Why Christmas Eve is different
Retail liquor stores in Ontario typically close early on December 24 and stay closed on Christmas Day. That squeezes a week of demand into a single afternoon, and it is the reason so many people end up searching for drinks at 8 pm.
This is one part of our Christmas alcohol delivery guide for the GTA, which covers the full holiday plan.
Order the main drinks before the 24th
Treat Christmas Eve as a top-up night, not a shopping night. The wine for dinner, the beer for the cousins and any gift bottles should already be in the house by the 23rd. Leave the 24th for the things you genuinely forgot.
- Dinner wine: in the house by the 22nd or 23rd.
- Gift bottles: wrapped and under the tree before the 24th.
- Party volume: delivered a day or two early so it can chill.
- The 24th: one small order for anything that ran out.
What people most often forget
Sparkling wine for midnight or the morning, a case of beer for the extra guests nobody counted, and something for the host who drinks neither — usually a bottle of red. Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut, a Corona Extra 24 pack and Gato Negro Cabernet Sauvignon cover most of the gaps.
Ordering on the evening of the 24th
If you do need to order that evening, order as early as you can. Demand peaks between late afternoon and mid-evening. Have your address details ready, including buzzer codes for condos, and make sure the person answering the door is 19 or older with valid ID.
Hours on Christmas Eve can differ from a normal night. Check your city's delivery page for that evening's ordering hours; we never promise a specific arrival time.
Christmas Eve 2026 notes
Christmas Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday. Expect the afternoon of Wednesday the 23rd to be nearly as busy. Holiday ordering hours for each city are posted on its delivery page in December.
Keep it calm
The best Christmas Eve is one where nobody leaves the house for supplies. Plan the bulk early, keep a short list for the 24th, and use the Christmas party drinks guide if you are hosting a crowd.
Common questions
Are liquor stores open on Christmas Eve in Ontario?
Most retail stores open on December 24 but close early, and most are closed on Christmas Day. Check store hours locally.
Can I order alcohol delivery on Christmas Eve?
Check your city's delivery page for current holiday ordering hours. Ordering earlier in the evening is always safer.
What should I buy before Christmas Eve?
Dinner wine, gift bottles and party volume. Leave the 24th for small top-ups.
