Supermarket opening hours for Christmas - News + Articles

Dec 18, 2025

Could have sworn we told cousin Jimmy to bring the ice.

There’s a lot to prepare for as Christmas approaches, but you’re feeling pretty organised this year. The ham is secured. Drinks are sorted. Even the bon-bons are standing at attention. But what happens when you go to grab the mayonnaise and the bottle is empty? Don’t panic. Supermarkets are still open for most of the holiday period, with December 23 and 24 usually their busiest trading days of the year (and also their most crowded – bring your patience along with your reusuable shopping bags).

Using Woolworths’ trading hours as a reference, this is when major supermarkets are open in your state or territory over the Christmas/New Year period in 2025/2026. Individual stores may vary, so always be sure to check your local store’s website before heading out, to avoid any wasted trips. For bottle shop opening hours over the 2025/2026 Christmas/New Year period, check out this guide.

Related story: 58 sauces and dressings for your festive feast

Our DIY prawn cocktail board is the ideal simple starter.

Are supermarkets open on Christmas Eve (December 24)?

Woolworths stores in NSW & ACT – All stores open
Woolworths stores in Vic – All stores open
Woolworths stores in Qld – All stores open
Woolworths stores in WA – All stores open
Woolworth stores in SA – All stores open
Woolworths stores in NT – All stores open
Woolworths stores in Tas – All stores open

Are supermarkets open on Christmas Day (December 25)?

Woolworths stores in NSW & ACT – All stores closed
Woolworths stores in Vic – All stores closed
Woolworths stores in Qld – All stores closed
Woolworths stores in WA – All stores closed
Woolworth stores in SA – All stores closed
Woolworths stores in NT – All stores closed
Woolworths stores in Tas – All stores closed

The Woolworths pavlova wreath dressed with cream, mango and mint — A Woolworths pavlova wreath makes for an easy cheat’s dessert.

Are supermarkets open on Boxing Day (December 26)?

Woolworths stores in NSW & ACT – All stores open
Woolworths stores in Vic – All stores open
Woolworths stores in Qld – All stores open
Woolworths stores in WA – All stores open
Woolworth stores in SA – All regional stores open (except Millicent); all metropolitan stores closed
Woolworths stores in NT –- Some stores may be closed. Check online for your local store details.
Woolworths stores in Tas – All stores open

Are supermarkets open on New Year’s Eve (December 31)?

Woolworths stores in NSW & ACT – All stores open
Woolworths stores in Vic – All stores open
Woolworths stores in Qld – All stores open
Woolworths stores in WA – All stores open
Woolworth stores in SA – All stores open
Woolworths stores in NT –- All stores open
Woolworths stores in Tas – All stores open

Purple pavlova — Our purple pavlova is the ultimate dessert.

Are supermarkets open on New Year’s Day (January 1)?

Woolworths stores in NSW & ACT – All stores open
Woolworths stores in WA – All stores open (except Northam)
Woolworth stores in SA – All regional stores open (except Millicent); all metropolitan stores closed
Woolworths stores in NT –- Some stores may be closed. Check online for your local store details.
Woolworths stores in Tas – All stores open

Champagne — No one wants warm bubbles at Christmas.

Where can I buy ice on Christmas Day?

The supermarkets might be shut, but most service stations and convenience stores will still be open. Just remember that you’re not the only one who’ll be wanting to grab ice at the last minute – in fact, around 20 percent of all packaged ice is sold in the seven-day period between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. So get in early, or you’ll find that it’ll be sold out. Need to chill that bottle of bubbles in a hurry? Use one of these easy methods here.