What’s Open on New Year’s Day in Toronto (2026 Guide) 

New Year’s Day in Toronto is always that mix of “let’s start fresh” and “let’s recover from last night.” Whether you’re planning to grab brunch, run errands, or finally check out that Toronto attraction you’ve been putting off, you’re probably wondering what’s open on New Year’s Day in Toronto today — and what’s staying shut.

Let’s break it down so you don’t end up freezing outside a locked door on January 1st.

What’s Open New Year’s Day Toronto 2026: Malls, Stores, AGO

Does Anything Open on New Year’s Day?

Yes — plenty, actually! While government offices, banks, LCBO, and Beer Stores take the day off, major attractions, some grocery stores, and even malls are open and ready for business.

So, if you wake up on the 1st and need caffeine, food, or a little retail therapy to start the year right, you’ve got options all around the city.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can count on:

Open Attractions:

• CN Tower (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
• Ripley’s Aquarium (9 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
• Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) (10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
• Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) (10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
• Toronto Zoo (9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
• Casa Loma (9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., with a Holiday Lights Tour from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
• Aga Khan Museum (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Even Nathan Phillips Square stays open for skating (weather permitting), making it a top pick for families and couples kicking off the year.

Are Grocery Stores Open on New Year’s Day in Ontario?

Most big chains like Loblaws, Metro, No Frills, and Sobeys will be closed on New Year’s Day — but don’t panic.

Here’s where you can still stock up:

• Rabba Fine Foods (24/7)
• Kitchen Table (various locations open)
• Galleria Supermarket (check your local store’s schedule)
• Summerhill Market (select locations)
• Some Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall stores (especially in downtown areas)

So yes, if you wake up craving orange juice or suddenly realize you’re out of coffee, you’re covered.

What Do Canadians Do on New Year’s Day?

In true Canadian fashion, it depends. Some people head outdoors for a Polar Bear Dip (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — freezing water, big crowd, lots of cheer). Others prefer cozying up indoors with leftovers and a good hockey game.

Many Torontonians also take January 1st as a chance to enjoy quiet attractions before the crowds return. And for those still in “party mode,” brunch spots and pubs around King Street, Queen West, and the Distillery District tend to stay busy well into the afternoon.

Basically — there’s no one way to do it. Whether you’re starting your resolutions or still recovering from your New Year’s Eve countdown, the city gives you options.

Shopping: What’s Open and Closed

If retail therapy’s your way of ringing in 2026, some shopping centres are open, but not all. Here’s a breakdown of what’s open on New Year’s Day in Toronto near you:

Open:

• Toronto Eaton Centre (12 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
• Pacific Mall (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
• Vaughan Mills (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Square One (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Toronto Premium Outlets (9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

Closed:

• Yorkdale Shopping Centre
• CF Sherway Gardens
• CF Fairview Mall
• Dufferin Mall
• Scarborough Town Centre
  

If you’re wondering about St. Vital Mall, that one’s actually in Winnipeg, Manitoba — and yes, it’s usually closed on New Year’s Day. Ontario malls generally follow similar hours, but it’s always good to double-check before heading out.

Transit and Essentials

The TTC runs on a Sunday schedule on January 1st, while GO Transit operates on a Saturday schedule. That means fewer trains, but reliable service across most routes.

Just note: LCBO and Beer Stores are fully closed, so if you need to restock your bar, plan ahead before December 31.

Wrapping Up

So, does anything open on New Year’s Day in Toronto? 

Absolutely — just not everything. Plan your route, layer up, and start the year however you like: skating under the skyline, exploring a museum, or just grabbing a double-double at your nearest 24-hour spot.

If you’re still deciding how to spend the night before, check out my guide to New Year’s Eve Toronto 2026: 5 Best Ways To Celebrate — it’s packed with ideas for ringing in the new year in true Toronto style.

More…

• https://www.blogto.com/city/2024/12/whats-open-and-closed-new-years-day-2025-toronto
• https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/12/31/what-is-open-closed-on-new-years-day-in-toronto
• https://www.toronto.ca/news/planning-for-the-holiday-season-in-toronto-whats-happening-and-whats-open