What’s open and closed on Boxing Day in Hamilton

Typically, Boxing Day signals a mad rush to the malls, electronics stores, and retailers to scoop up some hot deals. Despite many people doing their shopping online, consumers are still expected to line up well before midnight.

This year, Boxing Day falls on Tuesday, Dec. 26. There will be some closures, including banks and government offices and the like, but most retailers will be open.

FUN FACT: It is called “Boxing Day” because, starting in medieval Britain, servants would be given the day after Christmas off, and they would receive a gift box on this day.

Here is what’s open and closed on Boxing Day 2023:

Open

• All critical services, including Fire and Emergency Services, Traffic Services, By-Law Enforcement, Road Operations, and Security Services, will continue to operate on Christmas Day.
• Hamilton parks, trails and outdoor skating rinks
• Some restaurants will be open for dine-in and takeout (call ahead)
• Some drug stores, such as Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall, will be open (call ahead)
• Costco locations
• Loblaws locations
• Most convenience stores
• Select beer stores will be open 11 a.m. to 5 a.m., including 282 Parkdale Ave. N, 1111 Barton St. E, 150 Barton St. E., 673 Upper James Street, 959 Fennell Ave. E. and 75 Centennial Parkway N.
• Some breweries will be open, such as Shawn and Ed’s in Dundas, which will be open noon to 7 p.m. Call ahead to your favourite to be sure
• Wine Rack locations at the Food Basics (Rymal Road & Wentworth Street) – 10 a.m.-6 p.m. – and in Ancaster (Wilson St. W.  – 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Splitsville Entertainment
• Movie theatres

Closed 

• Banks
• Canada Post (no mail pick up or delivery)
• Government offices
• Hamilton Farmers’ Market
• Independent movie cinemas
• Libraries and civic museums
• Recreation centres
• ATS-Darts. DARTS is on a holiday schedule. Advance reservations are required to travel on Boxing Day
• Gage Park greenhouse
• Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum

Waste and Recycling:

Waste and recycling collection will be pushed back one day

Transit:

• HSR buses will operate a special holiday schedule with limited service from 6 am to 9 p.m.
• GO Transit will run on a Saturday schedule on Dec. 26 and 27