Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and most businesses and services across Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington, Pickering, Ajax, and the rest of Durham Region will be closed. However, a handful of essential services and recreational spaces will remain open.
Here’s a breakdown of what residents can expect on Christmas Day:
OPEN
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Most convenience stores
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Some Shoppers Drug Mart locations (call ahead to confirm hours)
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Select Starbucks and Tim Hortons cafés, operating with reduced hours
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A limited number of restaurants, with Chinese food restaurants traditionally open
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Local parks, including Lakeview Park (Oshawa), Heydenshore Park (Whitby), and Waterfront Park (Ajax)
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Conservation areas, hiking trails, and cycling paths throughout Durham
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Ski Lakeridge, open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing
CLOSED
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Shopping malls, including Oshawa Centre, Whitby Mall, and Pickering Town Centre
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Most major grocery stores
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Banks
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Government offices and municipal buildings
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Community centres and libraries
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Canada Post (no mail pick-up or delivery)
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Mail service will also be suspended on Boxing Day, despite postal operations resuming following a strike
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LCBO and Beer Store locations
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Some cannabis retailers (call ahead to confirm)
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Most breweries
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Dagmar Ski Resort
TRANSIT
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GO Transit trains and buses will operate on a Saturday schedule
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Durham Region Transit (DRT) Pulse buses will run on a holiday schedule
GARBAGE & RECYCLING
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As Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on Wednesdays, curbside garbage, recycling, and green bin collection will shift one day later
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Waste transfer stations in Oshawa, Port Perry, Bowmanville, and Cannington (Brock Township) will be closed December 25–29 and on January 1
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and check directly with businesses or service providers for any last-minute changes to holiday hours.
Photo Credits : Insauga
