Boxing Day Guide: What’s Open and Closed in Ontario

Boxing Day, December 26th, is a time for shopping, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying outdoor activities. To help you make the most of your Boxing Day, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide detailing what’s open and closed across major Ontario cities and towns. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your day efficiently.

Toronto: Shopping and Leisure

Open:

Major shopping malls such as the Eaton Centre, Yorkdale, and Scarborough Town Centre will be bustling with activity. Convenience stores, major grocery stores like Loblaws and Safeway, and specialty retailers will be open for last-minute shopping.

Select Beer Store and Wine Rack locations will cater to your festive beverages. Explore popular tourist attractions like the Toronto Zoo and the CN Tower without the usual crowds.

Most cafes, restaurants, and bars will offer their doors to holiday shoppers, but we recommend calling ahead to confirm hours.

Closed:

Non-emergency governmental services, including City Hall, banks, libraries, and LCBO sites, will remain closed. Canada Post will not pick up or deliver mail.

St. Lawrence Market, a beloved local hub, will be closed on Boxing Day.

The TTC and GO Transit will provide holiday service on a reduced schedule, ensuring you can still get around the city.

Garbage and blue box collections will not take place on Dec. 26, but regular Wednesday collection will occur.

Durham Region: From Pickering to Oshawa

Open:

Major malls in Pickering and Oshawa, including Pickering Town Centre and Oshawa Town Centre, will welcome visitors. Big-box and independent retailers, pharmacies, and drug stores will also be open.

Select Beer Store locations in Ajax, Bowmanville, Pickering, Whitby, and Oshawa will offer beverages. Most breweries and cannabis stores will operate, provided you call ahead to confirm their hours.

Closed:

Non-essential government offices, banks, Canada Post, community centres, libraries, and LCBO locations will be closed.

GO Transit and DRT Pulse buses will operate on a reduced schedule.

Waste collection will be delayed by one day.

Local transfer stations will remain closed.

Hamilton: Discounts and Dining

Open:

Major shopping malls, including Limeridge Mall, will host holiday sales and special events. Large grocery stores and independent retailers will offer last-minute shopping opportunities.

Select Beer Store locations will fulfill holiday beverage needs. Visit most breweries and wineries, but please call ahead to confirm opening hours.

Parks, trails, and outdoor skating rinks will be open for physical activities, while most restaurants and bars will host celebrations.

Closed:

Non-essential government offices, banks, and community centres will remain closed.

Canada Post will not pick up or deliver mail, and the Hamilton Farmers’ Market will be closed.

Libraries, civic museums, the Gage Park Greenhouse, and Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum will not be open.

HSR buses will run a limited holiday route.

GO Transit will operate on a Saturday schedule.

Waste and recycling collections will be pushed back by one day.

Niagara Region: Winter Fun

Open:

Major shopping malls like Canada One, The Outlet Collection, and The Pen Centre will host holiday events and sales. Big-box and independent stores will also be open.

Select Beer Store locations in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Welland will offer holiday beverages for festive occasions.

Drug stores, pharmacies, movie theatres, and major tourist attractions like Clifton Hill will be open.

Most breweries and wineries, as well as cafes, restaurants, and bars, will open their doors, but call ahead to confirm their hours.

Closed:

All non-essential government offices, including city and town halls, banks, libraries, community centres, Canada Post, and Community Recycling Centres will be closed.

Depending on the municipality, waste and recycling collections will be delayed by one day.

Conventional bus service will operate in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and Welland, but regional routes will be closed.

GO Transit will run on a Saturday schedule.

Planning Your Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a day to relax and enjoy the holiday season. Use our guide to plan your activities, whether you’re heading to a festive mall, catching a movie, or enjoying a meal with friends and family. Remember to call ahead for specific opening hours and to respect government guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration.

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Share this guide with your friends and family so they can stay informed about Boxing Day in Ontario. Happy celebrations!

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