Stores Open on Christmas Day in Canada – December
Merry Christmas! Today, Thursday, December 25, 2025, is a statutory holiday across every province and territory in Canada. This means the overwhelming majority of major retailers, supermarkets, shopping centres, and department stores are closed nationwide, allowing employees to spend quality time with family and friends during the festive season.
Big-name chains such as Walmart, Costco, Loblaws (including Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills), Metro, Sobeys (including FreshCo), Save-On-Foods, and their affiliates are all fully closed. Major malls and non-essential retail outlets follow the same pattern. However, for those needing last-minute essentials—milk for coffee, batteries for toys, emergency prescriptions, or quick snacks—a limited number of essential services remain open, typically with reduced hours.
This comprehensive guide from NRI Globe outlines what’s open (and closed) on Christmas Day 2025 in Canada, including province-specific insights, the most reliable options, practical tips, and a preview of Boxing Day shopping.
Why Most Major Retailers Close on Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of Canada’s most important statutory holidays, leading to near-universal retail closures due to:
- Strong cultural emphasis on family and rest
- Provincial retail holiday regulations (e.g., Ontario’s Retail Business Holidays Act and Quebec’s restrictions)
- Long-standing corporate policies prioritizing employee well-being
Expect no major sales, crowded malls, or full grocery access today at the following:
- 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
- Major shopping centres and department stores — Fully closed
Christmas Eve reminder: December 24 was the last major shopping opportunity, with most stores closing early (often by 6 p.m.).
Major Supermarkets & Grocery Chains: All Closed Nationwide
The leading grocery chains are observing the holiday fully:
- All major banners (Walmart, Costco, Loblaws family, Metro, Sobeys family, etc.) closed across the country
- Rare exceptions are limited to small independents or select neighbourhood stores (e.g., some Rabba Fine Foods locations in Ontario open; Summerhill Market in Toronto may have limited hours like 9 a.m.–1 p.m. in select branches)
Plan ahead and stock up completely by Christmas Eve to avoid any last-minute challenges!
What’s Actually Open on Christmas Day 2025? Reliable Essentials
Options are focused on necessities. Always confirm locally using store apps, websites, Google “open now near me,” or phone calls—hours and availability vary significantly by province, city, and individual location.
1. Pharmacies – Top Choice for Health & Basics
Pharmacies often operate on reduced or rota schedules to provide coverage.
- Shoppers Drug Mart — Select locations open (especially common in Ontario; check your nearest store)
- Rexall — Some branches open with limited hours
- Pharmaprix / Jean Coutu (Quebec) — Many locations open, often noon–5 p.m. or similar
- Independent pharmacies — Follow local emergency rota systems
2. Convenience Stores, Gas Stations & Dépanneurs – Most Consistent Option
These are the most dependable places for milk, snacks, ice, batteries, drinks, and basic household items—many operate 24/7 or near-24/7.
- 7-Eleven — Majority of locations open 24/7 across Canada (one of the most reliable nationwide choices)
- Circle K / Couchetard (Quebec) — Typically open
- Gas stations (Shell, Esso, Petro-Canada, independents) — Forecourts and convenience shops usually 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 specialty shops — Occasional limited hours (very location-specific)
- Fast food & restaurants — Many locations open (e.g., Tim Hortons, McDonald’s 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 convenience store sales in select provinces
Note: Major shopping centres, department stores, and non-essential retailers are all closed today.
Quick Tips for Christmas Day Shoppers in 2025
- Always check ahead — Hours differ widely by province and city (e.g., more convenience and pharmacy options in urban Ontario and Quebec; fewer in Atlantic provinces)
- Head out early — Many locations reduce hours by midday or early afternoon
- Regional differences — Ontario and Quebec generally offer the most options; Atlantic provinces (PEI, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) tend to be stricter; BC, Alberta, and Prairies follow a similar national pattern
- Delivery alternatives — 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
Looking Ahead: Boxing Day – December 26, 2025
Boxing Day is a major shopping event in many provinces (statutory in Ontario, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba; not in Atlantic provinces, where 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 deals
- Perfect day to catch bargains on holiday items, gifts, and more!
Final Thoughts: Focus on Celebration
Christmas Day is about love, togetherness, gratitude, and peace—not shopping. The few open locations are made possible by dedicated staff working to support the community. If you need to step out, please be kind and appreciative to those on duty today.
