Christmas Day

Christmas Day in Canada is observed annually on December 25 and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in the Christian tradition. In 2026, Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25. The holiday was shaped by European Christian practices brought by French and British settlers, while Canada’s winter landscape, Indigenous cultural contexts, and diverse immigrant communities have contributed to the country’s distinctive Christmas traditions. Christmas became increasingly established as a public and family holiday during the 19th century, alongside the growth of churches, schools, newspapers, commercial retail, and postal services.

Christmas Day is generally a quiet public holiday, with many businesses, schools, government offices, and public services closed or operating on limited schedules. Canadians may visit relatives, volunteer, watch holiday films or televised events, enjoy winter activities such as skating and sledding, and participate in community light displays. Santa Claus is widely known as Père Noël in French-speaking communities, and children often leave cookies or other treats for him. Common greetings include “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Christmas,” “Joyeux Noël,” and the more inclusive “Happy Holidays.” December 26 is also widely observed as Boxing Day, a separate holiday associated with family visits, charitable giving, and post-Christmas retail sales; statutory holiday rules and substitute days can vary by province and territory.