic issues.

The event is meant to raise awareness about violence against women, self-care, hygiene practices, and low-income housing.

The event includes live music, an outdoor light show, a photo booth, games, and food.

The Holiday Market by Run the World

The Holiday Market by Run the World is a local market intended to support local, women owned Canadian businesses and their artisanal crafts and gifts.

The market is located at Square One Shopping Centre and runs until Christmas Eve at Level 2 of the mall, across H&M.

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Road Closures

Downtown construction for future Ontario Line

Southbound University Avenue from Armoury Street to Queen Street West will be reduced to one shared lane for people driving and cycling.

These restrictions are needed for the construction of the future Ontario Line.

While these lanes may re-open temporarily, the closure is expected to be 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 and cyclists.

Ongoing closures

• 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.
• Bloor Street is impacted by long-term construction, which is behind schedule, between Parliament and Sherbourne streets.