How is Boxing Day Celebrated in Canada?

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in Canada on December 26, tracing its roots to a Christian tradition of giving donations during the Feast of St. Stephen.

How is Boxing Day Celebrated in Canada?

For many Canadians, Boxing Day is a continuation of the Christmas celebrations—a time to unwind, shop, and spend time with family. From shopping sprees to regional traditions, here’s everything you need to know about Boxing Day in Canada.

Why is It Called Boxing Day?

The origins of the name "Boxing Day" are widely debated, but here are the most common explanations:

Opening donation boxes: In medieval times, churches would open donation boxes and distribute the contributions to the poor during the Feast of St. Stephen, which is the day after Christmas.
Giving gift boxes: In Victorian England, servants and tradespeople were given the day off after Christmas and were gifted boxes containing food, money, or presents from their employers.

While the true origin remains uncertain, these reasons highlight Boxing Day’s historical theme of generosity and community.

In the present, December 26 remains a widely celebrated holiday in Canada and other Commonwealth countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It's also known as ‘St. Stephen’s Day’, 'Day of Goodwill', and 'Second Day of Christmastide' in some parts of the world.

Is Boxing Day a Statutory Holiday?

Boxing Day is a public holiday in Ontario, but it’s not statutory in other Canadian provinces including Quebec and British Columbia. In Nova Scotia, Boxing Day is a “retail closing day” where some stores are restricted from opening to provide a day of rest after Christmas. Additionally, Boxing Day is recognized as a paid holiday under the Canadian Labour Code for federal employees nationwide.

How Boxing Day is Celebrated in Canada

Shopping on Boxing Day

For Canadians, Boxing Day means incredible shopping deals, similar to Black Friday in the US! It's the perfect time to score deep discounts on everything from electronics to winter clothing.

Come December 26, it's normal to see long queues in malls packed with bargain hunters. With the rise of e-commerce, many Canadians also shop Boxing Day deals through online retailers, with some sales starting as early as Christmas Eve. Some stores extend theirs into "Boxing Week Sales" to give shoppers more time to snag deals.

Boxing Day Sports Events

Boxing Day is a huge day for hockey fans in Canada. The Spengler Cup in Switzerland starts on December 26, and hockey enthusiasts cheer on Canada's National Men's Team as they compete against top European teams. The World Juniors Hockey Championship also kicks off on Boxing Day. Team Canada is a perennial favourite, and Canadians take great pride in seeing young athletes represent their country.

For newcomers and visitors, watching these sports events is a fantastic way to get to know and experience Canada’s love for hockey. Check The Sports Network (TSN) broadcast schedules for Boxing Day here.

Mummering in Newfoundland

In Newfoundland, the quirky tradition of mumming or mummering brings communities together. Participants dress in disguises, visit homes, and perform songs or dances in exchange for food and drink. The hosts try to guess if they know anyone in the group! It’s a fun, lighthearted tradition that reflects the province’s unique culture.

Relaxing with Family

Not everyone wants to shop or brave the cold weather on Boxing Day. For those who prefer a slower pace, Boxing Day is perfect for lounging at home, bonding over Boxing Day brunch, or doing a movie marathon. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Crave offer holiday collections that are perfect for a cozy day in with family and loved ones.

For newcomers to Canada, Boxing Day offers a chance to connect with your new community, find great deals, or simply enjoy time with loved ones.

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