Boxing Day in Canada - December 26th Public Holiday

Boxing Day in Canada - December 26th Public Holiday

The day after Christmas, December 26th, is a public (or, statutory) holiday called Boxing Day across Canada.

Several theories exist on how Boxing Day got its name. It may come from a tradition in the U.K. in which household employers boxed gifts for their servants. One thing is for certain, the name comes from storage boxes, not the sport.

However, you may witness enthusiastic shoppers coming to blows over Boxing Day bargains. Boxing Day like the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, in the U.S. is THE big shopping day in Canada. Stores, malls and most retailers are open and generally continue till New Year's. Many, but not all, restaurants stay open to feed hungry shoppers.

What Does Boxing Day Mean for Visitors?

Banks, schools, government offices are closed.

Stores, malls and retailers are packed. Grease up those elbows and arrive early for the best Boxing Day deals.

Call ahead to restaurants or tourist attractions to confirm holiday hours.

Public transportation probably runs on holiday schedule.

Boxing Day Dates

2008: Fri, Dec 26, 2008
2009: Sat, Dec 26, 2009
2010: Sun, Dec 26, 2010
2011: Mon, Dec 26, 2011
2012: Wed, Dec 26, 2012
2013: Thurs, Dec 26, 2013
2014: Fri, Dec 26, 2014
2015: Sat, Dec 26, 2015

Boxing Day in Canada Resources:

Boxing Day Shopping

Top Shopping Spots in Toronto

Boxing Day in Vancouver