Australian Public Holiday Guide

Christmas Day Public Holiday in Australia

Christmas Day is a national public holiday in Australia, observed every year on 25 December. It is one of the most widely recognised holidays across all states and territories.

View upcoming dates

Christmas Day Countdown

Use the calculator below to see how many days are left until Christmas Day.

[public_holiday_event_calculator event="christmas-day"]

When Is Christmas Day?

Christmas Day is held on 25 December each year. In Australia, it is recognised as a public holiday in every state and territory. When Christmas Day falls on a weekend, an additional weekday public holiday may also apply depending on the state or territory.

Christmas Day Dates

Here are the upcoming Christmas Day dates for Australia.

2026 Friday, 25 December
2027 Saturday, 25 December
2028 Monday, 25 December
2029 Tuesday, 25 December

About Christmas Day in Australia

Christmas Day has Christian origins and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. In Australia, it is also a major cultural and family holiday, commonly associated with gatherings, gift giving, Christmas lunch, travel, beach visits and the summer holiday period.

Most government offices, many businesses and a large number of retailers close on Christmas Day. Essential services, hospitality venues and some tourism businesses may operate, but public holiday trading rules and penalty rates can apply.

Christmas Day Public Holiday Notes

Public holiday status

Christmas Day is recognised nationally as a public holiday across Australia.

Weekend arrangements

If Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, some states and territories provide an additional weekday public holiday.

Christmas Day FAQs

Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Australia?

Yes. Christmas Day is a public holiday in all Australian states and territories.

What date is Christmas Day?

Christmas Day is held on 25 December every year.

Is there an extra public holiday when Christmas Day falls on a weekend?

In many cases, yes. Some states and territories observe an additional weekday public holiday when Christmas Day falls on a weekend.

Is Christmas Eve a public holiday?

Christmas Eve is not a full national public holiday, but some states and territories have a part-day public holiday on Christmas Eve.

Plan Around Australia’s Public Holidays

Use our Australian public holiday guides and countdown calculators to plan work, travel, events and school holiday breaks.

View all public holidays