Start your 2025 marketing plans by adding these upcoming sales dates to your calendar.
October 31st: Halloween
Halloween isn’t the biggest retail event of the year, but keep it in your sales calendar. Over one-third of Halloween purchases now happen online1. E-commerce businesses selling candy, costumes, and decorations have a chance to carve out their share of the pumpkin pie.
November 11th: Singles’ Day
Singles’ Day started in China in the 1990s, but it has since grown into the world’s largest online shopping event. Millions of consumers go online looking for deals each year. With high demand for international brands, the event offers substantial opportunities for Canadian cross-border e-commerce businesses. To stand out, show your international delivery options. Make shipping cut-off dates clear. This helps global customers trust they will get their orders on time.
November 28th: Black Friday
Black Friday should be a key focus in your e-commerce sales strategy. Starting in the U.S. as the Friday after Thanksgiving and the start of holiday shopping, it is now a global phenomenon. Today, Canadian retailers compete with both local and U.S. sellers by offering huge discounts to attract bargain hunters. For online businesses, this is also the time to set holiday shipping deadlines, remind customers of delivery cut-offs within Canada, and promote express options for cross-border shoppers.
December 1st: Cyber Monday
Back when home internet was slow, many U.S. shoppers, “fresh off a Thanksgiving weekend of window shopping”2, would use the Monday back at work to jump online and shop.Today, internet speed is no longer an issue, but Cyber Monday remains a major e-commerce event in Canada. Many businesses use it to clear leftover Black Friday stock at further discounts. Make sure your website highlights shipping cut-off dates for holiday delivery and promote fast options for cross-border customers shopping from the U.S.
December 6th: St. Nicholas Day (Saturday)
Celebrated in many European countries, St. Nicholas Day is a time for sharing small gifts, sweets, and cheer, especially for kids. Canadian businesses with ties to European communities can use this holiday to run a promotion or themed campaign for toys, treats, or stocking stuffers. While not as widely known in Canada, targeted messaging and reliable delivery can help you reach these niche audiences effectively.
December 8th: Green Monday
Coined by eBay, Green Monday is one of the biggest online shopping days in December. It’s usually on the second Monday of the month and attracts shoppers eager to secure gifts with guaranteed Christmas delivery. For Canadian retailers, this is the time to promote express shipping within Canada and cross-border delivery to U.S. buyers. Boost visibility with flash sales and bestseller features. Pairing these promotions with clear shipping timelines builds trust and drives conversions.
December 20th: Super Saturday
Also known as “Panic Saturday,” this is the last Saturday before Christmas when last-minute shoppers rush to buy gifts. In Canada, it’s important to highlight final delivery deadlines across provinces and clearly promote express shipping options.
Some smart customers even wait for Super Saturday deals, so pair discounts with guaranteed shipping cut-off reminders to capture sales without delivery concerns.
December 22nd: Last Monday before Christmas
Not to be outdone, many last-minute shoppers hold off until the Monday before Christmas to finish buying gifts. For e-commerce retailers, this is the time to emphasize next-day delivery options and promote fast, reliable shipping across Canada. Highlighting delivery guarantees on your website and social channels reassures customers they can still get gifts in time.
December 26th: Boxing Day
With the big day over, the Boxing Day sales begin. It’s a great chance for your business to shift any extra seasonal inventory and capture deal hunters. Make sure your online store is optimized for mobile and highlight quick shipping so customers feel confident ordering, even during the holiday slowdown.
Worried about the holiday rush? Get support from the logistics experts with a DHL Express Business Account.
Attention SME Superheroes! With Peak Season nearly here, we know there are a million things for small businesses to consider. But don’t fret! Use our dedicated Peak Season Sales & Logistics Checklist to ensure your business is fully prepared to cash in on every opportunity. Happy selling!
Download your free checklist here
Share
