Toronto New Year’s Day: What’s Open and Closed?
Toronto is gearing up for New Year’s celebrations, offering both festivities and some operational changes across the city. As January 1 approaches, residents and visitors need to plan accordingly, since many establishments will operate on a limited schedule due to the holiday.
What’s Open and Closed in Toronto on New Year’s Day
Grocery and Liquor Stores
On New Year’s Day, many grocery stores and pharmacies in Toronto will remain closed. However, a few exceptions exist:
- Rabba Fine Foods – Open 24/7
- Summerhill Market – Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Convenience stores and independent food shops may also have varying hours. Notably, both The Beer Store and LCBO will be closed on this day.
Government and Mailing Services
On January 1, government offices, including Service Canada and Service Ontario, will be closed. Additionally, delivery services such as Canada Post, FedEx, Purolator, and UPS will not be operational.
Malls and Movie Theatres
Most shopping centers across Toronto will close for New Year’s Day, with Pacific Mall being the only exception, as it remains open year-round. Several movie theatres will maintain operations, but patrons are advised to check individual websites for film schedules.
Attractions and Events
Tourists looking for activities on New Year’s Day will find that major attractions will be open:
- CN Tower
- Casa Loma
- High Park Zoo
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Toronto Zoo
Additionally, the Distillery District’s Winter Village will welcome visitors, and WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland will run from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Public Libraries and Skating Rinks
Toronto Public Library branches will close on January 1 but will be open until 1 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Skating rinks across the city will be open, and residents can find schedules on the city’s official website.
Transit Services on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Public transit will have modified schedules. On New Year’s Day, the TTC will operate under Sunday hours:
- Subways: Start around 8 a.m.
- Buses: Start at around 6 a.m.
- Finch West LRT: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., shuttle buses until 1 a.m.
The TTC will offer free service from 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 8 a.m. on January 1. GO trains and buses will run on a Saturday schedule, while free rides will also be available on the UP Express until 3:45 a.m.
Conclusion
Toronto’s New Year’s Day schedule reflects a mix of open and closed services. Residents and visitors should check ahead to plan their celebrations effectively.
