Stores Open on Christmas Day in Australia 2025: Your Complete

Christmas Day (December 25, 2025) is one of Australia’s biggest public holidays, and most major retailers shut their doors to give staff time with family. Trading laws vary by state and territory, so while big chains like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi are closed nationwide, a few essentials and independents may still serve last-minute needs. Here’s what you need to know for planning.

Major Supermarkets: All Closed on Christmas Day

The big players observe the holiday fully:

• Coles — Closed across all states and territories. (Some regional South Australian stores may have limited exceptions in other years, but 2025 reports confirm full closure.)
• Woolworths — Closed nationwide.
• Aldi — Closed everywhere.

Stock up on Christmas Eve (December 24), when most stores operate with normal or extended hours.

What Might Still Be Open? Essentials & Exceptions

Christmas Day shopping is limited to essential services and select independents. Options include:

• Convenience stores and petrol stations — Many 7-Eleven, Caltex, and BP locations stay open for milk, snacks, ice, batteries, or fuel.
• Independent grocers — Some IGA or SPAR stores open with reduced hours (often mornings to early afternoon). Always call ahead or check locally, as these are independently owned.
• Pharmacies — Select Chemist Warehouse or local pharmacies may open for prescriptions and medical essentials.
• Fast food outlets — A handful of locations from McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s, KFC, Domino’s, Subway, and Guzman y Gomez operate (especially in tourist areas or SA/VIC/TAS). Check apps or websites for your nearest.
• Bottle shops — Almost all Dan Murphy’s, BWS, and Liquorland are closed, with rare exceptions in Victoria and Tasmania.

Major shopping centres like Westfield are fully closed nationwide on December 25. No Kmart, Big W, Target, or Bunnings either.

Quick Tips for Christmas Day Shoppers

• Plan ahead and do your big shop by Christmas Eve — many supermarkets extend hours late into the evening.
• Use store locators on official websites or apps for real-time updates.
• State variations matter — South Australia and the Northern Territory often have stricter rules, with more closures even on Boxing Day.
• For emergencies, petrol stations and some independents are your best bet.

Looking Ahead: Boxing Day (December 26) Shopping

The big sales kick off! Most stores reopen with varying hours:

• Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi — Open in most states (exceptions in some SA metropolitan areas).
• Kmart, Big W, Target, Bunnings — Generally open.
• Shopping centres — Reopen, often with extended trading until 9pm in many locations.

Boxing Day is perfect for snagging deals after the Christmas feast.