Christmas Traditions and Customs in Canada

Christmas in Canada is celebrated in much the same way as it is in other Western countries. Dec. 25 is the official holiday in Canada, with many Canadians also taking time off on the afternoon of the 24th (Christmas Eve) as well as Boxing Day, which is celebrated on the 26th.

Canada is a multicultural country, so many other holiday traditions aside from Christian ones are observed in December and throughout the year. Hanukkah celebrations are widespread, especially in Toronto and Montreal where there are large Jewish populations. On Christmas Day, pretty much everything in the way of retail and services is closed, except for the occasional convenience store. If you’re looking for a bar or restaurant for a good holiday meal, a hotel is a good bet.

Christmas Eve is the last chance to get Christmas shopping done, with most stores staying open until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.; lots of people leave work for the day by noon or shortly thereafter.

Canadian traditions include decorating a Christmas tree and exchanging gifts. On Christmas Day, a special meal is prepared; it often consists of a roast turkey, seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Traditional favorite Christmas desserts reminiscent of England include Christmas plum puddings, mincemeat tarts, and rich fruit cake. Christmas crackers, which are packaged tubes that contain small items like gifts and paper hats, are popular favors.

On Dec. 26, Canadians shake off their food comas and hit the malls for Boxing Day, the biggest shopping day of the year, when stores slash prices in an effort to attract holiday shoppers.