Christmas in Barrie is a season filled with sparkling lights, downtown strolls, festive meals, and time spent with loved ones. But it also means last-minute errands, schedule changes, and the age-old question: “Is that even open today?”
To help you plan your holiday season with ease, here’s your updated guide to what’s open and closed in Barrie during:
Christmas Eve – Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Christmas Day – Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Boxing Day – Friday, Dec. 26, 2025
New Year’s Day – Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
📌 Holiday Hours Disclaimer:
Some holiday hours listed in this guide are based on current public postings or previous years. While we’ve confirmed as much as possible with official sources, hours may change without notice. We always recommend calling ahead or checking business websites and social media for the latest updates.
If you spot any changes or want to share updated info, contact us or tag us on Instagram @barrieuncovered.
Where to Eat (and Drink) Around Christmas in Barrie
Let’s face it: not everyone wants to cook over the holidays. Whether you’re dodging dish duty, in town visiting family, or just craving a festive pint, there are still a few reliable spots in Barrie to eat, drink, and be merry.
Mandarin Barrie is one of the few restaurants in town that opens on Christmas Day, offering its famous holiday buffet packed with comfort food classics. It books up fast, so if you’re thinking buffet over turkey at home, grab a reservation ASAP at mandarinrestaurant.com.
On Christmas Eve, you’ve got a bit more to choose from. Several downtown staples open their doors during the day for cozy lunches and early dinners before closing for the holiday:
- Il Buco Ristorante is currently accepting dinner reservations and is always a popular pick for a festive and elegant experience.
- The Dunlop Street Diner plans to open until mid-afternoon, ideal for a cozy brunch.
- If you’re in the mood for craft beer, Flying Monkeys is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, while Donaleigh’s Irish Pub and McFinn’s Irish Pub will serve customers from 11 a.m. into the early evening.
All of the above will close on Christmas Day, but they’re expected to bounce back with regular or extended hours on Boxing Day. Flying Monkeys and McFinn’s have typically been open late into the evening, perfect for post-holiday catch-ups.
As for New Year’s Day, brunch lovers can usually count on The Farmhouse or Dunlop Street Diner to welcome in the new year with eggs and Caesars, though it’s best to confirm hours or book ahead if you’re planning a group outing.
Looking for a sure thing? OpenTable is the quickest way to check availability and make last-minute reservations around town.
☕ Coffee Shops and Bakeries
Looking for a festive latte or last-minute sweet? Be sure to visit early. Salty Blonde Bagel Bar will close on Christmas Day, but is open until noon on Dec. 24. Beaver Rock Coffee will also close for Christmas Day, but is open Christmas Eve from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Georgian Bakery is another great stop and will be open until noon on Christmas Eve.
Most independent coffee shops and bakeries will be closed on Christmas Day, so be sure to stock up the day before.
🛍️ Grocery Stores and Alcohol Retailers
Expect early closures on Christmas Eve, full closures on Christmas Day, and reduced hours for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Major grocery stores such as Zehrs, No Frills, and Metro will often close by 5 or 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 and remain closed on Dec. 25. They will reopen with regular or adjusted hours on Boxing Day.
Both LCBO and The Beer Store will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. LCBO stores close by 6 p.m. on Dec. 24, while The Beer Store wraps up by 5 p.m.
🚍 Barrie Transit Holiday Schedule
There will be no Barrie Transit service on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, buses will operate on a reduced schedule, and on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, they’ll run on a holiday (Sunday-style) schedule.
To check exact bus times and detours, visit the Barrie Transit service page or use MyRide Barrie for real-time updates.
For those celebrating New Year’s Eve, Barrie Transit will offer free rides after 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, with late-night service running until 3 a.m. on select routes. A safe ride home is always the best plan.
🚗 Parking and Winter Restrictions
The City offers two hours of free on-street parking in downtown Barrie throughout December. No app or meter is required — just park and shop. Regular parking fees still apply in municipal lots and the Collier Street Parkade.
Remember: overnight street parking is not allowed between 12:01 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Dec. 1 to Mar. 31 to allow for snow clearing. You can find full details on Barrie’s parking info page.
🗑️ Garbage and Recycling Schedule During the Holidays
If your regular pickup falls on or after Christmas Day (Thursday, Dec. 25) or New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan. 1), your collection will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week.
Key reminders:
- There is no collection on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day
- Pickup moves forward by one day after the holiday
- Regular schedule resumes the following week
🗓️ Check your personalized schedule using the City of Barrie Collection Calendar
🗑️ Got extra waste after Christmas? The City allows two bags of garbage without a tag during the first pickup after December 25 (starting Monday, December 29, 2025).
🎁 Not sure how to sort that pile of wrapping paper and boxes? Use the What Goes Where Sorting Tool
♻️ Quick sorting tips:
- Gift wrap that tears easily? Recyclable ✅
- Foil or shiny wrap? Trash 🚫
- Cardboard and boxes? Flatten and recycle ♻️
- Batteries and electronics? Drop-off only (never curbside)
🏥 Emergency Services and Healthcare
The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) will remain open 24/7 for emergency needs. Most walk-in clinics will be closed on Dec. 25 but may reopen for limited hours on Boxing Day. It’s best to call ahead.
Most Shoppers Drug Mart and Guardian pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day, though select locations may operate on reduced hours. Check their websites or call your local store to confirm.
If you’re dealing with a furnace or HVAC issue, Air Source Home Comfort will have emergency service available throughout the holidays.
Need a ride? Deluxe Taxi Barrie operates 24/7 during the holiday season.
🏛️ Government Services and Closures
All City of Barrie offices will be closed on Dec. 25, 26, and Jan. 1. Barrie Public Library branches will follow the same schedule.
Schools and banks will also be closed during the holiday period. Be sure to plan financial errands and any document-related needs before the break.
❌ What’s Closed on Christmas Day
Here’s a quick look at confirmed closures for Dec. 25:
- Grocery stores (Zehrs, No Frills, Metro)
- LCBO and The Beer Store
- Government and municipal offices
- Barrie Public Library
- Barrie Transit
- Most restaurants, cafés, and bakeries
- Schools, banks, and post offices
- Recreation centres and indoor pools
🎁 Local Highlights and Businesses Giving Back
Businesses like Beaver Rock Coffee, Flying Monkeys, and Salty Blonde continue to post holiday hours early, making life easier for locals. We appreciate them prioritizing their teams and keeping customers informed.
If you know of a Barrie business offering extended hours, donations, or special meals this holiday season, we want to hear from you! Contact us or tag us on Instagram @barrieuncovered.
🎄 Final Thoughts
Barrie is packed with festive charm this time of year, and with just a little planning, you can enjoy it stress-free. Whether you’re grabbing brunch, stocking up on essentials, or just need to know when the buses are running, this guide is your go-to resource.
Bookmark it, share it, and check back often — we’ll be updating it throughout the season.
Happy Holidays, Barrie!
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