Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are statutory holidays in every province and territory, meaning that most shops, businesses and offices are closed nationwide. But whether or not stores and workplaces are open on Boxing Day depends on where you live.
Here’s what will be open and closed across Canada for Christmas Day on Dec. 25, Boxing Day on Dec. 26 and New Year’s Day on Jan. 1.
Shops and malls
While most shops and malls are closed nationwide on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, closures on Boxing Day vary across the country.
Boxing Day is not a statutory holiday in the Atlantic provinces, but it is still a designated retail closing day, which means you can expect most shops and malls to be closed on Dec. 26 in P.E.I., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Exceptions can include smaller grocery stores, pharmacies and shops that sell books, used clothing or plants.
Elsewhere in Canada, most shops and malls are allowed to be open on Boxing Day, with many offering sales and door crasher deals. Because Boxing Day is a statutory holiday in Ontario, retail workers there are entitled to receive 1.5 times their regular wage. Some shops and malls may also operate on reduced or holiday schedules.
Grocery stores and pharmacies
Most grocery stores and pharmacies in Canada are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but open on Boxing Day. Convenience stores and smaller food shops may stay open throughout the holidays or operate on reduced schedules.
Skating rinks and ski resorts
For those looking to spend time outdoors, ski resorts and outdoor skating rinks tend to remain open throughout the holiday season, but be sure to check schedules online before leaving home.
Restaurants and bars
Restaurants and bars are typically closed nationwide for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but open on Boxing Day. Fast food outlets and hotel bars and restaurants often stay open throughout the holidays. Local exceptions are always possible.
Movie theatres
Many movie theatres stay open throughout the holiday season. Check their websites to confirm schedules.
Tourist attractions and nature parks
This can vary widely across the country. Major tourist sites like the Vancouver Aquarium, CN Tower in Toronto, Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal and Banff Gondola in Banff, Alta. remain open throughout the holidays, but often on seasonal or reduced hours.
Other attractions like museums, galleries and markets typically close for Christmas Day and/or New Year’s Day but are open on Boxing Day.
National and provincial parks that operate in the winter tend to stay open for day-use, although visitor centres and indoor facilities may be closed.
Alcohol and cannabis
Expect most authorized alcohol and cannabis stores to be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but open on Boxing Day. Local exceptions are possible.
Banks
Banks are typically closed nationwide on all three holidays, although ATMs can still be used. Canada’s stock markets are also closed.
Mail and parcel services
Canada Post and courier companies such as Purolator, UPS and FedEx will be closed nationwide on all three holidays.
Smaller delivery companies and rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft may still offer local parcel delivery services.
Government and passport offices
Federal government offices, including Service Canada and passport offices, will be closed over all three holidays. The same goes for all provincial and territorial government offices, such as those that issue health cards and drivers licenses.
For those with travel trouble, emergency consular service for Canadians abroad is always available 24/7 and it is also possible to get an emergency passport during statutory holidays.
Schools
Schools across Canada are typically closed for two weeks over the holidays, from roughly the Monday before Christmas to the Friday after New Year’s Day.
Transportation
You can expect public transportation routes like buses and subways to operate on holiday or reduced schedules over all three days, including in cities such as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Check with your local transportation provider before heading out.
Train stations, airports, ferry terminals, car rental locations and gas stations generally remain open nationwide, but may be on reduced or holiday hours.
