Toronto on Christmas Day is calm and quiet. Most shops are closed and the streets empty out, which makes it a lovely day to skate, walk, see the lights and eat well. Here’s how to spend Friday, December 25, 2026 in the city.
Things to do on Christmas Day
- Go skating. City rinks, including Nathan Phillips Square, are usually open, weather permitting.
- See the lights without the crowds. The Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips Square is lit every night.
- Eat dim sum in Chinatown, a Christmas Day tradition for many Torontonians.
- Book a Christmas brunch at a hotel or restaurant. Christmas brunch
- Catch a movie; Christmas Day is one of the biggest movie days of the year.
- Take a winter walk along the waterfront or in High Park. Winter hikes
- Go tobogganing if it snows. Tobogganing hills
- Volunteer at a community Christmas meal. Volunteering at Christmas
- Attend a Christmas service. Christmas services in Toronto
What’s closed
Most malls, shops, grocery stores, the LCBO, banks, libraries, St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery Winter Village are closed. The TTC runs a Sunday schedule. See what’s open on Christmas Day.
Where to eat
See restaurants open on Christmas Day in Toronto.
Spending Christmas alone
If you’re on your own this year, Toronto has welcoming options, from community dinners to open cafés. Spending Christmas alone in Toronto
A relaxed Christmas Day in Toronto
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Presents, coffee and a slow breakfast |
| Late morning | A walk in a ravine, High Park or along the waterfront |
| Noon | Dim sum or brunch, or start cooking |
| Afternoon | Skating at Nathan Phillips Square or a neighbourhood rink |
| Late afternoon | A Christmas movie at the cinema |
| Evening | Christmas dinner, then a drive or walk to see the lights |
Christmas Day for visitors
If you’re visiting Toronto over Christmas, plan ahead, as most shops and many restaurants close on December 25:
- Book Christmas dinner early at a hotel restaurant or one of the restaurants that stay open. Restaurants open on Christmas Day
- Stock up on snacks and essentials on December 24.
- Check attraction hours; some, like the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium, have opened on Christmas Day with holiday hours in past years.
- Enjoy the quiet streets for photos of the decorations and landmarks.
Getting around on Christmas Day
The TTC runs on Christmas Day, usually on a holiday schedule with less frequent service. GO Transit also runs a reduced schedule. Taxis and ride-share are available but may be busier and pricier. See the TTC holiday schedule.
Giving back on Christmas Day
Many Torontonians spend part of Christmas Day volunteering at community meals or visiting neighbours who live alone. If you’d like to volunteer, sign up in November, as Christmas Day spots fill quickly. See volunteering at Christmas.
Christmas Day in Toronto: FAQ
Is anything open on Christmas Day in Toronto? Some restaurants, cinemas, convenience stores, outdoor rinks and select attractions. See what’s open on Christmas Day.
Does it snow on Christmas Day in Toronto? Sometimes. A white Christmas isn’t guaranteed. See Toronto weather in December.
The day after
Boxing Day (Saturday, December 26) brings the sales and reopens the Distillery. Boxing Day in Toronto
