Stores Open on Christmas Day in Canada – December 25, 2025: Your Complete

Merry Christmas! Today, Thursday, December 25, 2025, is a statutory holiday across all provinces and territories in Canada. This means most major retailers, supermarkets, shopping malls, and government services are closed nationwide to give employees time to celebrate with family and friends. Big chains like Walmart, Costco, Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys, and their affiliates observe full closures on Christmas Day, continuing the tradition of a quiet retail landscape.

While large grocery runs and mall shopping are off the table, a few essential services—such as select pharmacies, convenience stores (dépanneurs in Quebec), gas stations, and independent small grocers—remain open for urgent needs like milk, snacks, batteries, prescriptions, or basic groceries. Hours are typically reduced (often mornings to early afternoon or limited windows), and availability varies by province, city, and individual location.

This detailed guide from ClickUSA News covers the latest on what’s open (and closed) on Christmas Day 2025 in Canada, with province-specific notes, reliable options, smart tips, and a look ahead to Boxing Day shopping.

Why Most Major Retailers Close on Christmas Day

Christmas Day is one of Canada’s key statutory holidays, leading to widespread voluntary and regulated closures:

• Emphasis on family time and employee well-being
• Provincial retail holiday acts (e.g., in Ontario and Quebec) restrict large retail operations
• Tradition among major chains to shut down fully

Expect no big-box sales, crowded malls, or full grocery access today at:

• Walmart — All stores closed
• Costco — All warehouses closed
• Loblaws / Real Canadian Superstore / No Frills — Closed
• Metro / Super C — Closed
• Sobeys / FreshCo — Closed
• Save-On-Foods (BC) — Closed
• Major malls and department stores — Fully shut

Christmas Eve note: December 24 was the last chance for major shopping, with many stores closing early (often by 6 p.m.).

Major Supermarkets & Grocery Chains: Fully Closed Nationwide

The big players are all observing the holiday:

• All major chains (Walmart, Costco, Loblaws family, Metro, Sobeys family, etc.) closed across provinces
• Exceptions are rare and limited to small independents or specific formats (e.g., some Rabba Fine Foods in Ontario open; Summerhill Market in Toronto open limited hours like 9 a.m.–1 p.m. in select spots)

Stock up fully by Christmas Eve to avoid last-minute stress!

What’s Actually Open on Christmas Day 2025? Essentials & Exceptions

Options focus on necessities. Always check locally via store apps, websites, Google “open now near me,” or phone calls—hours and openings vary significantly.

1. Pharmacies – Reliable for Medications & Basics

Many operate on reduced hours (e.g., noon–5 p.m. or shorter) with rota systems for coverage.

• Shoppers Drug Mart — Select locations open (common in Ontario; check locally)
• Rexall — Some open with limited hours
• Pharmaprix / Jean Coutu (Quebec) — Many open reduced hours (e.g., 12–5 p.m.)
• Independent pharmacies — Follow local rota for emergency coverage

2. Convenience Stores, Gas Stations & Dépanneurs – Most Dependable

These are your go-to for milk, snacks, ice, batteries, drinks, and basics—often 24/7 or extended.

• 7-Eleven — Many locations open 24/7 nationwide (one of the most reliable options)
• Circle K, Couchetard (Quebec), Mac’s — Typically open
• Gas stations (Shell, Esso, Petro-Canada, independents) — Forecourts and convenience shops usually open
• Dépanneurs (Quebec) — Many open for essentials
• Small independents like Rabba Fine Foods (Ontario) — Often open

3. Limited Other Options

• Some small grocers or specialty shops (e.g., select ethnic markets, Summerhill Market in Toronto) — Occasional limited hours
• Fast food & restaurants — Many open (e.g., McDonald’s, Tim Hortons in high-traffic areas; call ahead)
• Liquor stores — Mostly closed (LCBO in Ontario, SAQ in Quebec, etc.); rare convenience store sales in some provinces

Major shopping centres and non-essential retail? All closed today.

Quick Tips for Christmas Day Shoppers in 2025

• Verify ahead — Hours differ by province/city (e.g., more options in urban Ontario/Toronto vs. stricter in Atlantic provinces)
• Go early — Many reduce hours midday
• Province variations — Ontario and Quebec have more convenience/pharmacy options; Atlantic provinces (e.g., PEI, NB) often stricter; BC and Prairies similar to national pattern
• Delivery backup — Services like Instacart or Uber Eats may work from open spots (limited)
• Stay safe — Enjoy family time first; if out, drive carefully

Looking Ahead: Boxing Day (December 26, 2025) – Big Reopening & Sales

Most stores reopen tomorrow! Boxing Day is a major shopping event in provinces like Ontario, BC, Alberta, etc. (not statutory in Atlantic provinces, where many remain closed):

• Major chains (Walmart, Costco, Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys) — Reopen, often early (7–9 a.m.) with extended hours
• Malls and department stores — Open for big sales and deals
• Great day for post-Christmas bargains!

Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Day First

Christmas Day is about joy, family, gratitude, and peace—not shopping. The open essentials are there thanks to hardworking staff serving the community. If you need to pop out, go with thanks and kindness.