What's open on Christmas Day 2026 in Australia?
Christmas Day falls on 2026-12-25. Christmas Day in Australia is a big summer event. Banks and most shops close, but many supermarkets open with short hours and beachside cafes stay busy.
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Urgent & Emergency Essentials
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Next occurrence
25 December 2026
Most chains are expected to be closed.
5
Open
3
Reduced
13
Closed
Holiday Survival & Public Services Cheat Sheet
Essential public rules and services operating on Christmas Day 2026
Public Transit
Trains and buses operate to Sunday timetables. Public holiday fares may apply.
Street Parking
Public holiday parking signs apply (often Sunday rules); check parking meter displays.
Post & Lockers
Australia Post retail branches closed; 24/7 automated parcel lockers accessible.
Trading Laws
Cafes and restaurants commonly apply a 10%–15% public holiday surcharge to cover award wages.
All Verified Chains & Venues
28 venues tracked| Venue / Chain | Category | Holiday Status | Hours | Verification & Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chemist Warehouse 24h24/7 Duty Designated superstores open on public holidays for pharmacy needs Editorial1300-367-283 | Pharmacies & Chemists | Open | 08:00–21:00 | 2026-04-20 chemistwarehouse.com.au |
Ampol & Foodary 24/724/7 Duty Service stations and convenience forecourts operate 24/7 nationwide Editorial | Petrol & EV Charging | Open | 24 hours | 2026-04-20 ampol.com.au |
Priority Primary Care / Healthdirect24/7 Duty Healthdirect 1800 022 222 open 24/7 to connect to open public holiday clinics Editorial1800-022-222 | Urgent Care & Clinics | Open | 24 hours | 2026-04-20 healthdirect.gov.au |
Editorial | Supermarkets & Groceries | Reduced hours | 07:00–22:00 | 2025-12-20 woolworths.com.au |
Editorial | Supermarkets & Groceries | Reduced hours | 07:00–21:00 | 2025-12-20 coles.com.au |
Editorial | Supermarkets & Groceries | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 aldi.com.au |
Editorial | Pharmacies & Chemists | Reduced hours | 09:00–18:00 | 2025-12-20 chemistwarehouse.com.au |
Editorial | Supermarkets & Groceries | Open | 07:00–18:00 | 2025-12-20 iga.com.au |
Editorial | DIY, Garden & Home | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 bunnings.com.au |
Editorial | Retail & Shopping Malls | Open | 08:00–18:00 | 2025-12-20 kmart.com.au |
Editorial | Retail & Shopping Malls | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 danmurphys.com.au |
Editorial | Supermarkets & Groceries | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 harrisfarm.com.au |
Editorial | Supermarkets & Groceries | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 drakes.com.au |
Editorial | Supermarkets & Groceries | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 foodlandsa.com.au |
Editorial | Supermarkets & Groceries | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 costco.com.au |
Editorial | Retail & Shopping Malls | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 target.com.au |
Editorial | Retail & Shopping Malls | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 bigw.com.au |
Editorial | Pharmacies & Chemists | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 priceline.com.au |
Editorial | Pharmacies & Chemists | Reduced hours | 09:00–17:00 | 2025-12-20 terrywhitechemmart.com.au |
Editorial | Retail & Shopping Malls | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 bws.com.au |
Editorial | Retail & Shopping Malls | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 liquorland.com.au |
Editorial | Convenience Stores | Open | 24 hours | 2025-12-20 7eleven.com.au |
Editorial | Petrol & EV Charging | Open | 24 hours | 2025-12-20 ampol.com.au |
Editorial | Retail & Shopping Malls | Closed | Closed All Day | 2025-12-20 officeworks.com.au |
Most drive-thru locations open 24/7; public holiday surcharge may apply Editorial | Restaurants & Cafes | Open | 24 hours | 2026-04-20 mcdonalds.com.au |
Self-service parcel lockers accessible 24/7; retail post offices closed Editorial | Post & Parcel Lockers | Open | 24 hours | 2026-04-20 auspost.com.au |
Branches closed on public holidays; ATMs and NetBank available 24/7 Editorial | Banks & ATMs | Closed | Closed All Day | 2026-04-20 commbank.com.au |
| Public Transit & Transport | Reduced hours | Hours Vary | 2026-04-20 transportnsw.info |
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Frequently asked questions
Are shops, supermarkets and pharmacies open on Christmas Day in Australia?
Christmas Day in Australia is a big summer event. Banks and most shops close, but many supermarkets open with short hours and beachside cafes stay busy. Confirmed open chains include: Woolworths, Coles, Chemist Warehouse, IGA, Kmart. Typically closed venues: retail, banks, government.
When is Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas Day falls on 2026-12-25 in 2026.
Are public transport and emergency services running on Christmas Day?
Emergency medical helplines, on-duty pharmacies and 24/7 petrol stations remain accessible. Public transit generally runs on a Sunday/holiday timetable.
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