Woolworths Christmas Trading Hours
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year – Woolworths opening rules by state
Is Woolworths Open Over Christmas?
Like the other major supermarkets, Woolworths is closed on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day most Woolworths stores open, except in metropolitan Adelaide where non-exempt supermarkets must stay closed on Proclamation Day. In the week before Christmas many stores trade extended hours, and New Year’s Day hours are usually shorter.
Christmas 2026 Public Holidays and Trading Rules by State
Dates are calculated automatically for each state. The trading rules below apply to large, non-exempt shops such as Woolworths.
| State | Public holidays | Shop trading rules |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) |
|
Christmas Day and Boxing Day are restricted trading days. Non-exempt shops must close on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day shops may trade if staff freely choose to work, so many large stores open. |
| Victoria (VIC) |
|
Christmas Day is a restricted trading day: only exempt shops can open. Boxing Day is not restricted. |
| Queensland (QLD) |
|
Non-exempt shops must close on Christmas Day. Boxing Day is a public holiday but not a closed day for non-exempt shops. |
| Western Australia (WA) |
|
In the Perth metropolitan area, general retail shops must close on Christmas Day and can open 11am to 5pm on other public holidays. Regional general retail shops must close on all public holidays. |
| South Australia (SA) |
|
Shops close on Christmas Day. In metropolitan Adelaide most shops can trade 9am to 5pm on Proclamation Day, but non-exempt supermarkets must stay closed. |
| Tasmania (TAS) |
|
Most larger shops close on Christmas Day; small and exempt shops may open. |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) |
|
No legal shop trading restrictions. Most large retailers still choose to close on Christmas Day. |
| Northern Territory (NT) |
|
No legal shop trading restrictions. Most large retailers still choose to close on Christmas Day. |
General information, not legal advice. Woolworths sets its own hours within these rules, and hours differ between stores. Always check your local store.
Latest Woolworths Deals
Stock up before the holidays: the newest Woolworths deals, refreshed every few hours.
-
@ Woolworths (Online Only, Min $50 Spend)
½ Price: Biore SPF 50 UV Aqua Rich Lightweight Moisturiser 50mL (AU Version) $12.50
View deal →
![[Capped] AmEx Statement Credit: Spend $200 or More at Woolworths (Online or App) in 1 Transaction, Get 3% Back ($50 Cap)](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/25/978925l.jpg?h=0cf0c3ad)
Deals may have ended, be targeted to some customers or limited to some states. Always check the price in store or online before you buy.
Woolworths Over the Christmas Holidays
The Christmas period is one of the busiest times of the year for Woolworths. Opening hours change around Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and they also depend on each state’s shop trading laws. The table above shows the public holiday dates for this year in every state, calculated automatically, together with the trading rules that apply to large shops.
Tips for shopping at Woolworths at Christmas
- Shop early in the week before Christmas to avoid the biggest crowds on 23 and 24 December.
- Check your local store’s hours before you travel, as hours differ between stores and shopping centres.
- Plan for Christmas Day closures – buy any last items on Christmas Eve.
- Watch the catalogue and specials on the Woolworths page, and see the Boxing Day sales countdown.
For every store and state, see our Christmas trading hours guide.
Woolworths Christmas Trading Hours – Questions & Answers
Is Woolworths open on Christmas Day?
Woolworths stores are usually closed on Christmas Day. In most states, large non-exempt shops are not allowed to open on Christmas Day, and Woolworths closes even where trading is allowed.
Is Woolworths open on Boxing Day?
Most Woolworths stores open on Boxing Day, except in metropolitan Adelaide where non-exempt supermarkets must stay closed on Proclamation Day. Hours can be shorter than usual.
Is Woolworths open on New Year's Day?
Most Woolworths stores open on New Year's Day, often with reduced hours. Check your local store before you go.
Are Woolworths hours the same at every store?
No. Opening hours can differ between stores, shopping centres and states, especially over the holidays. Always check your local Woolworths store before you travel.