Stores Open on Christmas Day in Canada – December 25

Merry Christmas! Today, Thursday, December 25, 2025, is a statutory public holiday throughout Canada. From coast to coast, most major retailers, supermarkets, shopping malls, department stores, and government offices are closed nationwide. This gives employees the opportunity to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, in keeping with long-standing tradition and provincial retail regulations.

Large chains such as Walmart, Costco, Loblaws (including Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills), Metro, Sobeys (including FreshCo), Save-On-Foods, and their various banners are all fully closed today. Major shopping centres and non-essential retail are also shut. However, for those who need last-minute essentials—milk, bread, batteries, emergency prescriptions, or quick snacks—a handful of essential services remain open, usually with reduced hours.

Here’s your complete guide to what’s open (and closed) on Christmas Day 2025 in Canada, including the most reliable options, province-specific notes, practical advice, and a look ahead to Boxing Day.

Major Supermarkets & Grocery Chains: Fully Closed Nationwide

The big grocery players are observing the holiday closure:

• Walmart — All stores closed
• Costco — All warehouses closed
• Loblaws / Real Canadian Superstore / No Frills — Closed
• Metro / Super C — Closed
• Sobeys / FreshCo — Closed
• Save-On-Foods (Western Canada) — Closed
• Safeway / Thrifty Foods — Closed

Christmas Eve reminder: December 24 was the final window for major grocery shopping, with most stores closing early (typically by 6 p.m.).

What’s Actually Open on Christmas Day 2025? Reliable Essentials

Options are limited to necessities. Always verify locally using store apps, websites, Google “open now near me,” or phone calls—hours and availability vary by province, city, and individual business.

1. Pharmacies – Best for Medications & Basic Items

Pharmacies often operate on reduced hours or emergency rota schedules to ensure coverage.

• Shoppers Drug Mart — Many locations open, especially in Ontario (check your local store)
• Rexall — Select branches open with limited hours
• Pharmaprix / Jean Coutu (Quebec) — Many open, frequently noon–5 p.m.
• Independent and local pharmacies — Follow provincial emergency rota systems

2. Convenience Stores, Gas Stations & Dépanneurs – Most Dependable

These are the most consistent places for milk, snacks, ice, batteries, drinks, and household basics—many operate 24/7 or near-24/7.

• 7-Eleven — Majority of locations open 24/7 across Canada (one of the most reliable nationwide options)
• Circle K / Couchetard (Quebec) — Typically open
• Gas stations (Shell, Esso, Petro-Canada, independents) — Forecourts and convenience shops generally open
• Dépanneurs (Quebec) — Many remain open for essentials
• Small independent grocers (e.g., Rabba Fine Foods in Ontario) — Frequently open

3. Limited Additional Options

• Small independent grocers, ethnic markets, or neighbourhood stores — Occasional limited hours (highly location-specific)
• Fast food & restaurants — Many locations open (Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, Subway in high-traffic or urban areas; check apps or call ahead)
• Liquor stores — Mostly closed (LCBO in Ontario, SAQ in Quebec, B.C. Liquor Stores, etc.); some limited sales through convenience stores in select provinces

Major shopping centres, department stores, and non-essential retailers are all closed today.

Quick Tips for Christmas Day Shoppers in 2025

• Always confirm locally — Hours vary significantly by province and city (e.g., more options in large urban centres like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver; fewer in smaller towns and Atlantic provinces)
• Head out early — Many locations close by early afternoon
• Provincial differences — Ontario and Quebec generally offer the most convenience and pharmacy options; Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick) tend to have stricter closures; Western provinces follow a similar national pattern
• Delivery backup — Instacart, Uber Eats, or DoorDash may deliver from open pharmacies or convenience stores (availability limited)
• Stay safe — Prioritize family time; if you need to go out, drive carefully and respectfully

Looking Ahead: Boxing Day – December 26, 2025

Boxing Day is a major shopping event in many parts of Canada:

• Statutory holiday in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
• Not a statutory holiday in most Atlantic provinces (many stores remain closed)
• Major chains (Walmart, Costco, Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys) — Reopen, often early (7–9 a.m.) with extended hours
• Shopping malls and department stores — Open for big post-Christmas sales and discounts

Perfect timing to catch deals on holiday items, electronics, clothing, and more!

Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Holiday First

Christmas Day is about togetherness, gratitude, love, and peace—not shopping. The few open locations are made possible by hardworking staff who are helping the community on this special day. If you must go out, please be kind, patient, and appreciative to those working.