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Christmas 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

Christmas Day in Canada is celebrated on 25 December and is one of the country's most widely observed public holidays. The day combines Christian traditions commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ with family gatherings, gifts, seasonal food and winter customs shared across Canada's diverse communities.

Coverage

For Christians, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. For many other Canadians it is primarily a cultural and family holiday. The season also has major economic importance for retail, transportation, food, hospitality and tourism.

Dates and coverage by jurisdiction — 2027

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

Alberta

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

British Columbia

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Manitoba

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

New Brunswick

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Newfoundland and Labrador

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Northwest Territories

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Nova Scotia

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Nunavut

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Ontario

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Prince Edward Island

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Quebec

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Saskatchewan

Public · regional coverage · Confirmed — source checked

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

Yukon

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

Christmas traditions in Canada developed through French, British and other European Christian communities and were later shaped by immigration from around the world. Religious services, decorated trees, gift giving and family meals became widely established, while regional traditions evolved in different parts of the country.

Workplaces

Federal labour law grants qualifying workers in regulated industries a paid Christmas holiday. Every province and territory also provides a Christmas entitlement through its own standards. Public offices and most workplaces close, although healthcare, transport, hospitality and continuous operations remain staffed.

Banks

The Bank of Canada includes Christmas Day in its holiday schedule. Branch and settlement services close; cards, ATMs and online banking generally operate, with business-day transactions deferred.

Schools

Schools and universities are normally within winter break on 25 December. Provincial authorities, boards and institutions set the actual start and end dates, which may differ across Canada.

Planning

Christmas is one of Canada's busiest family travel periods. Airports and highways can be crowded, and winter storms may cause delays or cancellations. Travellers should monitor forecasts and allow extra time.

Frequently asked questions

Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Canada?

Yes. 25 December is widely observed as a public holiday across Canada.

How is Christmas celebrated?

Common traditions include family meals, gift giving, church services, decorated trees, lights and community events.

Are banks and government offices open?

No. Bank branches and government offices are generally closed.

Are schools open?

No. Schools are normally already closed for the winter break.

Can winter weather affect Christmas travel?

Yes. Snowstorms and severe winter conditions can delay flights and road travel.

Holiday guides

Official sources

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