Here’s what to know about Toronto’s city services over the holidays

We are in the thick of the holidays, Toronto. If you’re staying in the city over the next couple of weeks, chances are, you’ll be utilizing city services at some point. Some services are running on modified schedules, some aren’t; either way, you need to be in the know, and I have your back.

Here’s what to know about Toronto’s city services over the holiday season.

Skating rinks and free rentals

The City of Toronto has a lot of free skating rinks that residents and visitors can take advantage of, and just like last year, there will be select locations with free helmet and skate rentals.

The Skate Lending Library, in partnership with Desjardins Financial Group, will be at a different outdoor city rink each day between now and March 22, 2026. Be sure to line up your skating days accordingly, with the full schedule on the City’s website.

Community centres

Hoping to visit one of Toronto’s local community centres? Holiday hours will change to closing at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 31, and will be fully closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, Friday, Dec. 26, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.

Museums

All Toronto Museums will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in the winter, as well as Thursday, Dec. 25, Friday, Dec. 26, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.

St. Lawrence Market  

Toronto’s biggest market will operate on a modified schedule for its South market:

Monday, Dec. 22: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 23: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 24: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 25: Closed
Friday, Dec. 26: Closed
Saturday, Dec. 27: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 28: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Garbage collection

There will be no curbside residential waste collection on Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, says the City of Toronto.

All collections will move one day, with Thursday moving to Friday, and Friday moving to Saturday, for both weeks of the holidays. 

“On Thursday, Dec. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, drop-off depots and transfer stations will be closed to the public for drop-off of garbage, yard waste, recyclables, household hazardous waste, and electronics,” the City continues. 

TTC

This is also your reminder that the TTC will run on modified hours on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Toronto Public Library

Toronto Public Library branches will all close early at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Wednesday, Dec. 31.

All branches will be fully closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, Friday, Dec. 26, Monday, Dec. 29, and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.

Have a safe and fun holiday season, Toronto!

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