Christmas Trading Hours: What's open in Sydney on Xmas?

What’s open in Sydney on Christmas Day? You may have already booked in your Christmas lunch or dinner at one of the several restaurants open in December 25, but it also pays to know what else you’ve got available to you on the most festive day of the year.

Most things are closed in Sydney on Christmas Day. Kmart is shuttered, supermarkets cease trading for the day and even some McDonalds are hibernating on Santa’s big day. It can be hard to keep track of what’s open and closed on Christmas Day; take note of the below so you know exactly where you can and can’t go when those family lunches take an inevitable turn for the worst.

What’s Open & Closed on Christmas Day?

Are supermarkets open on Christmas Day?

No. All three of Australia’s major supermarket chains—Woolworths, Coles, Aldi—are closed on Christmas Day. You’ll need to head along on Christmas Eve if you want to stock the pantry before midnight strikes. All supermarkets will re-open on Boxing Day.

If you do, however, need to do a supermarket run on Christmas Day then take note of your local IGA’s trading hours. The stores are all independently run so the IGA holiday trading hours differ across each location. Your best bet is to check the IGA website for your local’s opening hours.

Are bottle shops open on Christmas Day?

Almost all bottle shops in Sydney are closed on Christmas Day with very few exceptions. Given all Coles stores will be closed, that takes away access to its trading banners, Liquorland, First Choice liquor Market and Vintage Cellars. You won’t find any BWS stores open either, although there has been some exceptions over previous Christmas days. You’re best off checking BWS’s store locater.

If you want booze on Xmas then your best bet is Dan Murphy’s. Most of the Dan Murphy’s stores in Sydney will be closed but quite a few stay open for any last-minute needs. Check out trading hours on the Dan Murphy’s website.

But if you find yourself in desperate need of a booze boost, don’t fret, a couple of select Dan Murphys’ stores will be open on Christmas Day. Check out your local DMs’ trading hours here.

Is Kmart or Target open on Christmas Day?

All Kmart stores are closed for Christmas Day. This is the same every year as the department store prepares for the frantic rush brought by Boxing Day sales. The same goes for Target, with all stores shutting up for December 25.

Are department stores open on Christmas Day?

That’s a big no. Both Myer and David Jones stores across Sydney will be closed. That said, you can still go along and admire the beautiful Christmas displays at David Jones on Castlereagh Street.

Are shopping centres open on Christmas Day?

Again, no. Westfield shopping centres across Sydney will be closed on Christmas Day. Much like Kmart and Target, all these big retailers take a break for Santa’s big day to prepare for the Boxing Day sales rush.

Are petrol stations open on Christmas Day?

Most petrol stations in Sydney are open on Christmas Day given they all have unrestricted trading hours. If you need some ice for your esky or some last-minute mixers then you’ll likely end up at your local petrol station.

Are banks open on Christmas Day?

All banks across Australia are closed on Christmas Day. You’ll still have access to online banking apps, however, and Osko payments will still be instant as long as you’re transferring to another account that is registered for Osko payments.

Is McDonald’s open on Christmas Day?

Maccas, Hungry Jacks and KFC all typically stay open on Christmas Day. But this also depends on location. You’re better off checking your local fast food restaurants individual trading hours before thinking you can grab a Big Mac if that Christmas lunch doesn’t hit the spot.

Are chemists open on Christmas Day?

There will be several 24-hour chemists that’ll remain open on Christmas Day for any emergency medication but most of the smaller shops will be closed. Forget about Priceline and Chemist Warehouse stores as they cease trading on Xmas.

Are cinemas open on Christmas Day?

Event Cinemas are usually closed on Christmas Day but there are a few Hoyts cinemas that stay open in case you want to watch a film (or escape the heat) on Xmas. You’ll need to check your local’s hours online before making any plans.

Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?

Most restaurants in Sydney shut up shop for Christmas Day but you’ll actually find that quite a few offer special Xmas menus for people who don’t want to do Chrissy lunch at home. Sydney Travel Guide has rounded up the best Christmas lunches going around in 2024.

Can I go to the doctor on Christmas Day?

While some smaller practices are closed on Christmas Day, any non-life-threatening medical conditions and injuries can be directed towards home doctor services which operate around the clock on Christmas Day. You’ll also be able to find emergency dentists in case you chip a tooth trying to bite the head off some over-cooked gingerbread man.

In an emergency you can call 000 or go to your local hospital.