Last-minute Christmas shoppers at Carlingwood Shopping Centre in Ottawa. Dec. 23, 2025.
With only hours left before stores close for Christmas, holiday shopping in Canada has hit full speed. New data from Visa Canada shows shoppers are spending more and returning to physical stores. Malls across the country are packed with last-minute buyers searching for gifts, deals, and festive essentials.
The trend marks a clear shift from pandemic-era habits. Canadians are once again embracing in-person holiday shopping.
In-Store Shopping Makes a Strong Comeback
According to Visa Canada, 88 per cent of holiday payment volume since Nov. 1 came from physical stores. Only 12 per cent of spending happened online. The figures highlight a strong return to brick-and-mortar retail during the 2025 holiday shopping season.
Shopping centres in Ottawa reflected this trend on Tuesday. Carlingwood Shopping Centre was busy with customers navigating crowded aisles and checkout lines. Many shoppers said waiting until the last minute was part of their holiday routine.
“I’m probably a perennial last-minute shopper,” said Ottawa resident Ben Siebarth. “I’m usually running around the day before, just like this.”
Last-Minute Buyers Chase Deals and Inspiration
For some Canadians, last-minute holiday shopping is strategic. Deonne Power said delaying purchases helps spot better deals and ideas. Power made several shopping stops on Tuesday and planned more for Christmas Eve.
“I like to wait and see what the deals are,” Power explained. “I’m heading to a jewelry store tomorrow. That should wrap it up.”
Retailers say this behavior is common during the final days before Christmas. Shoppers often rely on in-store displays and promotions for inspiration. Many also prefer seeing products in person before buying gifts.
Holiday Spending Rises Despite Inflation Pressures
Visa Canada data shows Canadians are spending 4.4 per cent more this holiday season than last year. The increase comes despite ongoing concerns about inflation and rising living costs.
Retail analyst Bruce Winder says higher prices are a major factor behind the spending jump. Even when shoppers aim to spend the same amount, costs push totals higher.
“The same item is more expensive this year,” Winder said. “That automatically increases spending.”
He also pointed to social influence as a key driver. Holiday marketing, online trends, and peer pressure encourage consumers to buy more.
“There’s so much exposure through advertising and social media,” Winder added. “People get caught up in the moment.”
Extended Mall Hours Fuel Holiday Shopping Surge
To handle the holiday shopping rush, major malls in Ottawa extended their operating hours. Bayshore Shopping Centre stayed open until 10 p.m. on Tuesday. CF Rideau Centre and St. Laurent Shopping Centre operated until 9 p.m.
Extended hours give shoppers more flexibility during the final countdown. Retailers hope the extra time translates into stronger in-store sales.
However, shoppers still face a firm deadline. All three major Ottawa malls will close early at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Retailers are urging customers to plan their visits carefully.
A Festive Finish to the Holiday Shopping Season
As Christmas approaches, the rush shows no signs of slowing. Canadians are spending more, shopping later, and choosing physical stores over screens. The return to malls reflects a desire for convenience, experience, and festive atmosphere.
With inflation, marketing influence, and tradition shaping habits, holiday shopping in Canada remains dynamic. For retailers, the final hours before Christmas are crucial. For shoppers, it is a familiar race against time.
The 2025 holiday shopping season is ending where it began. In busy malls, crowded parking lots, and last-minute gift runs.
