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Christmastime’s a-comin’, which means a slew of changes to shops, services and more.
This is a broad overview and it rarely hurts to check specific hours beforehand.
There will be a separate guide to changes around New Year’s Day.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Shopping and attractions
Many grocery stores, pharmacies and alcohol outlets close early.
The Bayshore, Place d’Orléans, Rideau Centre, St. Laurent and Tanger malls each close at 5 p.m. Bayshore opens early at 8 a.m.
The science museum is open on regular hours.
The national gallery and agriculture, aviation, history and war museums close at 2 p.m., while the Ottawa Art Gallery closes at 4 p.m. until Jan. 2.
The nature museum is closed.
Services
Waste collection is on a normal schedule.
OC Transpo is on a “reduced weekday schedule” starting Monday, Dec. 22, until Friday, Jan. 2, with further changes on holidays. School routes won’t be running.
Its winter schedule also begins Sunday Dec. 21.
Bank branches across the city are generally open with regular hours.
Free parking will be available at Ottawa city hall starting at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and running until 7 a.m. on Dec. 26.
The ByWard Market garage will offer free parking over the same time period.
The city’s sexual health clinic and dental clinics will work modified holiday hours.
All Ottawa Public Library branches that do not normally close on Wednesdays are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 25
Businesses, attractions, banks and services are generally closed. Some pharmacies, grocery stores and restaurants are open.
OC Transpo is on a Sunday schedule. Para Transpo is offering holiday service.
The city will not offer curbside or multi-residential garbage, green bin, recycling or bulky item collection on Christmas. Pick-up will take place the following day. The Trail Waste Facility will also be closed.
The Site program mobile van will work from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The city’s sexual health clinic and dental clinics will be closed, as will all four of the city’s employment and social services offices.
All Ottawa Public Library branches are closed.
Friday, Dec. 26
Shopping and attractions
Some grocery stores may tweak their hours, but many are back to normal.
Pharmacies and alcohol outlets may be closed or open under different hours. Check with specific locations.
The Bayshore, Rideau Centre and St. Laurent malls each open early: Bayshore and St. Laurent at 8 a.m. and the Rideau Centre at 9 a.m.
Place d’Orléans is keeping its regular hours.
The aviation, history, science and war museums are open on regular hours, as is the national gallery.
The agriculture museum and Ottawa Art Gallery are closed. The nature museum is open an hour later until 5 p.m.
Services
OC Transpo is on a Saturday schedule. Para Transpo is offering holiday service.
Bank hours may vary. Royal Bank says all branches are closed, for example.
The Trail Waste Facility is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Site program mobile van will work from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The city’s sexual health clinic and dental clinics will be closed, as will all four of the city’s employment and social services offices.
All Ottawa Public Library branches are closed.