Boxing Day (December 26) is a statutory holiday in Ontario, but in Toronto it’s also one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Most malls open early for sales, while banks, government offices and libraries close. Here’s what to expect, based on Boxing Day 2025; we’ll update with 2026 hours in December.
Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so some employers, banks and government services may observe the holiday on Monday, December 28. Check with the business or service before you go.
Open
- Malls: most open early for Boxing Day sales. In 2025: Eaton Centre 8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Yorkdale and Scarborough Town Centre 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sherway Gardens 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fairview 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Boxing Day sales
- Grocery stores: most major chains open, some with reduced hours.
- LCBO: select stores with reduced hours.
- The Beer Store: select Toronto stores, reduced hours (11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at a dozen stores in 2025).
- Attractions: in 2025 the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Toronto Zoo and the Distillery Winter Village were all open.
- Transit: the TTC ran a Sunday schedule from about 6 a.m. in 2025; GO ran a Saturday schedule. In 2026 Boxing Day is a Saturday, so expect weekend service. TTC holiday schedule
- Movie theatres, rinks and many restaurants.
Closed
- Banks and most government offices
- Toronto Public Library
- Mail delivery
Boxing Day 2026 falls on a Saturday
In 2026, Boxing Day is Saturday, December 26. Because it lands on a weekend, many workplaces will give a substitute day off on Monday, December 28; check with your employer. Some government services and banks may adjust their schedules around the substitute day, so check before you visit on December 28.
Attractions and things to do
Many attractions are open on Boxing Day with holiday hours, making it a popular day for family outings:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has opened with extended hours on Boxing Day. Ripley’s Aquarium
- The CN Tower, with holiday hours.
- Museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum often open; check holiday hours. Museum holiday programs
- Outdoor rinks, including Nathan Phillips Square. Outdoor skating
- Cinemas and many restaurants.
- The Distillery Winter Village, which reopens after Christmas Day.
Getting around
The TTC runs on Boxing Day, usually on a holiday schedule. Expect crowds near major malls and the Eaton Centre. Use transit to avoid packed parking lots. See the TTC holiday schedule.
Plan ahead
- Pick up prescriptions before Christmas; some pharmacies have reduced hours.
- Check store hours online the day before; hours vary by location.
- Bring receipts if you’re returning gifts, and check return policies.
What’s open on Boxing Day: FAQ
Are malls open on Boxing Day in Toronto? Yes. Most open early for sales.
Are banks open on Boxing Day? Generally no. Banks and government offices close.
Is the LCBO open on Boxing Day? Select stores have opened with reduced hours. LCBO holiday hours
Tips
- Shop early for the best Boxing Day deals; doors open as early as 8 a.m.
- Take transit to big malls; parking fills fast.
- Check individual store hours, which can differ from mall hours.
More: Boxing Day in Toronto · what’s open on Christmas Day · mall holiday hours
