The holiday season is just around the corner, and residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are eager to know what businesses they can rely on during Christmas 2024. While many establishments will adjust their hours leading up to the Christmas holiday, local shoppers and diners won’t find themselves out of options.
Christmas Eve, falling on December 24, marks the beginning of these adjusted holiday hours. Major grocery stores such as Costco and Farm Boy will be open for shoppers, with hours set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., respectively. National chains like Walmart will open their doors from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., ensuring last-minute grocery needs can be met. Notably, the Sobeys at Yonge and Ballio will remain open until 7 p.m., with other Sobeys branches operating under extended hours.
The public can also turn to shopping malls during this time. The CF Toronto Eaton Centre will welcome shoppers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., whereas Yorkdale Shopping Centre will offer its services between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Fairview Mall and Scarborough Town Centre will have extended hours as well, remaining open until 6 p.m. and 5 p.m. respectively. It’s worth noting major liquor retailers like the LCBO will operate until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, whereas The Beer Store will close earlier at 5 p.m.
On Christmas Day, unfortunately, almost all major grocery chains will be closed. There’s no need to fret, though; Rabba will keep its stores open across the GTA, as it operates 24 hours daily. Summerhill Market will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those needing provisions. Eataly will also be open for longer hours, welcoming guests from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pharmacies such as Shoppers Drug Mart may vary by location but will be accessible to some degree for last-minute needs.
While Christmas Day limits availability, Boxing Day—which follows Christmas—will see many stores swinging their doors back open, ready for the rush of shoppers taking advantage of post-holiday sales. Costco will welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., except for the Scarborough Business Centre, which closes earlier at 6 p.m. Most other major grocery stores, including Metro and Food Basics, will also adjust their hours to accommodate the shopping frenzy.
The Toronto Eaton Centre will open its doors bright and early at 7 a.m., inviting patrons to shop until 9:30 p.m. Other malls, such as Fairview Mall and Yorkdale, will also accommodate customers with similarly extended hours. Vaughan Mills will stay operational from 8 a.m. until at least 9 p.m.
Transportation will follow suit with adjusted schedules as well. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will operate on their Sunday schedule on Christmas Day, perfect for those trying to navigate the city amid holiday festivities. On Boxing Day, holiday service will be implemented, assisting increased foot traffic. Meanwhile, GO Transit will maintain its Saturday schedule on both Christmas and Boxing Day.
Many recreational activities are also available during the holidays. While some attractions like Canada’s Wonderland are set to pause their services on December 24 and 25, they will reopen on December 26th after 3 p.m. Notable attractions like the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium remain open, giving families fun options on Christmas.
While banks will close their doors on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day along with Canada Post, several tourist spots reflect the joy of the festive season by remaining open. Many of the city’s skating rinks are ready for action too, and some museums, including the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), will be closed on Christmas but ready to welcome guests on Boxing Day for those seeking culture and creativity.
Cineplex theaters will also be operational with varying hours, allowing for festive film experiences on the big screen. With much to do and plenty of holiday cheer still available amid the closures, the GTA promises to offer its residents and guests involved holiday experiences.