Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24, 2026) is one of the most atmospheric days of the year in Toronto. The city is busy with last-minute shoppers in the morning, then slows down into candlelit services, festive dinners and lights.
Things to do on Christmas Eve
- Last-minute shopping in the morning; malls close early (around 5 p.m. last year). Last-minute shopping
- Visit the Distillery Winter Village, open on Christmas Eve (ticketed after 4 p.m.). Distillery Winter Village
- See The Nutcracker; the National Ballet’s run continues through December 31. Nutcracker
- Skate under the lights at Nathan Phillips Square. Skating
- Christmas Eve dinner: Italian seafood feasts, festive set menus and more. Christmas Eve dinner
- Midnight mass and candlelight services at Toronto’s historic churches. Christmas services
- Track Santa at home with the kids.
A Christmas Eve plan for families
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | A family skate or a walk to see the decorations downtown |
| Noon | Lunch out before restaurants and shops get quieter |
| Afternoon | A matinee show or a Christmas movie, then home for a nap |
| 4 – 5 p.m. | An early family or children’s Christmas Eve service, if you attend church |
| 6 p.m. | Christmas Eve dinner at home or out |
| Evening | Track Santa, leave out cookies and carrots, then early bed |
A Christmas Eve plan for adults
Do your final shopping in the morning before stores close early, then meet friends for a festive lunch. In the late afternoon, wander through the Distillery Winter Village or see the lights at Nathan Phillips Square. Enjoy a long Christmas Eve dinner, perhaps an Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes, and finish with a midnight service in one of Toronto’s historic churches, or a quiet nightcap at a hotel bar.
Christmas Eve traditions in Toronto
Toronto’s many communities mark Christmas Eve in different ways:
- Italian families gather for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Italian Christmas in Toronto
- Polish and Ukrainian families share Wigilia or Sviata Vechera, a meatless supper that begins when the first star appears.
- Filipino families attend the final Simbang Gabi Mass before Noche Buena, the Christmas Eve feast. Simbang Gabi
- Many families open one gift on Christmas Eve, often new pyjamas.
- French Canadian families may celebrate réveillon after midnight Mass.
Getting around on Christmas Eve
The TTC runs on Christmas Eve, though service can change in the evening. If you’re heading to a late service, check the TTC holiday schedule and plan your trip home in advance. Taxis and ride-share are busy late at night.
Christmas Eve in Toronto: FAQ
What day is Christmas Eve in 2026? Thursday, December 24, 2026.
Are stores open on Christmas Eve in Toronto? Yes, but most close early, usually in the late afternoon or early evening.
Is Christmas Eve a statutory holiday in Ontario? No. It’s a regular working day for many people, though some employers close early.
What’s open on Christmas Day? Very little. See what’s open on Christmas Day and Christmas Day in Toronto.
What closes early
- Malls: around 5 to 6 p.m.
- LCBO: 6 p.m. LCBO holiday hours
- Grocery stores: reduced hours. Grocery hours
- Toronto Public Library: early afternoon
See what’s open on Christmas Day for the full picture.
