Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, and Boxing Day on Saturday, December 26. On Christmas Day most of Vancouver closes: the big malls, most grocery stores, BC Liquor Stores and post offices. But you won’t be stuck. Transit runs, a few grocery stores and pharmacies stay open, and some of the best Christmas outings in the city keep going right through the 25th.
Holiday hours for 2026 are mostly posted in December. What follows is based on how Christmas Day worked in 2025, so use it to plan and then double-check the places you’re counting on.
Christmas Day at a Glance
| Usually open | Usually closed |
|---|---|
| TransLink buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus (Sunday/holiday schedule) | West Coast Express |
| Some T&T Supermarkets and some Shoppers Drug Mart locations | Most big grocery chains, Costco and Walmart |
| Some private liquor stores | BC Liquor Stores |
| Movie theatres | Major malls |
| Ski hills: Grouse, Cypress and Seymour | Canada Post offices |
| Robson Square rink (shorter hours) | Most community centres and libraries |
Transit on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
In 2025, TransLink ran buses, SkyTrain and the SeaBus on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Christmas Day, with reduced Expo and Millennium Line service. The West Coast Express didn’t run. Expect something similar in 2026, and check TransLink’s holiday service page the week before. Boxing Day usually runs on a holiday or reduced schedule too.
Grocery Stores and Pharmacies
Most major grocers, including Save-On-Foods, Safeway, Whole Foods, IGA, Superstore, Costco and Walmart, were closed on Christmas Day 2025. T&T Supermarket was open, and some Shoppers Drug Mart locations opened with shorter hours. If you need something for Christmas dinner, shop on the 23rd or early on the 24th: stores were open on Christmas Eve with shorter hours. For prescriptions, call your pharmacy ahead.
Liquor Stores
BC Liquor Stores close on Christmas Day. Several private stores stayed open in 2025, including some Jak’s locations and a handful of independent shops downtown. Hours are short, so don’t leave it to late afternoon.
Malls and Shopping
Pacific Centre, Metropolis at Metrotown, Park Royal, Richmond Centre, Coquitlam Centre and the other big malls close on December 25 and open with shorter hours on Christmas Eve. They reopen on Boxing Day, usually early, for the sales. See our Boxing Day in Vancouver guide.
Things to Do on Christmas Day
You can still have a lovely Christmas Day out. These were open on December 25 last year:
- Skiing and snow play at Grouse, Cypress and Seymour, conditions permitting. See Christmas on the North Shore mountains.
- Skating at Robson Square, which opened from 12:00 to 5:00 PM on Christmas Day 2025.
- The Vancouver Aquarium, with holiday hours.
- Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency, free.
- Free lights: Lights at Lafarge, the Dundarave waterfront trees and Lights by the Lake.
- Movies: Cineplex and independent theatres usually run Christmas Day screenings.
- A walk: the Stanley Park seawall on Christmas morning is quiet and lovely, rain or shine.
Closed on Christmas Day in 2026: VanDusen Festival of Lights, Canyon Lights, Noël Surrey (also closed December 24) and Festive Village (closed December 24 and 25). The Vancouver Christmas Market and the Shipyards Christmas Market end on December 24.
For a full plan for the day, including church services and Christmas dinner, see Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Vancouver.
Boxing Day (Saturday, December 26)
Boxing Day isn’t a statutory holiday in BC, so most businesses open, and the malls and outlets open early for sales. Most attractions that close on the 25th reopen on the 26th, including VanDusen, Canyon Lights, Noël Surrey and Festive Village. Banks and government offices may run reduced hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SkyTrain running on Christmas Day?
Yes. In 2025 it ran on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Check TransLink for the 2026 schedule.
Are grocery stores open on Christmas Day in Vancouver?
Most big chains close. Some T&T Supermarkets opened in 2025.
Are liquor stores open on Christmas Day?
BC Liquor Stores are closed. Some private liquor stores open with short hours.
Is Boxing Day a holiday in BC?
No. Boxing Day isn’t a statutory holiday in British Columbia, so most stores are open.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Vancouver
