Residents of London, Ontario, are planning their first day of 2026, and knowing what services and businesses are operating is key. The statutory holiday on Thursday, January 1, will see closures for many municipal operations and adjustments for public transit and retail hours.
City of London Services and Closures
Most administrative offices for the City of London will be closed for the New Year's Day holiday. This includes all city hall administrative buildings and service counters. Essential services such as police, fire, and paramedic response will remain fully operational.
Waste collection will not be affected by the holiday. Residents should place their garbage, recycling, and organics at the curb on their regular scheduled collection day. The city's landfill and EnviroDepots will be closed on January 1, reopening with regular hours on Friday, January 2, 2026.
All branches of the London Public Library will be closed on New Year's Day. Similarly, city-owned community centres, pools, and arenas will have modified schedules, with many closed for the holiday. Residents are advised to check specific facility websites for public skating or swimming times.
Public Transit and Retail Hours
The London Transit Commission (LTC) will run on a Sunday/holiday schedule on New Year's Day. Riders should plan their journeys accordingly, as frequency on many routes will be reduced. Regular weekday service is set to resume on Friday, January 2.
Major shopping malls, including Masonville Place, White Oaks Mall, and Westmount Shopping Centre, will be closed on January 1. Grocery stores and pharmacies may have reduced hours, with many larger chain locations opening later in the day. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm specific store hours.
The LCBO and Beer Store outlets across London will be closed for the statutory holiday. Private cannabis retail stores may also choose to close or operate on a holiday schedule.
Other Important Considerations
Federal and provincial government offices in London will be closed. Banking institutions and post offices will also observe the holiday, with no mail delivery by Canada Post on New Year's Day.
While many restaurants and cafes may be open, especially later in the day, patrons should verify hours before visiting. Some attractions, such as the Museum London or Fanshawe Pioneer Village, typically remain closed on January 1.
As Londoners enjoy the holiday, they are reminded to plan ahead for any essential errands or needs, as the pattern of closures reflects a city-wide observance of the first day of the new year.
