The holidays are officially here! That means that access to different businesses and services will vary and be limited over the next week.
In Canada, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 are statutory holidays or paid public holidays for provincial, territorial, federal and federally regulated employees.
Here’s what you can expect will be open and closed over the holidays.
Grocery stores
Most often, grocery stores are closed on Christmas Day, so it’s best to prep as much as possible before the big day.
Many Safeway locations remain open for limited hours on Christmas Day. If you’re in a pinch, search the store’s hours online before heading out or phone directly.
Shoppers Drug Mart often remains open, offering a back-up!
Gas stations & convenience stores
Gas stations and convenience stores are considered essential. In most cases, they are open on statutory holidays.
Regardless, make sure your tank is full before a major holiday. You don’t want to get caught on empty on your way to or from an event!
Malls
The mall is typically booming with last-minute shoppers on Christmas Eve. Most large Canadian malls are open on Dec. 24 with limited store hours.
While most malls are closed on deserted on Christmas Day, the halls will be crowded with eager customers on the 26th for Boxing Day.
Banks
Canadian banks are almost always closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Dec. 26.
Bank websites often list their holiday schedules for reference, like RBC’s here. You can at least bank on online banking over the holidays (we had to).
Canada Post
After one month of strikes and delays created by employee lockouts, Canada Post is back in business. Just not on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. No collections or deliveries will be made on those days.
Canada Post has warned of significant backlogs and delays that will likely last through January 2025.
Recycling & Waste Collection
Garbage, organics or recyclables will not be collected on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
Don’t forget to store all of that cardboard and wrapping paper in your recycling bins for when collection resumes!
City-run services
Most municipal offices are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. As expected, emergency services are open year-round and are always available.
Buses and trains stay enroute over Christmas and New Year’s, ensuring you can make it to all the festive events and activities you’re a part of.
On that note, it’s best to check your transit schedules ahead of time as some services may be available during limited windows.
Passport Offices
Passport offices and Service Canada offices are closed on statutory holidays, including Dec. 25, 26 and New Year’s Day.
Movie theatres
Movies and Christmas time go hand in hand. Many theatres stay open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with modified hours.
Landmark and Cineplex theatres typically remain open for your entertainment!
Cafes & Restaurants
Most cafe’s and restaurants are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day with the exception of a small few.
In every city, there are typically a few Starbucks cafes open on Christmas Day — so you never have to go a day without your favourite holiday drink!
Tourist Attractions
Tourist destinations like Niagra Falls, Banff, Granville Island and more maximize visibility during the holidays, accommodating guests from around the world.
Fairmont Hotels across Canada are open every day over the holidays to create a truly magical Christmas experience for you and your loves one.
The Fairmont in Banff and Lake Louise are world-renowned for their Christmas Day and New Year’s Day brunches and dinners. Banff, specifically, is well known for their annual Christmas at the Castle events.
City parks, outdoor landmarks and art installations are, of course, available to enjoy!
