Boxing Day in Canada

This national overview identifies holiday occasions. Public holiday dates, substitute days and school calendars depend on the state or territory. Use your jurisdiction calendar for closures and countdowns.

State and territory calendars

Choose your jurisdiction for public holidays, substitute dates, local exceptions and school calendars.

About this calendar

Boxing Day is observed on 26 December, the day after Christmas. In Canada it is especially associated with post-Christmas retail sales and the continuation of the holiday season, although its legal public-holiday status is not identical across every province and employment jurisdiction.

Coverage

Boxing Day extends the Christmas period and is commercially important, but it is not a universal provincial statutory holiday. It is a general holiday under federal labour standards and an Ontario public holiday, while British Columbia and Alberta employment standards do not list it as a statutory general holiday.

Dates and coverage by jurisdiction — 2028

Additional and substitute dates are separate entries. Local and sector-only holidays apply only to the areas or institutions specified.

Ontario

26 December 2028

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

Actual statutory/calendar date; employer-dependent substitute dates are not manufactured. Official source

Missing entries do not establish that a jurisdiction has no holiday. Check its calendar for pending official dates and local exceptions.

Background

Boxing Day came to Canada through British tradition. Its exact name origin is uncertain; commonly cited explanations involve gift boxes for workers, tradespeople or people in need. Modern Canadian observance is strongly associated with retail promotions, family time and winter recreation.

Workplaces

Federally regulated employees are entitled to Boxing Day as a general holiday, subject to the Canada Labour Code's work and substitution rules. Provincial coverage varies sharply: Ontario recognizes it, whereas British Columbia and Alberta do not treat it as a statutory holiday under their general employment standards.

Banks

The Bank of Canada observes a Boxing Day holiday, using a substitute weekday when required by its schedule. Individual branch hours and payment-processing dates should be checked, especially when 26 December falls on a weekend.

Schools

Schools are normally closed because 26 December falls within winter break, not because Boxing Day is uniformly statutory across every province. Board and institutional calendars remain authoritative.

Planning

Boxing Day falls during the busy Christmas and winter vacation period. Airports, highways, ski destinations and shopping centres can be crowded. Travellers should also be prepared for winter weather and heavy traffic near major retail areas.

Frequently asked questions

When is Boxing Day in Canada?

Boxing Day is observed on 26 December.

Is Boxing Day a public holiday everywhere in Canada?

No. Its legal and workplace treatment varies by province, territory and employment jurisdiction.

Why is Boxing Day important in Canada?

It is especially known for major post-Christmas retail sales and the continuation of the Christmas holiday period.

Are banks open on Boxing Day?

Branch schedules vary, so customers should check with their financial institution.

Are schools open?

No. Schools are normally closed for the winter holiday period.

Official sources

Government of Canada: Government of Canada: general holidays for federally regulated employment