Anyone who has left their Christmas planning to the very last minute knows the familiar terror of frantically looking up online whether or not your local supermarket or other retail shop is open.
With many stores and services across the country closing their doors on 25 December, it’s important to know where you can and can’t go.
And while millions of Australians will celebrate Christmas Day, less than half the population is Christian, and for plenty, it’s just another day of the year (albeit one where regular trading hours can’t be relied on).
With that in mind, here are some places where you’ll be able to shop, dine, or otherwise take advantage of the public holiday across the country — and those you’ll have to wait for.
What shops will be open on Christmas?
If there’s anything on your grocery list for Christmas Day, you should try to tick them off before then. Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi supermarkets across the country will be closed on 25 December.
Woolworths and Coles stores will reopen on Boxing Day, with the exception of South Australia, where all metropolitan stores will be closed, and all regional stores will be open. Aldi stores will be open on Boxing Day with varying trading hours across stores.
Planning to do your grocery shopping on 25 December? You’ll probably run into some trouble. Source: Getty / Quinn Rooney
IGA stores are each run independently, and as such, store opening hours vary across them, and some stores will be trading as usual on Christmas Day, or with adjusted hours.
If you get caught out, many 7-Eleven stores will also be open all day across the country on Christmas, and most major petrol stations will also operate.
Westfield shopping centres will all be closed on Christmas Day, as will major stores like Kmart, Big W, Target, Myer, IKEA, David Jones and Bunnings.
If you’re planning on celebrating Christmas with a beer or champagne, you’ll want to get that sorted out sooner rather than later as well.
Most major liquor stores will also be shut on Christmas Day, with the exception of select BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores in some states and territories.
Are banks open on Christmas Day?
All major bank branches will be shut on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. You should check your individual branch to see when they will reopen.
Banks generally don’t process payments made on a public holiday that day — these will be processed the next business day they are open.
Instant payment services such as PayID or Osko should work normally on public holidays, including Christmas.
Where can you eat on Christmas Day?
Restaurants and cafes’ Christmas hours vary widely. While many close for the festive period, some will trade as normal or offer set Christmas lunch and dinner menus. It’s best to check with your favourite spot individually to see if they’ll be open.
As far as takeaway goes, most McDonald’s restaurants will be open across the country, with selected Hungry Jack’s also open if you’re after a burger. Many Domino’s and Pizza Hut stores will also be open if you’re in need of a pizza.
If you’re hoping to partake in the on Christmas Day, it may be a struggle, with only a limited amount of KFC stores open. Selected Red Rooster stores will also be open.
You can also expect to see plenty of yum cha spots open on Christmas Day — for some Cantonese restaurants, it’s one of their busiest days of the year.
Palace Chinese in Sydney’s CBD is a Cantonese restaurant that remains open for yum cha on Christmas Day. Source: Supplied / Katrina Ma
What else is there to do on Christmas Day?
If you’re one of the many Australians who don’t have a connection to Christmas, there are still plenty of ways to get out of the house and take advantage of the public holiday.
If you’re keen to watch a movie, several major cinema chains — such as selected Hoyts and Event Cinemas locations — will be open on Christmas Day with reduced hours, though smaller, independent cinemas will likely be shut.
Many of the country’s zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries, including Melbourne Zoo and Taronga in Sydney, will also be open if you’d prefer to spend the day with wildlife.
It’s also a great day to spend in nature — whether you’d prefer to swim at one of the many beaches Australia has to offer or take a bushwalk.
What about medical services?
After-hours clinics and home-visiting doctor services will operate on Christmas Day for non-life-threatening medical conditions or injuries. In an emergency, you should call triple zero or go to your local hospital.
Emergency dentists across the country should also be open.
Some pharmacies will also be open should you need to fill a prescription or get any other medical items, but it’s best to call your local pharmacy in advance to make sure.
