Making the most of your holiday visit to Toronto
TORONTO – LIVING – Toronto is a vibrant city, especially during the holiday season. From dazzling lights and bustling shopping malls to winter attractions, there’s plenty to see and do. If you’re headed to Toronto this Christmas or Boxing Day, here’s a guide to what will be open and closed.
What’s Open on Christmas Day?
While most grocery stores and major chains are closed, a few options remain available for last-minute needs or indulgences.
Grocery Stores
- Rabba Fine Foods: Open 24/7, including Christmas Day.
- Summerhill Market: Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Eataly: Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pharmacies
- Select Shoppers Drug Mart locations will operate with reduced hours. Check with your nearest store for details.
Shopping Malls
- Pacific Mall in Markham: Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Liquor Stores
- LCBO and The Beer Store: Closed.
- Select Wine Rack locations will operate with limited hours.
What’s Open on Boxing Day?
Boxing Day in Toronto is a major shopping event, with extended hours and sales at most locations.
Grocery Stores
- Costco: Open from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Scarborough Business Centre closes at 6 p.m.).
- Farm Boy: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Metro, Food Basics, Sobeys, FreshCo: Most locations open for selective hours.
- Whole Foods: Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Walmart: Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. (Gerrard Square closes at 9 p.m.).
Shopping Malls
- Toronto Eaton Centre: Open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Fairview Mall: Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Yorkdale, Scarborough Town Centre, Sherway Gardens, Vaughan Mills, Toronto Premium Outlets: Extended hours.
Liquor Stores
- Select LCBO and The Beer Store locations will operate for reduced hours.
- Some Wine Rack locations open with limited hours.
Transit Information
- TTC: Christmas Day operates on a Sunday schedule. Boxing Day follows a holiday service schedule.
- GO Transit: Operates on a Saturday schedule for both Christmas and Boxing Day.
Attractions and Services
Tourist Attractions
- Open: CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo.
- Closed: Canada’s Wonderland on Dec. 24-25 (reopens Dec. 26 at 3 p.m.).
- Museums: ROM and AGO are closed on Christmas but open Boxing Day.
- Cineplex Theatres: Open with varying hours.
Skating Rinks
- Many public rinks are open, but the Union Station roller rink is closed Dec. 24-26.
Services
- Canada Post, banks, Service Canada: Closed on Dec. 25-26.
- Some ServiceOntario online services remain accessible.
Planning Your Holiday
Toronto offers a mix of opportunities to relax, shop, or explore during the holidays. Knowing what’s open will help you make the most of your visit.