Christmas Day 2026

Type of holiday: statutory public holiday, a non-working day.

Christmas Day, celebrated on 25 December, is a public holiday across every state and territory in Australia. Unlike many of the country's other holidays, which vary from place to place, this is one of only a small number observed identically nationwide.

A holiday with deep roots

Christmas Day has been marked in Australia since European settlement, carried over from British tradition and observed continuously as both a religious and secular holiday ever since. Its status as a public holiday has never been in question in any Australian jurisdiction, making it one of the most stable fixtures on the entire national calendar.

An Australian Christmas

Christmas in Australia falls in the middle of summer, and the way it is celebrated reflects that reality rather than the northern-hemisphere imagery still common in decorations and cards. Backyard barbecues, seafood lunches, cricket on the television or in the backyard, and a swim at the beach or in the pool are just as much a part of the day as a traditional roast dinner. Family gatherings remain the centre of the day for most households, with gift-giving typically happening in the morning before the main meal.

Where it's observed

• Every state and territory in Australia observes Christmas Day as a public holiday

Substitute days when Christmas falls on a weekend

Because 25 December is a fixed calendar date rather than a particular weekday, it sometimes lands on a Saturday or Sunday. When that happens, jurisdictions add a substitute public holiday on the following Monday (and sometimes Tuesday, depending on how Boxing Day is also affected) so that the community doesn't lose the benefit of the holiday simply because of where it falls in the week. The exact substitute arrangements are set out each year by each state and territory government, since the rules can differ slightly between jurisdictions.

Trading restrictions

Christmas Day is one of the small number of dates in Australia with genuine restricted trading rules rather than just a holiday closure by custom. In most states, large retailers are legally prevented from opening on Christmas Day, meaning supermarkets, department stores and shopping centres close entirely rather than trading on reduced hours. Small, exempt businesses such as some convenience stores, petrol stations and restaurants may still operate, but broad-based retail trade effectively stops for the day.

What else is affected

Public transport runs on a special holiday timetable, typically far more limited than usual, and many services stop earlier in the evening than on a normal day. Schools are, of course, closed for the summer break well before Christmas arrives, and most government offices and non-essential services remain shut through the holiday period surrounding the day itself.

Getting around on the day

Anyone travelling on Christmas Day should check public transport and flight schedules well in advance, since reduced services are the norm across the country, and many smaller businesses beyond the major retail chains choose to close voluntarily even where they are legally permitted to trade.