Quick Answer: Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday, 25 December 2026. It is a nationwide public holiday across all Australian states and territories. Most retail stores, supermarkets, and shopping centres will be closed, while essential services like hospitals remain open. Public transport operates on reduced schedules.
When is Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas Day 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, 25 December 2026. As one of Australia’s most significant public holidays, Christmas Day marks the annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated by millions of Australians across the country, regardless of religious affiliation.
Having Christmas fall on a Friday in 2026 provides a wonderful long weekend opportunity for families and friends to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the festive season together. Many Australians will take advantage of this timing to extend their holidays through the weekend and into the New Year period.
Is Christmas Day a Public Holiday?
Yes, Christmas Day is a public holiday in all Australian states and territories. This means that the holiday is recognised nationwide, providing workers with a day off and, in many cases, additional penalty rates for those who do work on this day.
| State/Territory | Public Holiday Status | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Yes – Public Holiday | Restricted trading hours apply |
| Victoria | Yes – Public Holiday | Most shops closed |
| Queensland | Yes – Public Holiday | Trading restrictions in place |
| Western Australia | Yes – Public Holiday | Strict trading laws apply |
| South Australia | Yes – Public Holiday | Exemptions for essential services |
| Tasmania | Yes – Public Holiday | Most retail closed |
| Australian Capital Territory | Yes – Public Holiday | Government services closed |
| Northern Territory | Yes – Public Holiday | Reduced services |
What’s Open and Closed on Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas Day is one of the few days of the year when most Australian businesses close their doors to allow employees to spend time with their families. However, some essential services remain operational to ensure public safety and convenience.
What’s Closed
- Major supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, IGA)
- Shopping centres and retail stores
- Banks and financial institutions
- Government offices and services
- Post offices (no mail delivery)
- Schools and universities
- Most corporate offices
- Liquor stores (in most states)
What’s Open
- Hospitals and emergency medical services
- Police and fire stations
- Some petrol stations (often with reduced hours)
- Selected convenience stores
- Major tourist attractions (limited hours)
- Some restaurants and cafes (booking essential)
- Public transport (reduced schedules)
- Accommodation providers
Public Holiday Entitlements for Workers
Under Australian workplace law, employees who work on Christmas Day are entitled to special rates and conditions. These entitlements vary depending on your industry, award, or enterprise agreement, but generally include:
Penalty Rates
Most employees working on Christmas Day receive penalty rates of 2.0x to 2.5x their ordinary hourly rate. This applies to full-time, part-time, and casual workers across retail, hospitality, healthcare, and other essential industries.
Public Holiday Pay
Employees who do not work on Christmas Day but would normally work that day are entitled to be paid their base rate for the day. Casual employees may not receive this payment unless specified in their award.
Alternative Holiday Arrangements
Some workplaces offer employees who work on Christmas Day an alternative day off in lieu, or additional annual leave days as compensation for working during the festive period.
Christmas Traditions in Australia
Unlike the northern hemisphere where Christmas is associated with snow and winter festivities, Australian Christmas celebrations reflect our unique summer climate and outdoor lifestyle.
Popular Australian Christmas Traditions
- Beach Christmas: Many Australians head to the beach for a swim or picnic on Christmas morning
- Backyard BBQs: Seafood, prawns, and barbecued meats replace traditional roast dinners
- Carols by Candlelight: Outdoor concerts held in parks and venues across the country
- Boxing Day Test: Cricket match at the MCG starting on 26 December
- Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: Iconic blue-water classic starting Boxing Day
- Christmas Lights: Suburban streets compete with elaborate light displays
Traditional Christmas Foods
Australian Christmas menus often feature fresh seafood, particularly prawns and oysters, alongside traditional turkey or ham. Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit, is a Christmas staple. Cold desserts, salads, and barbecued meats are popular choices given the warm December weather.
Shopping Hours and Retail Information
Christmas Day is one of only a few days when major retailers are legally required to close. Planning ahead is essential for Christmas groceries and gifts.
Last-Minute Shopping
Most supermarkets will close early on Christmas Eve (24 December), typically around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Some convenience stores and petrol stations may open limited hours on Christmas Day for emergency supplies, but prices are often higher.
Boxing Day Sales
The day after Christmas, Boxing Day (26 December), is famous for major retail sales. Shopping centres and department stores open early with significant discounts, drawing large crowds of bargain hunters. Some stores open as early as 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM for the Boxing Day sales.
Public Transport on Christmas Day 2026
Public transport services across Australia operate on Sunday or public holiday timetables on Christmas Day. This means reduced frequency and, in some cases, modified routes.
| City | Service Availability | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Sunday timetable | Some routes may not operate |
| Melbourne | Sunday timetable | Free travel on Christmas Day |
| Brisbane | Sunday timetable | Reduced frequency |
| Perth | Christmas timetable | Check Transperth website |
| Adelaide | Sunday timetable | Some services cancelled |
| Hobart | Sunday timetable | Metro buses reduced |
It’s strongly recommended to check your local transport authority’s website closer to the date for specific timetable information and any service changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas Day 2026 a public holiday everywhere in Australia?
Yes, Christmas Day is a public holiday in all Australian states and territories: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory.
Will supermarkets be open on Christmas Day 2026?
No, major supermarkets including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, and most IGA stores will be closed on Christmas Day. Some small convenience stores and petrol stations may remain open with limited hours.
Do I get paid extra if I work on Christmas Day?
Yes, most employees who work on Christmas Day are entitled to penalty rates, typically between 2.0x and 2.5x their ordinary hourly rate. Check your award or enterprise agreement for specific rates.
Is public transport free on Christmas Day?
In Melbourne, public transport is typically free on Christmas Day. In other cities, normal fares apply but services run on reduced Sunday or holiday timetables.
What day is the Boxing Day public holiday in 2026?
Boxing Day 2026 falls on Saturday, 26 December 2026. In most states, there will be a public holiday observed on the following Monday (28 December 2026) when Boxing Day falls on a weekend.
Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Some restaurants, particularly those in hotels and tourist areas, remain open on Christmas Day. However, bookings are essential, and many venues offer special Christmas Day menus at premium prices.
Can I buy alcohol on Christmas Day?
Liquor laws vary by state, but generally, bottle shops are closed on Christmas Day. Some hotels and restaurants with liquor licenses may serve alcohol to dining customers. Check your state’s specific regulations.
