After closing out 2019 with multiple late-night celebrations, the first day of the new year comes with a slower pace as most businesses are closed and workers given the day off.
Federal, provincial, and municipal government offices, as well as banks, and all London Public Library branches will remain shut down on New Year’s Day. There will also be no mail delivery.
Shopping malls including White Oaks Mall, C.F. Masonville Place, Westmount Shopping Centre, Cherryhill Village Mall, all LCBO stores, Beer Stores, and the Labatt Retail Store on Richmond St. will be closed on Wednesday. The Covent Garden Market, grocery stores, Costco Wholesale, and most drug stores will also leave their doors locked for the day.
Shoppers Drug Mart locations at 510 Hamilton Rd. and in Sherwood Forest Mall at 1225 Wonderland Rd. N will be open from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. The location at 1224 Commissioners Rd. W will be open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m.
Movie theatres, select coffee shops and restaurants, and some convenience stores will be open on New Year's Day.
Free skates are being held at the outdoor rinks at Victoria Park, the Covent Garden Market, and Storybook Gardens Skate Trail. Eldon House will host its annual New Year’s Levee from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on January 1. Admission is by donation.
There will be a nature walk along the Thames River starting at the Springbank Gardens Community Centre parking lot at 10 a.m.
The LTC will be running on a Sunday schedule for the day Wednesday.
Regular store hours and public transit schedules resume on Thursday. School-age children and teachers will get a few extra days of rest. They will return to the classroom on January 6.
