What’s Open and Closed on Christmas Day in Toronto 2026
What’s open and closed on Christmas Day in Toronto 2026 will affect shopping, transit and public services on Friday, December 25. Christmas Day is an Ontario public holiday and a required retail-closing holiday in Toronto, so most stores, banks, government offices and libraries will close. The TTC will run Sunday service, while GO Transit will follow a Saturday schedule. Some restaurants, pharmacies, gas stations and attractions may open with reduced hours. Always confirm the exact location before leaving home because holiday schedules can vary.
Is Christmas Day a Public Holiday in Ontario?
Yes. Christmas Day is one of Ontario’s nine public holidays. Eligible workers may receive public holiday pay or another day off. Christmas Day is also included in Toronto’s holiday-shopping rules, which require most retail businesses to close unless an exemption applies.
What’s Closed or Operating Differently in Toronto
- Toronto Public Library: Branches are closed all day on Friday, December 25. 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. ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Shopping centres and major retailers: Most will close because Christmas Day is a required retail-closing holiday.
- Large grocery stores: Most supermarkets will close unless a location qualifies for an exemption.
- Schools and campuses: Schools will be closed for the winter break. College and university services may also be limited.
What May Be Open on Christmas Day
Some businesses can open because they provide food, health, travel or other exempt services. Opening is optional, and hours can differ between locations.
- Restaurants, cafés and hotel dining rooms: Select locations may serve guests, often with special menus or reservations.
- Pharmacies: Some locations may open with reduced hours. The dispensary can close earlier than the front shop.
- Convenience stores and gas stations: Many may open, but attached services can follow different schedules.
- Small food stores: Some stores that meet holiday exemptions may open for limited hours.
- Movie theatres and attractions: Select venues may open with reduced hours or timed admission.
- Emergency services: Police, fire and paramedic services continue to operate. Hospitals remain open for emergency care.
Groceries, Pharmacies and Alcohol
- Groceries: Most large supermarkets will close. A limited number of exempt or independent food stores may open.
- Pharmacies: Check the exact location and call the pharmacy counter if you need medication.
- LCBO and The Beer Store: Do not rely on regular hours. Check the official LCBO store finder and Beer Store location finder when 2026 holiday hours are posted.
Getting Around: TTC and GO Transit
- TTC: The TTC’s 2026 holiday schedule confirms Sunday service on Friday, December 25. Subway start times and route frequency can differ from a weekday.
- GO Transit: GO Transit lists a Saturday schedule for Christmas Day. Some routes do not run on weekends, so check both parts of your trip.
City Services and Attractions
Municipal services do not all follow the same holiday schedule. Recreation centres, pools, arenas, civic counters, waste services and parking offices may close or change their hours. Check the City of Toronto page for the exact service you need.
Some seasonal attractions, outdoor spaces and skating areas may remain accessible. Indoor facilities, skate rentals, washrooms, food service and ticket counters may use separate hours. Confirm every service you need before travelling.
Before You Head Out
- Check the official location page rather than relying only on map listings.
- Confirm the address, hours and last admission time on December 25.
- Book restaurants and ticketed attractions in advance.
- Review live TTC and GO Transit information before travelling.
- Buy groceries, prescriptions and other essentials before Christmas Day.
References
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