Don’t get caught without cranberry sauce. Here’s what to expect from Toronto grocery stores over the 2026 holidays, based on last year’s hours. Hours vary by chain and location, so check your store’s website or app.
Grocery stores over the holidays
| Date | Typical hours |
|---|---|
| Thursday, December 24 | Open with reduced hours; most close in the late afternoon or early evening |
| Friday, December 25 | Most major grocery stores closed |
| Saturday, December 26 | Most major chains open, some with reduced hours |
| Thursday, December 31 | Open with reduced hours |
| Friday, January 1 | Most major chains closed; a few stores stay open (some Whole Foods and Rabba locations opened in 2026) |
Typical grocery hours over the holidays
| Day (2026–27) | Typical hours |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve, Thu, Dec 24 | Open, closing early (often late afternoon) |
| Christmas Day, Fri, Dec 25 | Most closed |
| Boxing Day, Sat, Dec 26 | Many open, some with reduced hours |
| New Year’s Eve, Thu, Dec 31 | Open, often closing early |
| New Year’s Day, Fri, Jan 1 | Most closed |
These are general patterns; each chain and store sets its own hours. Check your store’s website or app in mid-December.
Where to find groceries on Christmas Day
If you’ve forgotten something on December 25, try:
- Convenience stores, many of which stay open.
- Some independent grocers and corner stores in neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Koreatown.
- Some pharmacies, which may carry basics like milk, bread and snacks.
- Gas station convenience shops.
Holiday grocery shopping tips
- Shop early in the week before Christmas; December 22 and 23 are among the busiest days of the year.
- Order your turkey ahead. Buying a Christmas turkey
- Use delivery or pickup for big orders, but book time slots early.
- Make a list by recipe so you don’t miss any ingredients.
- Go early in the morning to avoid lineups and get the freshest produce.
Grocery store holiday hours: FAQ
Are grocery stores open on Christmas Day in Toronto? Most are closed.
Are grocery stores open on Boxing Day? Many are open, sometimes with reduced hours.
More holiday hours: what’s open on Christmas Day · what’s open on Boxing Day
Shopping tips
- Shop early in the week before Christmas; December 23 and 24 are the busiest days.
- Order turkeys and roasts two to three weeks ahead. Fresh Christmas turkey in Toronto
- St. Lawrence Market is a great option for holiday specialties; check its holiday schedule. St. Lawrence Market at Christmas
- Convenience stores and some pharmacies stay open on Christmas Day for essentials.
- Many grocery stores sell beer and wine, which helps when the LCBO is closed. LCBO holiday hours
More: what’s open on Christmas Day · what’s open on Boxing Day · what’s open on New Year’s Day
