If you are planning errands, meals, or travel over the holidays, here is a clear breakdown of what is open and closed across the region on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Hours can vary by location, so checking directly with businesses is still recommended.
Grocery stores and markets
Most major grocery chains are closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Atlantic Superstore, Sobeys, Walmart, and Costco are closed.
Some independent and specialty markets reopen on Boxing Day with reduced hours. Be sure to check with their websites and social media for more.
Gateway Meat Market and Kingswood Market are open on Boxing Day.
A number of smaller international grocery stores may also be open on Boxing Day, often with shorter hours. This includes specialty food markets, as well as some convenience-style grocery stores.
Pharmacies and drug stores
Some pharmacies are open on both days with reduced or modified hours.
Lawtons Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart operate on a location-by-location basis, with some stores open and others closed.
Customers are encouraged to confirm hours directly with their local pharmacy.
Convenience stores and gas station markets
Many gas station convenience stores and neighbourhood corner stores remain open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Hours vary by location, but these are often among the most reliable options for last-minute essentials.
Shopping malls and retail
Major shopping malls are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
This includes Halifax Shopping Centre, Mic Mac Mall, Scotia Square, Park Lane Mall, Sunnyside Mall, and Bedford Place Mall.
Standalone retailers may open at their own discretion, particularly small independent shops.
Restaurants and cafés
Many restaurants and cafés are closed on Christmas Day.
Some fast food locations and coffee shops may be open with reduced or location-specific hours.
A number of restaurants reopen on Boxing Day, often with limited service.
Transit and transportation
Bus services operate on holiday schedules on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The Alderney ferry does not operate on Christmas Day and runs on a reduced schedule on Boxing Day.
The Woodside ferry does not operate on holidays.
Parking
Municipal on-street paid parking is free on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
All other parking rules and posted signage remain in effect.
Waste collection
There is no solid waste collection on Christmas Day.
Collection schedules shift to the next scheduled pickup day, with regular service resuming on Boxing Day.
Waste management and recycling facilities are closed on Christmas Day.
Libraries
All Halifax Public Libraries branches are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Recreation facilities
Most municipally run recreation facilities are closed or operating on irregular schedules over the holidays.
Residents are advised to check directly with individual facilities for updated hours.
Municipal services and customer service
Most municipal offices are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The 311 contact centre is closed to general inquiries but continues to accept urgent calls related to municipal operations.
Canada Post
All Canada Post retail locations are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Virtual health care
VirtualCareNS is closed on Christmas Day and reopens on Boxing Day with regular hours.
