Financial Institutions and Postal Services:
During the Christmas holiday period, banking and postal services will operate on modified schedules. Banks will be open for business on Christmas Eve, allowing customers to complete any last-minute transactions before the holiday. However, both banks and Canada Post offices will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, resuming normal operations on the following business day. Customers are advised to plan their banking and mailing needs accordingly and utilize online banking or postal services where possible during the closure period.
Cultural Attractions and Entertainment:
Toronto’s cultural attractions offer a mix of holiday schedules for residents and visitors. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) will be open on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, offering shortened hours for visitors to enjoy their collections. However, both institutions will be closed on Christmas Day. The CN Tower will remain open throughout the holiday period, including Christmas Day, offering its panoramic views and attractions. However, specific experiences like the 360 Restaurant, Le Cafe, and the EdgeWalk might have varying schedules, so visitors should check the CN Tower website for details. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada will maintain its regular hours throughout the holiday season, providing a consistent entertainment option. The Toronto Public Library will be open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours, closing at 1 p.m., and will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Toronto Zoo will also be accessible throughout the holidays, offering special Christmas Day hours and reverting to regular hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Movie theatres are expected to operate on their regular schedules, offering a consistent entertainment option for moviegoers. Finally, the city’s outdoor skating rinks, including the iconic Nathan Phillips Square rink, will remain open throughout the holidays, offering festive outdoor recreation.
Alcohol Retail Operations:
Alcohol retailers will operate on modified schedules during the Christmas period. The Beer Store locations across Ontario will be open on Christmas Eve but will close at 6 p.m. All Beer Store locations will remain closed on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, only select Beer Stores will operate with limited hours; customers should consult the Beer Store website for specific location information. LCBO stores will follow a similar pattern, operating with regular hours on Christmas Eve until 6 p.m. and remaining closed on Christmas Day. A limited number of LCBO stores will open on Boxing Day with restricted hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wine Rack locations will have varying schedules depending on the specific store. While some select locations may open on Christmas Day, most will remain closed. On Boxing Day, most Wine Rack stores will be open, but hours will vary; customers should check the Wine Rack website for specific store information.
Shopping Malls:
Major shopping malls in the Toronto area will operate on modified schedules for the Christmas holidays. Most malls will be open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours, typically closing by 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., allowing shoppers to complete last-minute gift purchases. All major malls will be closed on Christmas Day. Boxing Day will see the malls reopen, generally with extended hours, catering to the traditional Boxing Day sales crowds. Specific mall hours can vary, so it’s advisable to check the individual mall websites for detailed opening and closing times.
Public Transportation:
Public transportation services will adjust their schedules to accommodate holiday travel patterns. GO Transit will operate on a normal weekday schedule on Christmas Eve. On both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, GO Transit will switch to a Saturday service schedule. The TTC will also operate on a regular weekday schedule on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, the TTC will follow a Sunday service schedule, with subways and many bus routes starting service at 8 a.m. Boxing Day will see the TTC operate on a holiday service schedule, with details available on the TTC website.
City Services:
City of Toronto services will also be affected by the Christmas holidays. Garbage collection will be suspended on Christmas Day, with collection schedules shifted by one day for the remainder of the week. Most City of Toronto offices and municipal buildings will be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. However, essential services such as 311 and emergency services will remain operational throughout the holiday period. Residents are encouraged to check the City of Toronto website for specific information regarding service changes and holiday schedules.
