What’s open and what’s closed Christmas and Boxing Day long weekend

Here's a look at what will be open and closed on the Christmas Day and Boxing Day long weekend:

BUSINESSES

It looks like 5 p.m. is the general Christmas shopping deadline. Most grocery stores, malls and NSLC locations indicate they will close their doors for the holidays at that time on Saturday, Dec. 24. 

Both Christmas Day and Boxing Day are designated retail closing days in Nova Scotia, which means you can expect almost everything to be shut down for those two days.

But if you're in town for the World Juniors and looking for a place to grab a bite to eat on December 25, or if you not doing Christmas, need a break from your family or the Bumpus hounds took off with your turkey, there are a handful of bars/restaurants open on Christmas — and even more on Boxing Day. Discover Halifax surveyed its members and has compiled a list that you can find here. There are likely others throughout HRM.

Some pharmacies may be closing early on Christmas Eve or be closed all together. All but a handful of pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day, and many will also be closed Boxing Day or operating on reduced hours. The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia has complied a list that you can find here. You can also check with your local pharmacy for more specific details.

Expect many banks to close early on Christmas Eve and stay closed Christmas, Boxing Day and Tuesday the 27th.

Several other retail outlets will close early on Christmas Eve and stay closed on the 25th and 26th. Some businesses may be closed on Tuesday in lieu of Christmas falling on the weekend. It's best to call ahead or check the website or social media of a specific business to get more details.

TRANSPORTATION

Meteorologists are monitoring a powerful storm that's expected to impact the Maritimes Friday into Saturday, which could cause power outages and affect travel plans.

In addition, Halifax Stanfield International Airport says winter weather already affecting other parts of Canada and the U.S. could disrupt passengers. As of Friday morning, there are already several delayed and cancelled flights. Halifax's airport authority recommends confirming your flight status with your airline before leaving for the airport. 

It will be free to drive across the MacKay and Macdonald bridges on Dec. 25.

Halifax Transit buses and Access-A-Bus will be operating on holiday schedule on Christmas Day.

The Alderney and Woodside ferries will not be operating on Christmas Day.

The Alderney ferry will operate on holiday service on Monday, Dec. 26.

On-street parking will be free on Monday, Dec. 26 and Tuesday, Dec. 27.

RECREATION

Halifax Public Libraries branches will close at 1 p.m. on Saturday and stay closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

The Emera Oval is open for the season. Check the website for skate times, which are always weather permitting. 

Many recreation facilities will be operating on irregular schedules between Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Jan 2. 

In downtown Halifax, you'll also find the ongoing light displays at Halifax City Hall from 5  p.m. to 10 p.m. and at the Halifax Public Gardens from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

There's also a holiday projection show at the former Halifax Memorial Library at Grafton Park from sunset to 11 p.m. until December 26. Starting December 27, there's a winter projection show.

The holiday projection show on Old Dartmouth City Hall goes until Christmas.

There's a World Juniors Fan Fest at the Halifax Convention Centre from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. between December 26 and 31, and from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on January 2, 4 and 5.

There, you'll find live entertainment, viewing parties on big screens, bouncy castles, face painters, mascots and more.

There will also be an outdoor viewing area in Rogers Square showing all the World Juniors games live.
 

SERVICES

Canada Post will not be collecting/delivering mail and post offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Garbage, organics and recyclables collection services will not be affected by the holidays. HRM says crews will be working as usual on Monday, Dec. 26.

The Household Special Waste (HSW) Depot will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 24.

The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility will be open on Saturday, Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. but closed on Sunday, Dec. 25.

The 311 Contact Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, but customers can still call 311 for urgent requests concerning transportation, municipal operations, facilities, animal services and illegally parked vehicles. 

The three Customer Service Centres that provide in-person access to municipal services and payments, will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26 and Tuesday, Dec. 27.