Boxing Day Canada: Smart Shopping Tips for Winter 2025
For many Canadians, the holidays don't end on December 25th—they go right into the biggest shopping day of the year. Boxing Day is a big deal in Canada, with the biggest price drops of the year as stores clear out their holiday stock. But if you want to handle the cold parking lots, big crowds, and save money, you need a plan.
Whether you want a new TV, a winter coat, or kitchen tools, this guide will help you find the best deals on Boxing Day without the stress.
When is Boxing Day 2025?
Boxing Day falls on Friday, December 26, 2025. In places like Ontario, it's a holiday, so many people are off work to shop.
But smart shoppers know the sales last all week. Most big stores have "Boxing Week" sales that often start online on Christmas Eve. The super cheap "door-crasher" items are usually just for the morning of the 26th, but most Boxing Day sales last for days. This means you don't have to wait in the freezing cold at 4:00 AM unless you really want one specific item.
What to Expect in Canada on Boxing Day 2025
Knowing when to shop is important, but knowing what to expect is just as important. If you're new to Canada, you might be surprised—Black Friday is for buying gifts, while Boxing Day sales Canada events are for clearing out old stock.
Stores Clear Out Inventory
Stores want to clear space, so you'll see big price cuts on seasonal items. They want to sell Christmas decorations and winter clothes to make room for spring stuff. This is also the best time to buy electronics, as big stores will have long lines for TVs and laptops while they try to clear the floor for new models.
Big Crowds and High Energy
These sales bring big crowds. Big malls like the Toronto Eaton Centre or West Edmonton Mall will be full of people—it's fun but busy. Once you're there, it's hard to change plans, so you must get ready early.
Plan Your Boxing Day Shopping List
You can't just remember everything. If you shop without a plan, you'll spend too much money.
Write a Clear List
Don't just write "coat"—be specific. Write the brand and the model, then group your list by store to save driving time. Check your size for clothes before you leave home, as fitting rooms have long lines during Boxing Day sales. If you know your size, you can buy it and leave fast.
Compare Prices and Use Apps
After you make your list, check the prices. Stores put their flyers online early, so use apps like Flipp to see if a sale is real. Just because a tag says "50% off" doesn't mean it's the best price.
Check Online vs. In-Store: Sometimes online prices are cheaper, but some items are only available in the store.
Know the Price Match Rules
Check the rules too. Many big stores match prices during the year, but they often stop this on Boxing Day. Don't assume one store will match another store's price on the 26th. If a store stops price matching, go to the store that has the deal.
Shop at the Right Time
The time you arrive matters too. Skip the store opening unless you want a special deal. The crowds get smaller around lunchtime, and the evening is also quiet—though the best items might be gone.
Winter Weather Tips for Shopping on Boxing Day
A good plan saves you money, but you also need to stay warm. In Canada, Boxing Day is very cold—it can be -20°C with snow.
Dress in Layers
If you're cold, you won't want to shop. You'll freeze outside but be hot inside the mall, so wear a heavy coat you can take off with light clothes underneath.
Check Your Boots: The floors near the doors get wet and slippery, so wear waterproof boots that are comfortable for walking.
Plan Your Drive
The weather makes driving hard too, as roads will likely be icy. Check your tires and washer fluid before you go—you don't want to run out on a dirty highway. If you take the bus, check the holiday schedule since buses often run less often on December 26.
Keep Your Phone Powered
The cold is bad for your phone too, as batteries die fast in freezing weather. Between the cold air and using maps, your battery can die by noon.
To keep your digital wallet and maps working, put an EcoFlow RAPID Mag Power Bank on your phone. It's magnetic and Qi2 certified, so you don't need cables—which is helpful when you wear gloves. It charges fast and has a stand, so you can use it to watch videos while you wait in line.
Avoid Shopping Pitfalls and Maximize Your Day
Being ready for the cold is good, but you also need to be smart inside the mall. To have a good day, you need to save your energy.
Skip the Line with In-Store Pickup
You can skip the lines if you buy online and pick up in the store. You buy it on Christmas night and pick it up the next day, which saves time. Check the rules first, as some stores stop this on Boxing Day.
Park Smarter
If you go to the store, don't park near the main doors—you'll get stuck in traffic. Park near a store at the end of the mall, or park at a plaza nearby and walk. You'll leave much faster.
Turn Your Car into a Base Camp
If you go to many stores, your car is your break room where you warm up. Don't drain your car battery to charge phones—keep an EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic in the trunk.
It's a portable power station that can charge multiple phones at once during your lunch break. It has 1800W of power and charges from 0-80% in 45 minutes from a wall outlet. You can even charge it from your car while driving between stores, keeping you ready for more shopping.
Read Return Policies Carefully
Before you pay, look for "Final Sale" signs. Many items sold on December 26 can't be returned, as stores often change the rules for this week. Ask the cashier first—if you aren't sure, don't buy it.
Conclusion
Boxing Day in Canada is exciting but hard work. If you plan your trip, dress warm, and bring the right gear—like a list and power from EcoFlow—you can get great deals. Stay warm and drive safe!
FAQs
Q1: Is it better to shop online or in-store for Boxing Day?
Most of the time, buying things online is better for staying away from crowds and seeing prices right away. That said, you should buy clothes in person so you can try them on, as well as door-crasher tech items that might not be shippable. A lot of stores have items that you can only buy online, so it's a good idea to check the website first, even if you plan on going to the store.
Q2: Are Boxing Day sales actually better than Black Friday?
It varies by type. A lot of the deals on tech and gifts from this season are better on Black Friday. In Canada, the Boxing Day deals usually have bigger discounts on items that are not in season, like Christmas decorations, winter coats, and older appliances. Boxing Day usually wins when it comes to clearing a lot of actual stock.
Q3: Can I return items bought on Boxing Day?
Be careful with this. A lot of things, especially electronics and clearance clothes, are sold as "Final Sale" on December 26. During Boxing Week, normal return policies are often put on hold or shortened. To avoid getting something you don't want, always ask the cashier or read the small print on the receipt before you pay.
Q4: How early should I arrive for door-crasher deals?
If you need a certain expensive item, like a TV with limited stock, you may have to wait in line for 1–2 hours before the store opens. That said, for regular shopping, getting there when it opens is typically enough. Since many deals can be found online at the same time, extreme nighttime camping isn't as popular as it used to be.
Q5: What should I do if my phone battery dies while shopping?
Prevention is the most important thing. To save power, lower your screen brightness and close apps that you aren't using. Some shops have charging stations in case your battery dies, but they're usually full. The best way to make sure you can always get to your digital wallet or ride-sharing apps, even when it's really cold, is to carry a magnetic wireless power bank.