As Ottawa residents prepare to celebrate the holiday season and welcome the new year, knowing which services and facilities are operating is essential for planning. The City of Ottawa has released detailed schedules outlining hours and closures for municipal services, public transit, and community facilities spanning from December 22, 2025, through the first week of January 2026.
Public Transit and OC Transpo Holiday Schedules
OC Transpo will implement several schedule changes throughout the holiday period. From December 22 to December 24, buses and trains will operate on reduced weekday schedules. On the statutory holidays—Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day—both buses and O-Train Lines 1, 2, and 4 will switch to Sunday schedules.
For New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31, extended service is planned. O-Train Line 1 will run until 2 a.m., with night bus service continuing downtown afterward. Line 2 will operate until 1 a.m., and Line 4 until midnight. A popular perk returns: all rides on OC Transpo will be free after 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve. ParaTranspo service will also be extended, running until 3 a.m. on December 31.
ParaTranspo will follow a holiday service schedule on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Customers can book trips by calling 613-560-5000. While the customer service line remains open throughout the holidays, the OC Transpo counters at the Rideau Centre will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
City of Ottawa Services and Facility Closures
Most municipal administrative services will be paused on the statutory holidays. The City's 311 line will be available for urgent matters only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.
All ServiceOttawa Client Services Centres, including locations at Ottawa City Hall, Ben Franklin Place in Nepean, Kanata, Orléans, and the Provincial Offences Court, will be closed on those three holidays. Furthermore, the Metcalfe, West Carleton, and North Gower Client Service Centres will shutter for a longer period, from Monday, December 22, until Friday, January 2.
Other specific city facilities will also observe closures. The Business Licensing Centre at 735 Industrial Avenue will be closed on the three statutory holidays. The City of Ottawa Spay and Neuter Clinic at 26 Concourse Gate will close starting December 22 and reopen on January 5. Similarly, the City of Ottawa Archives and Gallery 112 at the James Bartleman Centre will close from December 22 and resume operations on January 6.
Libraries, Child Care, and Social Services
All branches of the Ottawa Public Library will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Branches will operate on regular schedules from December 27 through December 30. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, all library locations will have shortened hours, open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All municipal child-care centres will be closed from December 22 through December 26, and again on New Year's Eve. Parents and guardians should make alternative arrangements for care on these days.
The city's Employment and Social Services offices at four locations—370 Catherine St., 2339 Ogilvie Rd., 100 Constellation Dr., and 2020 Walkley Rd.—will also be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for errands, travel, and access to services during this period of adjusted municipal operations. Keeping this guide handy will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday season in the national capital.
