Ontario, one of Canada’s most vibrant provinces, offers a diverse cultural landscape. One of the ways this diversity is celebrated is through statutory holidays, which provide residents with an opportunity to take a break, reflect, and enjoy time with family and friends.

In 2024-25, Ontario will observe several statutory holidays, each with its own significance and traditions.

List of Statutory Holidays in Ontario for 2024

Here is a comprehensive list of statutory holidays in Ontario for 2024-25, along with their dates and brief descriptions:

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024 (Monday)

Description: Celebrates the beginning of the new year. It’s a time for new beginnings and resolutions.

Family Day – February 19, 2024 (Monday)

Description: A day to spend with family and loved ones, promoting the importance of family life.

Good Friday – March 29, 2024 (Friday)

Description: A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many people attend church services on this day.

Victoria Day – May 20, 2024 (Monday)

Description: Celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria. It also marks the unofficial beginning of summer in Canada.

Canada Day – July 1, 2024 (Monday)

Description: A national holiday celebrating the anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. It features fireworks, parades, and concerts.

Civic Holiday – August 5, 2024 (Monday)

Description: A general holiday that provides a mid-summer break. The name and celebrations vary by municipality.

Labour Day – September 2, 2024 (Monday)

Description: Honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. It marks the unofficial end of summer.

Thanksgiving Day – October 14, 2024 (Monday)

Description: A day to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Traditionally celebrated with a family feast.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2024 (Wednesday)

Description: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a major Christian holiday marked by gift-giving, feasting, and festive decorations.

Boxing Day – December 26, 2024 (Thursday)

Description: A holiday traditionally celebrated by giving gifts to the less fortunate. It has also become a major shopping day.

Celebrating Statutory Holidays

Each statutory holiday in Ontario offers unique opportunities for celebration and reflection:

New Year’s Day: Many people celebrate with fireworks, parties, and making resolutions for the upcoming year.

Family Day: Families often engage in activities such as visiting museums, attending local events, or simply enjoying a meal together.

Good Friday: Observed by attending church services, some also take the day for quiet reflection and prayer.

Victoria Day: Often celebrated with fireworks displays and outdoor activities, marking the start of the summer season.

Canada Day: Communities host parades, concerts, and fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere nationwide.

Civic Holiday: While the activities can vary, it typically involves festivals, cultural events, and family gatherings.

Labour Day: Celebrations might include parades, picnics, and various community events recognizing workers’ contributions.

Thanksgiving Day: Families come together for a traditional meal that often includes turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

Christmas Day: Marked by decorating homes, exchanging gifts, and celebrating with family feasts.

Boxing Day: While traditionally a day for charitable giving, it has become synonymous with shopping sales and deals.

Understanding and participating in these holidays helps foster community spirit and cultural appreciation, making Ontario a wonderful place to live and visit.

Statutory Holidays in Ontario 2024

Date	Holiday	Description
January 1, 2024	New Year’s Day	Celebrates the beginning of the new year. It’s a time for new beginnings and resolutions.
February 19, 2024	Family Day	A day to spend with family and loved ones, promoting the importance of family life.
March 29, 2024	Good Friday	A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many people attend church services on this day.
May 20, 2024	Victoria Day	Celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria. It also marks the unofficial beginning of summer in Canada.
July 1, 2024	Canada Day	A national holiday celebrating the anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. It features fireworks, parades, and concerts.
August 5, 2024	Civic Holiday	A general holiday that provides a mid-summer break. The name and celebrations vary by municipality.
September 2, 2024	Labour Day	Honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. It marks the unofficial end of summer.
October 14, 2024	Thanksgiving Day	A day to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Traditionally celebrated with a family feast.
December 25, 2024	Christmas Day	Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a major Christian holiday marked by gift-giving, feasting, and festive decorations.
December 26, 2024	Boxing Day	A holiday traditionally celebrated by giving gifts to the less fortunate. It has also become a major shopping day.