Beth Macdonell has a preview of what Toronto has planned for New Year’s celebrations in the city.
It’s that time in Toronto, where friends and families gather to ring in the new year either from the comfort from their homes or out in the city.
Many stores and attractions will be shuttered (or at least operating on a limited schedule) on Jan. 1, as it is one of the nine public holidays in Ontario.
Here’s what will be open and closed in Toronto on New Year’s:
Grocery stores and liquor stores
Those who may have forgotten something on their grocery lists for their holiday feast may be out of luck depending on the day.
Most pharmacies and grocery stores in Toronto are closed on New Year’s Day, with the exception of Rabba Fine Foods, which is open 24/7, and Summerhill Market, which is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Convenience stores and independent food shops may be open through the holidays, or have their doors open for a limited time.
The Beer Store and LCBO stores will be closed on New Year’s Day. Those looking to snag some last-minute bubbly to ring in the New Year will still be able to go to the LCBO on Dec. 31, with some stores even operating with extended hours.
Government and mailing services
Canada Post is closed on the first day of 2026, as well as other couriers like FedEx, Purolator and UPS. In-person government services, like ServiceCanada and Service Ontario, will also be closed.
Malls and movie theatres
Most shopping centres in Toronto will be closed on New Year’s, though Pacific Mall will be open as it is every day of the year.
Several movie theatres remain open, just check on their website for film times beforehand.
Things to do in Toronto
Revellers looking to cap off 2025 with a vibrant fireworks show can go to one of seven designated areas to view the city-produced event on New Year’s Eve.
Major tourist attractions like the CN Tower, Casa Loma, High Park Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium and the Toronto Zoo will remain open on Jan. 1.
While the Distillery District’s Winter Village was closed on Christmas Day, visitors can drop by on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland will be up and running on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Toronto Public Library branches will be open on New Year’s Eve until 1 p.m., but will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Several city skating rinks will be open over New Year’s. Those looking to throw on their skates and hit the ice at a rink nearest them can head to the city’s website for a complete schedule.
TTC, GO schedules
Public transit will be running on different hours over the holidays, with the TTC operating on their Sunday schedules for New Year’s Day.
This means subways will start running at around 8 a.m., depending on the station, with the TTC saying trains will run every four to five minutes. Sunday service for buses will start running at around 6 a.m.
The Finch West LRT will run from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on with shuttle buses running after until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day. New Year’s Eve will have extended hours, with the LRT starting service at 6 a.m., and shuttle buses running until 2:30 a.m.
As for GO buses and trains, Metrolinx says it will be running its Saturday service on New Year’s Day. The transit network adds some routes do not offer weekend service and urge commuters to look at the specific schedules to see what hours they operate during this time.
Starting at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, commuters can ride the GO Train or the TTC for free until 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The UP Express will also be providing free service, but only until 3:45 a.m., which is when the last train rolls out of Union Station.
