Planning drinks for Christmas or New Year’s? The LCBO and The Beer Store change their hours over the holidays. Here’s what to expect for 2026, based on their 2025 holiday schedules. We’ll update this page when the 2026 hours are announced.
LCBO holiday hours
| Date | LCBO |
|---|---|
| Up to December 23 | Select stores open with extended hours |
| Thursday, December 24 | All stores close at 6 p.m. |
| Friday, December 25 | Closed |
| Saturday, December 26 | Select stores open with reduced hours |
| Thursday, December 31 | Open, most stores close at 6 p.m. (some extended hours) |
| Friday, January 1 | Closed |
The Beer Store holiday hours
| Date | The Beer Store |
|---|---|
| December 24 | All stores close at 6 p.m. |
| December 25 | Closed |
| December 26 | Select stores open with reduced hours (in 2025, 12 Toronto-area stores opened 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) |
| December 31 | All stores close at 6 p.m. |
| January 1 | Closed |
Other places to buy alcohol
Many Ontario grocery and convenience stores now sell beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails, and some keep longer hours than the LCBO around the holidays. Wine Rack and independent bottle shops also stay open on some holidays; check before you go. Grocery store holiday hours
Plan your holiday drinks shopping
- Shop early in December for the best selection, especially for popular holiday wines, spirits and gift sets.
- Avoid December 23 and 24, and the afternoon of December 31, when stores are at their busiest.
- Check your store’s hours online, as hours vary by location.
- Order online for pickup where available to skip the lineups.
- Buy for both Christmas and New Year’s at once if you can.
Holiday drink ideas
- Ontario icewine, a Canadian specialty from the Niagara region, makes a great gift. Niagara-on-the-Lake at Christmas
- Local craft beer and cider from Ontario breweries.
- Ingredients for mulled wine, a festive crowd-pleaser.
- Non-alcoholic options: de-alcoholized wines, craft non-alcoholic beers and sparkling juices for designated drivers and anyone not drinking.
Gift-giving tips
The LCBO stocks holiday gift sets and gift bags in November and December. If you’re bringing alcohol as a host gift, think about the host’s preferences, and always have a non-alcoholic alternative in mind.
Drink responsibly
Ontario police run RIDE checks throughout the holiday season. Plan a safe ride home: take transit, use a taxi or ride-share, or designate a sober driver. Transit has been free overnight on New Year’s Eve in recent years. See TTC on New Year’s Eve.
LCBO holiday hours: FAQ
Is the LCBO open on Christmas Day? No. LCBO stores are closed on December 25.
Is the LCBO open on Boxing Day? Select stores have opened with reduced hours. Check your local store.
Is the LCBO open on New Year’s Day? No. Stores are closed on January 1.
Tips
- Shop by December 23 to avoid the Christmas Eve rush.
- Use the LCBO store locator to check your store’s hours.
- On New Year’s Eve, buy before 6 p.m.
More: what’s open on Christmas Day · what’s open on Boxing Day · what’s open on New Year’s Day
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