Christmas Wreaths at Mill of Kintail. Photo by Derek Mellon.
Here’s what’s open and closed in Ottawa for Christmas and Boxing Day, December 25 and 26, 2019.
To add to this list (or make a correction) please contact us.
Shopping and attractions
Ottawa will be entering a provincially-mandated lockdown on Boxing Day, which will last for 28 days and will affect most stores. Many businesses, including most stores, will be closed on Christmas Day and will not be open on Boxing Day, or any other day until the lockdown ends.
Pharmacies and stores that sell groceries will be permitted to stay open with capacity restrictions. Shopping malls will be closed to in-person retail, but you’ll still be able to access the essential stores and services that may remain open inside. Food courts will be able to offer takeout service only. Malls can also offer pickup.
If you do need last minute groceries on Dec. 25, your best bet is the local convenience store, or Shoppers Drug Mart. Hours vary by store, but many are open on Christmas Day.
Metro stores close 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 and remain closed all of Christmas Day. The Metro on Rideau Street re-opens at 8 a.m. on Dec 26, most of other others open at 9 a.m.
Farm Boy stores close at 5 p.m. Dec. 24 and stay closed on Dec. 25 and 26, except for the one inside Rideau Centre, which will be open on Dec. 26 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The other stores will re-open on Dec. 27 with normal hours.
LCBO stores and Beer Stores close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
SAQ stores in Quebec are closed on Christmas Day but re-open at 1 p.m. on Boxing Day.
If you need beer on Boxing Day, try local brewpubs like Mill Street (near Lebreton Flats), Big Rig, Overflow on Kaladar, Lowertown, or the Clocktower, to name a few. They all sell beer that you can take home with you.
Most banks are closing early on Dec. 23, and will be closed for Christmas and Boxing Day.
No Canada Post mail service on Dec. 25 or 26.
Museums will close on Christmas Eve and will remain closed during the lockdown.
Kettleman’s Bagels never closes.
Need a doctor or emergency care?
You can find healthcare services open during holidays by checking iamsick.ca
City services
There will be no curbside or multi-residential green bin, recycling, garbage or bulky item collection on Friday, December 25 and Friday, January 1. Friday collections will take place on Saturday (Boxing Day), December 26 and Saturday, January 2.
Christmas trees are collected on garbage day, along with your green bin.
OC Transpo is operating on a reduced schedule from December 21 to December 25, and Dec. 28 to Jan. 1. On Christmas Day, buses will run on a Sunday schedule. On Boxing Day, buses will run on a Saturday schedule with extra trips. More info…
3-1-1 service is open for urgent requests.
City Hall and Client Service Centres remain closed due to COVID-19.
The Provincial Offences Court remains closed due to COVID-19.
Recreation facilities will be closed as a result of the provincial lockdown as of Boxing Day.
Outdoor skating is open.
Libraries will be closed on Friday, December 25, Saturday, December 26 and Friday, January 1.