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