With the countdown to Christmas underway, Australians are navigating a patchwork of trading hours to get their groceries, gifts, and essentials.
Major supermarkets, retail chains, liquor stores, and hardware outlets have all adjusted their operating schedules, with closures on Christmas Day and varying hours on surrounding holidays.
State-specific restrictions mean what's open in one city may be closed just down the road.
For shoppers leaving things to the last minute, knowing what is open — and when — can make all the difference.
Below is a detailed guide across the main categories of stores.
Supermarkets
Coles will operate normal hours up until Christmas Eve in all states. Stores are closed on Christmas Day and reopen on Boxing Day (except Adelaide metropolitan stores, which remain closed).
Woolworths maintains extended trading hours leading up to Christmas. Stores are closed on Christmas Day and open on Boxing Day in most states, though some South Australian and Northern Territory stores will remain closed.
Aldi trading hours vary by store and state. All stores will be closed on Christmas Day, with some South Australian outlets also closed on Boxing Day.
Only a few convenience stores and petrol stations will operate on Christmas Day for essential purchases.
Liquor stores
Dan Murphy's, BWS, and Liquorland will be open on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Day, almost all stores are closed, with a few exceptions in Victoria and Tasmania. All stores reopen on Boxing Day.
Retail stores
Kmart, Target, and Big W are all closed on Christmas Day. Trading resumes on Boxing Day, but hours can vary by location. Shoppers are advised to check individual store websites for local opening times.
Westfield shopping centres are closed on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, most centres are open until 5–6pm. Centres will reopen on Boxing Day, with some trading until 9pm.
Officeworks' closing times on Christmas Eve depend on location. Stores reopen on Boxing Day but may operate under shorter hours.
Hardware stores
Bunnings Warehouse stores are open on Christmas Eve, with hours varying by location. All stores are closed on Christmas Day. From Boxing Day to 2 January, hours differ by store, and Bunnings Trade Centres and Frame and Truss facilities are closed from 25 December to 5 January.
State-specific public holidays also affect trading hours, including Christmas Eve evenings in Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Checking store locators or retailer websites is the best way to confirm local hours and plan your festive shopping efficiently.
Banks
All major bank branches will be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with customers advised to check their local branch for reopening times.
Banks generally do not process payments made on public holidays on the same day, meaning transactions may not clear until the next business day. However, instant payment services such as PayID and Osko are expected to operate as normal over the holiday period, including on Christmas Day.
Medical centres
After-hours medical clinics and home-visiting doctor services will operate on Christmas Day for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
In an emergency, people are advised to call triple-zero or attend their nearest hospital.
Emergency dental services are also expected to remain available nationwide.
Some pharmacies will open on Christmas Day for prescriptions and essential medical supplies, though trading hours vary, and customers are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy in advance to confirm availability.
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