What's open and closed over the holidays in Canada

As Canadians take time off to celebrate the holidays, many federal offices, stores and businesses will be closed across the country on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

As Canadians take time off to celebrate the holidays, many federal offices, stores and businesses will be closed across the country on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 are statutory holidays, or paid public holidays across Canada for provincial, territorial, federal and federally regulated employees.

Here's what's open and closed in Canada over the holiday season.

Passport offices and Service Canada offices are closed on statutory holidays, including Dec. 25, 26 and New Year’s Day.

Service Canada offices offer access for government services and benefits, including for the Social Insurance Number, Employment Insurance, Canadian Dental Care Plan and public pensions.

Many grocery stores won't be open on Dec. 25. The rules on holiday hours vary for provinces and territories, according to the Retail Council of Canada, so it’s best to check stores’ websites to confirm schedules.

Gas stations and convenience stores are considered essential and generally allowed to open on statutory holidays, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.