The day after Christmas, December 26, is a public (or statutory) holiday called Boxing Day across Canada. This means that it is basically a day off for everyone and if you have to go to work, you must be paid time and a half.
There are several theories as to how Boxing Day got its name. It may stem from a tradition in the UK where domestic employers packed gifts for their servants. One thing is for sure, the name comes from the storage boxes, not the sport.
However, you can witness enthusiastic shoppers getting hit by Boxing Day deals. Boxing day, like the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, in the United States is THE big shopping day in Canada. Stores, malls, and most retailers are open and generally continue through New Years.
Many, but not all, restaurants stay open to feed hungry shoppers.
Some of the more popular items include electronics, Christmas decorations, appliances, children’s toys, and winter clothing.
Participating Canadian retailers include Best Buy (technology / electronics), Michaels (crafts and art supplies), Walmart (things) and Winners (clothing). But any open Boxing Day store will have a sale.
With the advent of online shopping, retailers are now offering Boxing Day savings by December 26 and continuing sales through the New Year. It kinda takes the excitement out of the actual Boxing Day event, but people show up in droves nonetheless.
What does boxing day mean to visitors?
- Banks, schools, government offices are closed.
- Stores, shopping malls and retailers are packed. Grease up those elbows and get there early for the best Boxing Day deals.
- Call restaurants or tourist attractions ahead of time to confirm vacation hours, but most are open.
- Public transportation probably runs on holiday hours.
Boxing day dates
2018: Wed, December 26, 2018
2019: Thursday, Dec 26, 2019
