New Year’s Day brings altered hours and closures across the Greater Toronto Area as residents wrap up their celebrations from the night before. People planning their January 1 activities should note what’s open and closed throughout the city.
Transit Services
For those relying on public transport, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), GO Transit, and UP Express will be providing free rides from 7 p.m. on December 31 until 8 a.m. on January 1. Passengers are encouraged to tap their PRESTO cards, but they won’t incur charges during this window. Afterward, the TTC will shift to Sunday service for the day, whereas GO Transit will operate on its Saturday schedule.
Grocery Stores and Alcohol Sales
On the grocery front, many grocery chains, including the LCBO and Beer Store, will be closed on January 1. Notably, St. Lawrence Market will not open its doors, limiting options for residents. Despite this, some grocery stores will welcome customers, including Loblaws at 60 Carlton St. from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Metro at 444 Yonge St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., FreshCo at 800 Steeles Ave W. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Whole Foods from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Selected locations of Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and Walmart will also operate but patrons should verify local hours.
Government and Bank Services
Municipal offices, banks, and Passport Services will remain closed on New Year’s Day, which can complicate any last-minute errands. Mail service will be halted as Canada Post observes the holiday, and all branches of the Toronto Public Library will close early on December 31 at 1 p.m., remaining closed throughout January 1.
Shopping Malls
Many shopping malls will open for New Year’s Day shoppers, but others will shutter their doors. Malls closed on January 1 include Sherway Gardens, Dufferin Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, Fairview Mall, the Shops at Don Mills, and Yorkdale Mall. Conversely, the Eaton Centre will open from noon to 7 p.m., CF Markville from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific Mall from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Square One from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Toronto Premium Outlets from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Vaughan Mills from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This gives shoppers plenty of opportunities, depending on the location.
Tourist Attractions
There will be no shortage of things to do, as numerous tourist attractions will be open on New Year’s Day. The CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma, and both the Toronto and High Park Zoos are set to welcome guests. Riverdale Farm, Allan Gardens, and Centennial Park conservatories will also be open for visitors. Canada’s Wonderland 'Winterfest' will run from 3 to 9 p.m., and the Royal Ontario Museum, Aga Khan Museum, and Art Gallery of Ontario will be open, along with various movie theatres offering screenings at different times.
Community Centres and Garbage Collection
On the community front, all centers across the city will close on January 1. Also notable is the garbage and recycling pickup schedule: there will be no collections on New Year’s Day, meaning those scheduled for this day will shift to the following day, with the rest of the week affected likewise.
To summarize, January 1, 2025, will be marked by several closures and modified hours across Toronto, affecting transit, government, grocery services, and more. While there are many attractions and some grocery options open for those venturing out, residents should check local listings and specific operational hours before heading out to enjoy New Year’s Day.