The Ultimate Guide to Last-Minute Christmas Shopping in Canada (2025)

It happens to the best of us. The calendar flips to mid-December, and suddenly you realize your holiday shopping list is far from complete. Panic sets in, but take a deep breath—you are not alone. Last-minute Christmas shopping in Canada is practically a national sport, and with the right strategy, you can cross the finish line with bags full of perfect gifts and your sanity intact.

Whether you are looking for that elusive tech gadget or a thoughtful stocking stuffer, 2025 brings extended holiday hours and convenient services to help you succeed. Here is your survival guide to navigating the holiday rush at the country's best shopping destinations.

1. Major Malls with Extended Holiday Hours

One of the biggest advantages of shopping at major centres is the extended operating hours leading up to Christmas Eve. Many properties keep their doors open late, giving you the flexibility to shop after work or avoid the midday crowds.

In Ontario, the bustling CF Toronto Eaton Centre is a go-to for downtown dwellers. Its central location makes it easy to grab gifts on your lunch break or during their late-night holiday openings. If you are in the GTA but prefer to avoid the downtown core, Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga offers an incredible variety of retailers and ample parking, making it a reliable choice for a marathon shopping session.

Heading west to British Columbia? Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby is an absolute powerhouse for variety. With hundreds of stores under one roof, it allows you to hit multiple categories—fashion, electronics, and home goods—without ever moving your car.

2. One-Stop Destinations for Efficiency

When time is of the essence, you need a mall that has it all. The legendary West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a strategic asset for the procrastinating shopper. With its massive footprint, you can find flagship locations for almost every major brand.

For those in Calgary, the CF Chinook Centre offers a premium mix of retailers that makes finding a high-quality gift quick and easy. Meanwhile, shoppers in Halifax can rely on the Halifax Shopping Centre as the premier destination in Nova Scotia to check off every name on their list.

Strategic Tip: Check the MallFinder directory for your local mall before you leave to confirm their specific holiday hours, as they often change daily as we approach December 25th.

3. Top Stores for Last-Minute Gifts

If you are blanking on gift ideas, stick to versatile retailers that offer something for everyone.

• Tech Lovers: A trip to the Apple Store is rarely a miss. Whether it's a new pair of AirPods or a simple AirTag, these items are popular and easy to wrap.
• Self-Care: For the person who needs relaxation, Sephora offers pre-packaged holiday gift sets that look impressive and require zero effort on your part.
• The "Impossible to Buy For": When in doubt, Indigo is a lifesaver. From best-selling novels to cozy reading socks and wellness items, it’s a treasure trove of thoughtful, gender-neutral gifts.
• Kids: You can never go wrong with a classic. The LEGO Store provides sets for every age range and interest, ensuring a quiet (and focused) Christmas morning.

4. Survival Tips for the Holiday Rush

Navigating the malls in late December requires a tactical approach. Here is how to minimize stress:

• Go Early or Late: Most shoppers visit between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Arriving right at opening or shopping during the final hour before closing can drastically reduce your wait times.
• Use Curbside Pickup: Many retailers at malls like Yorkdale Shopping Centre allow you to buy online and pick up in-store or curbside. This secures your item and skips the browsing time.
• Dress for Comfort: Canadian winters are cold, but malls are warm. Dress in layers so you aren't overheating while rushing from store to store.
• Gift Wrapping Services: Look for charity gift-wrapping stations within the mall. It saves you time and supports a good cause.

5. Don't Forget the Gift Receipt

The golden rule of risky last-minute gifting is the gift receipt. Ensure you ask for one at checkout and tuck it securely into the box. It gives the recipient the freedom to exchange for the right size or colour, taking the pressure off your choice.

Wrap It Up

Last-minute shopping doesn't have to be a nightmare. With Canada's top malls extending their hours and stocking their shelves, you have everything you need to pull off a holiday miracle. Grab a coffee, put on your most comfortable shoes, and embrace the festive energy.

Ready to find the nearest shopping centre? Browse our complete mall directory to check hours and store listings for a mall near you. Happy holidays and happy shopping!