What’s Open and Closed on Boxing Day in Toronto 2026
What’s open and closed on Boxing Day in Toronto 2026 will look different across the city on Saturday, December 26. Boxing Day is an Ontario public holiday, but it is not one of Toronto’s required retail-closing holidays. Many malls, stores, restaurants and entertainment venues may open for post-Christmas sales, while banks, government offices and libraries will close. The TTC will run holiday service. Hours can vary between locations, so use this guide to plan and confirm the exact business or service before leaving home.
Is Boxing Day a Public Holiday in Ontario?
Yes. Boxing Day is an Ontario public holiday for eligible employees. In 2026, December 26 falls on a Saturday. Employment rules may give eligible workers public holiday pay or another day off, but they do not automatically require every store to close.
Toronto’s holiday-shopping rules do not list Boxing Day as a required retail-closing holiday. Stores can therefore open if they choose, and many retailers use the day for major sales.
What’s Closed or Operating Differently in Toronto
- Toronto Public Library: Branches are closed all day on Saturday, December 26. Online services remain available.
- Government offices: Most federal, provincial and City of Toronto offices and public counters will be closed.
- Banks: Most bank and credit-union branches will be closed. Online banking and ATMs remain available.
- Professional services: Many clinics, offices and private service businesses may close or reduce their hours.
- Independent businesses: Some shops, restaurants and attractions may take an extra day off after Christmas.
What’s Open in Toronto on Boxing Day
- Shopping centres and retailers: Many will open for Boxing Day sales, but mall and tenant hours can differ.
- Restaurants, cafés and bars: Many locations may open, sometimes with shorter hours or reservation requirements.
- Movie theatres and entertainment venues: Many may operate, but showtimes and venue hours should be checked in advance.
- Convenience stores and gas stations: Many locations may open, although attached services can use different hours.
- Pharmacies: Select locations may open. The pharmacy counter may close earlier than the front shop.
- Emergency services: Police, fire and paramedic services continue to operate. Hospitals remain open for emergency care.
Shopping and Boxing Day Sales
Boxing Day is one of Toronto’s busiest shopping days. Some malls may extend their hours, but individual stores can follow a different schedule from the shopping centre. Before travelling, check whether an advertised deal is available online, in store or both.
- Mall hours: Check the shopping centre’s official holiday page.
- Store hours: Confirm the specific tenant through its own store locator.
- Returns and exchanges: Review the retailer’s holiday return and price-adjustment policies.
- Travel: Allow extra time for crowds, parking and transit near major shopping areas.
Groceries, Pharmacies and Alcohol
- Grocery stores: Some supermarkets and independent food stores may open with reduced hours. Check the exact branch.
- Pharmacies: Some locations may open, but dispensary hours can differ from the main store.
- LCBO and The Beer Store: Check the official LCBO store finder and Beer Store location finder once location-specific holiday hours are available.
Getting Around: TTC and GO Transit
- TTC: The TTC’s 2026 schedule confirms holiday service on Saturday, December 26. Check live service alerts before travelling.
- GO Transit: Boxing Day falls on a Saturday. Check the GO Transit trip planner for the current Saturday schedule and any route-specific changes.
City Services and Attractions
Municipal facilities do not all follow the same schedule. Recreation centres, pools, arenas, civic counters, waste services and parking offices may close or use reduced hours. Check the City of Toronto page for the exact service you need.
Museums, galleries, skating rinks and seasonal attractions may open with timed tickets or shorter hours. Confirm the last admission time as well as the posted closing time.
Before You Head Out
- Check the official location page on the morning of your visit.
- Confirm the address, opening time and closing time.
- Review transit alerts and the schedule for your return trip.
- Book tickets or a table when reservations are available.
- Keep a second option in case the first location closes early.
References
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