Visiting Toronto on December 25, 2025? Here’s a friendly, clear guide to what typically stays open, what closes, and the best festive things to do. Expect a quieter city with sparkling lights, cozy food spots, and holiday schedules. Plan ahead, bundle up, and you’ll have a delightfully stress-free Christmas Day in Canada’s largest city. 🎄✨
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- Date: Thursday, December 25, 2025.
- Vibe: Calm, twinkly, family-focused; many places run reduced hours.
- Open (commonly): Public transit on a holiday schedule, select restaurants, hotel dining, cinemas, outdoor rinks (weather permitting), convenience stores, and some drugstores.
- Closed (commonly): Government offices, banks, most malls, large museums, and liquor stores.
- Essentials: Book meals early, confirm hours 24–48 hours before the day, and dress for sub-zero windchill.
Quick Facts Box
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Language: English widely spoken; French and many others common
- Best Season: Late spring and fall; winter is magical for lights and skating
- Average Spend (Day Trip): CAD 80–180 per person (meals, transport, activities)
What’s Open on December 25, 2025
Public Transit & Getting Around
Toronto’s public transit generally runs on a holiday/Sunday schedule. Expect less frequent service and later morning starts. Streetcars and buses operate; subways run reduced hours. Taxis and rideshare apps are available all day, with possible surge pricing late evening. If you drive, allow extra time for winter road conditions.
Food & Drink
Hotel restaurants often serve special holiday menus and are your safest bet for a sit-down meal. In the city’s diverse neighborhoods, you’ll usually find dim sum in Chinatown 🥟, Korean BBQ in Koreatown, and a handful of Middle Eastern and South Asian eateries open. Many cafés close, but a few independent spots and chain locations may open limited hours.
Tip: Book ahead for hotel dining, and call same-day to reconfirm. Takeaway is popular—be patient and dress warm while waiting outside.
Entertainment & Attractions
Cinemas commonly open by afternoon on December 25. Outdoor city-run skating rinks usually operate (weather and ice conditions permitting) ⛸️, though skate rentals may have shorter hours. A small number of private attractions occasionally open, but many large museums and galleries are closed. If an attraction is on your bucket list, verify hours a few days in advance.
Shopping & Essentials
Convenience stores, gas stations, and some drugstores typically open with reduced hours for snacks, toiletries, and over-the-counter meds. Most malls and big-box retailers close for the day. Expect very limited grocery options; smaller independent shops are more likely to open than major supermarkets.
Services
Government offices, banks, and postal services are closed. Many spas in large hotels run abbreviated hours (pre-booking recommended). Medical clinics are mostly closed; for non-emergencies, check if your hotel concierge can suggest an open walk-in clinic or on-call pharmacy.
Christmas Day Events & Things To Do
Free Festive Light Walks
Bundle up and tour the city’s best-lit districts. Downtown squares, waterfront promenades, and shopping streets often keep their holiday displays glowing even when stores are closed. It’s a relaxed, photogenic way to soak in the season without spending a dollar. 📸
Outdoor Fun
Take a cheerful glide at an outdoor rink—city rinks are usually open, but capacities and ice conditions can change quickly in mild spells. Parks and the lakefront trail are open for winter walks. After snowfall, parks feel wonderfully quiet—just watch for icy patches and wear traction if you have it.
Cozy Indoors
Catch a holiday movie or a new blockbuster at a cinema, often opening mid-afternoon. Hotel lounges sometimes host afternoon tea or a festive cocktail hour 🍸. If you prefer a spa day, large hotels may offer shortened treatment menus—book early and confirm holiday pricing.
Faith Services & Community Meals
Many churches and places of worship hold services on the morning of December 25, with some offering community meals. If you wish to attend, check service times directly and arrive early, as popular services can be standing-room-only.
What’s Closed or Limited
- Government services: City, provincial, and federal offices closed.
- Banks and post: Financial institutions and postal counters closed.
- Malls & big-box: Most retail shuttered all day.
- Liquor retailers: Typically closed on December 25.
- Museums & galleries: Many close for the holiday; check specifics if one is a must-see.
Weather Overview for Late December
Expect cold, often below freezing. Typical daytime highs hover around -2°C to +2°C (28–36°F), with colder windchill near the lake. Snow is possible, but rain or slush also happens. Daylight is short—roughly eight to nine hours—so plan outdoor activities earlier and save cozy indoor time for late afternoon.
What to wear: Insulated boots, warm socks, thermal layers, a windproof jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves. Hand warmers are a tiny luxury that make outdoor lineups much friendlier. ❄️
Getting Around on the Holiday
Transit: Subways, streetcars, and buses run less frequently on a holiday timetable. Give yourself an extra 15–25 minutes for connections. Some routes may start later than usual in the morning.
Rideshare & taxis: Readily available, especially downtown. Prices can spike after dinner and post-movie hours—compare options and consider walking a few blocks from busy hubs for faster pickup.
Driving: Roads are calmer, but black ice is a real risk. Keep washer fluid topped up and a scraper handy. Parking rules may still be enforced in signed areas; don’t assume holidays are free.
Booking & Budget Tips
- Reserve early: Hotel restaurants and popular ethnic eateries that open on December 25 fill up quickly.
- Confirm twice: Call or check hours 24–48 hours before the day; holiday staffing can change plans.
- Expect premiums: Some venues add holiday surcharges; prix-fixe menus are common.
- Bring a card: Many places are cashless; tap payments are the norm.
- Warm-up strategy: Alternate outdoor walks with indoor breaks—cafés, hotel lobbies, or cinemas.
Food & Local Experiences
Toronto shines as a multicultural food city. On December 25, you’re likely to find no-frills comfort foods that hit the spot: steaming bowls of pho 🍜, sizzling skewers, hotpot, shawarma, or Caribbean patties. For something festive, hotel brunches and roasts create a traditional feel without the cleanup.
Pair your meal with a lights stroll—downtown cores and upscale neighborhoods tend to keep their displays on well into the night. Cap it off with a hot chocolate from an open café or a convenience-store treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming everything is closed: You’ll miss great meals and skating if you don’t look.
- Assuming everything is open: Many top attractions aren’t—always check hours.
- Skipping reservations: Walk-ins can mean long waits outside in the cold.
- Under-dressing: Lakeside winds make it feel colder than the forecast.
- Forgetting transport changes: Plan extra time for holiday transit frequencies.
Safety Tips & Local Etiquette
- Stay visible: Wear something reflective for evening walks; it gets dark early.
- Mind the ice: Steps and curb cuts can be slick—use railings where available.
- Be patient and polite: Staff are working a family holiday; a smile goes a long way. 😊
- Keep valuables close: Crowded cinemas and transit are still city environments.
FAQs
Are restaurants open in Toronto on Christmas Day 2025?
Yes—select spots open, especially hotel restaurants and eateries in Chinatown, Koreatown, and other multicultural areas. Reservations are recommended, and hours are shorter than usual.
Do Toronto cinemas open on December 25, 2025?
Most cinemas typically open by mid-afternoon with reduced schedules. Buy tickets in advance if you can; Christmas Day showings can be popular.
Is public transit running in Toronto on Christmas Day 2025?
Transit generally runs on a holiday/Sunday timetable with less frequent service. Allow extra time for transfers and check schedules the day before.
Which attractions are open in Toronto on December 25, 2025?
Outdoor rinks often operate (weather permitting), and some private attractions may open. Many major museums and galleries are closed. Verify hours directly before you go.
Are shopping malls open in Toronto on December 25, 2025?
Most malls and big-box stores are closed all day. Convenience stores, some drugstores, and gas stations usually open with limited hours.
Can I get a traditional Christmas meal in Toronto on December 25, 2025?
Yes—hotel dining rooms frequently offer festive brunches or dinners. Book early and expect prix-fixe menus or holiday pricing.
What’s the weather like in Toronto around December 25, 2025?
Cold, with typical highs around -2°C to +2°C (28–36°F) and possible windchill. Snow or mixed precipitation is possible. Dress in warm, layered clothing.
Is alcohol retail open in Toronto on Christmas Day 2025?
Liquor retailers are typically closed on December 25. Some bars and hotel lounges may open, but hours and offerings vary.
Conclusion
With a little planning, December 25 in Toronto can feel wonderfully festive—quiet streets, glittering lights, and comforting global eats. Pick a lights walk, book a cozy meal, skate for a bit, and end with a movie or hot drink. Keep plans flexible, confirm hours, and enjoy a magical urban holiday. ✨
