Christmas 2025 is officially behind us, and now comes the fun (or chaos) of dealing with post-holiday shopping and what’s still open. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift or trying to restock after the celebrations, it’s good to know where you can go and what’s closed. With the holiday trading hours in full swing, here’s a guide to navigating your shopping during this season.
Christmas Eve: Last-Minute Scramble
If you were one of those people who thought they had everything sorted, then Christmas Eve might have caught you by surprise. Supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles, along with big retailers like Kmart and Target, were open, but with reduced hours. It’s always a bit hectic, and you can bet the last-minute crowd is out in full force. Next time, maybe try to get things done earlier (or not).
Christmas Day: The Day of Peace and Closure
Christmas Day is where everything grinds to a halt. If you didn’t prep ahead of time, tough luck. Almost all stores are closed, from supermarkets to department stores, and even shopping centres lock up tight. The only businesses that may still be running are a few smaller shops or convenience stores, mainly for essentials like petrol or last-minute snacks. So, if you had your heart set on any after-Christmas deals or food runs, this was the day to face the music.
Remember, each state has its quirks too, explains 9News. In South Australia, for example, everything comes to a standstill with no exceptions, while other states like Queensland might have slightly more flexibility. But overall, Christmas Day is meant for family, food, and relaxation – not for hunting down a new blender at Big W.
Boxing Day: The Big Sales Rush
Now we’re talking: Boxing Day – December 26th – is when the holiday madness turns into pure retail chaos. Stores like Kmart, Big W, and Bunnings have officially reopened, and they’re ready for you to dive into those post-Christmas sales. It’s a mad dash for the best bargains, but if you’re brave enough to face the crowds, it can be worth it. The sales are huge, and it’s one of the best days of the year to snag a bargain.
Some places might have special hours, though, so don’t assume everything’s open from dawn to dusk. You might still find reduced hours in some states, especially in South Australia, where they tend to keep things a bit quieter.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: A Mixed Bag
As the year wraps up, New Year’s Eve might find you running around, trying to get those last-minute things done before the celebrations kick off. Most stores will be open, but be prepared for earlier closures than usual. On New Year’s Day, it’s the opposite: many shops will be closed or operating with reduced hours, so don’t expect to do any big shopping hauls the day after the countdown.
By now, you probably know what’s open and what’s not, so all you need to do is adjust your plans accordingly. While you’re navigating the post-Christmas shopping madness or relaxing at home, enjoy what’s left of the holiday season. It won’t be long before the next big sale pops up.
