Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday this year, and it's a federal and statutory holiday across Canada — but don't worry! Some grocery stores, liquor stores, shopping centres and attractions are still open to save the day, and we dug around to find all of them so you don't have to.
Meanwhile, Christmas Eve may not be an official holiday, but plenty of places across Montreal will close early. We've got all the info on reduced hours, so you can avoid being caught out while running errands.
As for Boxing Day, while it's not a statutory holiday in Quebec, it's still a federal holiday, so some federally regulated services and industries are affected. However, it's also one of the busiest shopping days of the year, so many stores and malls across the city will open their doors for longer than usual, and we've rounded up the hours and details you need to know.
From grocery and liquor stores to malls, public transit, government services and attractions, here's your guide to what's open and closed in Montreal on December 24, 25 and 26, 2024 — including info on Costco, Walmart, the SAQ, Canada Post, the STM, Services Québec and more.
Grocery stores
December 24 (Christmas Eve):
- Costco: All locations across Greater Montreal will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Provigo & Maxi: Most Provigo locations appear to be open until 5 p.m. Maxi's holiday hours are not posted on its website, but they are likely to be similar to its sister company's hours.
- Metro & Super C: Most locations will be open until 5 p.m. You can check the Metro and Super C websites for your local store's hours.
- IGA: Most locations will be open until 5 p.m. You can check the IGA website for your local store's hours.
- Walmart: All locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Public markets: Atwater, Jean-Talon and Maisonneuve markets will be open until 5 p.m.
December 25 (Christmas Day): Most major grocery chains will be closed on Christmas Day. However, here are a few places you can go if you need something on the holiday:
- Pharmacies: Many pharmacies, especially larger chains like Pharmaprix and Jean Coutu, will be open with reduced hours on Christmas Day (often 12 to 5 p.m.). Holiday hours are often not posted on the website, so it's a good idea to call your local store before heading out.
- Depanneurs: Many depanneurs and corner stores in Montreal stay open on Christmas Day for last-minute essentials. It's a good idea to call your local store to confirm their hours.
- Provigo at 1275, av. des Canadiens de Montréal will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 26 (Boxing Day):
- Costco: All regular warehouses in Greater Montreal will be open from 1 to 8:30 p.m., except for Candiac, which will be open 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Business Centres will be open from 1 to 6 p.m.
- Provigo & Maxi: Most Provigo locations appear to be open starting at 1 p.m. Maxi's holiday hours are not posted on its website, but they're likely to be similar.
- Metro & Super C: Most Metro stores appear to be opening at 1 p.m. Super C's Boxing Day hours aren't posted, but they're likely to be similar.
- IGA: Most locations will open at 1 p.m.
- Walmart: All locations on the Island of Montreal will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. A few locations in Laval will open earlier at 8 a.m.
Liquor stores
Most SAQ locations will close early at 5 p.m. on December 24 and reopen at 1 p.m. on December 26. While the SAQ isn't open on Christmas Day, many depanneurs will be open, selling beer and wine.
Shopping malls
Most major shopping malls in Greater Montreal — including Galeries d'Anjou, Place Versailles and more — will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 24, closed on December 25, and will reopen on December 26 at 1 p.m.
Services
STM: Christmas Day and Boxing Day are both observed as holidays by the STM, and Montreal's public transit system operates on a reduced or modified schedule.
Canada Post: Canada Post is closed on national, provincial and territorial holidays. That means there is no collection or delivery of mail happening on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. However, post offices operated by private businesses may be open if their host businesses are.
Banks: All banks are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Service Canada: Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Services Québec: Closed December 24 to 26, inclusive.
Things to do
Public markets: Place Jacques-Cartier Market will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. all three days. Atwater, Jean-Talon and Maisonneuve markets will be open until 5 p.m. on December 24, but closed on the 25th and 26th.
Espace pour la vie museums: The Biodome, Biosphere, Insectarium and Planetarium are closed on December 24 and 25, but open on the 26th. The Planetarium will be open on Boxing Day from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., while the other three will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Botanical Garden's outdoor spaces are open every day during the holidays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Skating rinks: The Bleu Blanc Bouge rinks at Parc de la Confédération (CDN-NDG) and Parc Willibrord (Verdun) will be open on Christmas Day — the former from 12 to 6 p.m., and the latter from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Old Port skating rink will also be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. all throughout the holidays.
Cinemas: Most cinemas, especially larger chains like Cineplex, are open all throughout the holidays, including Christmas Day.
Happy holidays, Montreal!
