The Holiday Shopping Bylaw outlines when retail businesses in Toronto must close during the year for holidays (except in designated tourist areas).

  • New Year’s Day
  • Family Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Sunday
  • Victoria Day
  • Canada Day
  • Labour Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

There are some exemptions:

The following retailers can remain open on holidays:

  • small retail establishments less than 2,400 square feet
  • pharmacies less than 7,500 square feet
  • art galleries, nurseries; gas stations; liquor licensed businesses
  • retail businesses for education; recreation and amusement
  • business in relation to prepared meals, living accommodations, laundromats, vehicle or boat rentals

Businesses located in the following tourist areas are also exempt from the bylaw:

  • Queens Quay West
  • Toronto Eaton Centre and the Hudson’s Bay Company (Yonge & Queen location)
  • Downtown Yonge Street Business Improvement Area
  • Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area
  • Distillery Historic District