With the holiday season upon us, Canadians are gearing up to spend time with family and friends, indulging in festive celebrations. But before you head out for last-minute shopping or to catch up with loved ones, it’s important to know which businesses and city services will be open during this busy time. This article provides details on operational hours for cities like Toronto and Regina as they navigate through Christmas and New Year’s festivities.
Starting with Regina, city services will take breaks over the holidays. All civic offices will be closed on December 25, 26, and January 1. For those counting on waste collection, services scheduled for December 25 will be pushed back to December 28. Regina’s landfill will have adjusted hours, open from 7 AM to 3 PM on New Year’s Eve but closing on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Transit users should also note Regina Transit will not operate on December 25 and January 1, though service will resume with Sunday routes on December 26, according to local municipal announcements.
Meanwhile, leisure facilities such as North West Leisure Centre and Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre will remain closed on Christmas Day but will open their doors on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day from 12 PM to 6 PM. For those who enjoy parks, Riverside Memorial Park and Regina Cemeteries will be operational with gates open from 8 AM to 6 PM during the holidays. Interestingly enough, parking meters will not be enforced on December 25, 26, and January 1, giving residents the opportunity to visit their local parks worry-free.
Similar holiday changes are seen across Toronto, where city hall and most municipal government services will be closed on December 25, 26, and January 1. Libraries and post offices will follow suit; service workers, on the other hand, will remain busy as emergency services and the 311 help line will operate without interruption throughout the holiday season. Shoppers planning to visit malls should be aware they will be closed on Christmas Day, but they will reopen for both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
For food and drink, many pharmacies, including some local grocery stores, will have reduced hours on Christmas Day. While major retailers like No Frills and Metro will close on December 25, they will reopen on December 26 with modified hours. For liquor lovers, LCBO locations will be closed on Christmas and Boxing Day, with December 24 being the last chance to stock up before the holidays.
Those eager to indulge at popular attractions should also take note of varied hours. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) will close on December 25 but be open on December 26 and January 1 from 10:30 AM to 4 PM. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) will adopt similar hours, remaining closed on Christmas Day yet operating on other days from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Kids and families can also look forward to outdoor fun at the Toronto Zoo, which will have reduced hours on December 25, from 11 AM to 4 PM, maintaining regular hours for the rest of the holiday season.
Public transit across the cities will also see changes. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is set to run on its Sunday schedule throughout all holiday days, with subway service starting at 8 AM on both Christmas and New Year’s Day. The chance to hop on for free will be available on New Year’s Eve from 7 PM until 8 AM the next day. Similarly, GO Transit will operate on its Saturday schedule on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, but commuters should verify specific route times prior to traveling.
One notable mention during the festive season is Tim Hortons. Although many locations may vary their hours due to independent operations, some spots will be open on December 25 for customers needing their caffeine fix. Residents are reminded to check hours via the Tim Hortons website for accurate info, as delivery apps may incorrectly list various locations.
Wrapping up the holiday operational hours, the article highlights how grocery stores like FreshCo and Costco will close on Christmas Day and offer modified hours on Boxing Day. No Frills and other major grocery chains urge customers to verify hours on their websites to avoid disappointment leading up to and during the holiday.
Residents across Canada are encouraged to stay informed about holiday hours and plan accordingly, ensuring all festive activities—from shopping to attending events and gatherings—are smooth and enjoyable. Whatever your plans this season, make sure you take note of the schedules to enjoy the holidays without the worry of unforeseen closures or missed opportunities.
