As the festive season approaches with the speed of Santa's sleigh, it's time to gear up for the holiday shopping frenzy.

Whether you're ticking off the last items on your Christmas list or preparing for the New Year's Eve bash, knowing the trading hours of your favourite stores is as crucial as finding the perfect gift.

So, let's unwrap the mystery of the 2024 holiday shopping hours and ensure you take advantage of a Boxing Day bargain or a New Year's special.


The holiday period is synonymous with extended shopping hours, sales galore, and the occasional closed sign on the doors of our beloved stores.

Planning is paramount now; a little insider knowledge goes a long way.

With that in mind, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the trading hours of major Australian retailers during the Christmas and New Year period.


The supermarket giant Coles is decking the aisles with boughs of holly and adjusting its hours to suit your holiday needs.

All Coles stores will be open on Christmas Eve, ready to accommodate those last-minute dashes for cranberry sauce and eggnog.

However, all stores nationwide will take a well-deserved break on Christmas Day.


Boxing Day sees a return to action, with all stores open except those in South Australia's metropolitan areas, where regional stores will welcome shoppers.

As the New Year rolls in, Coles will be open in all states and territories, except metropolitan South Australia and Coles Tom Price in WA.

Woolworths follows a similar festive pattern, with all stores closed on Christmas Day to let the Woolies family enjoy their celebrations.

But fear not—the stores will be open on Christmas Eve to help you secure the freshest seafood for your Christmas lunch.

Boxing Day ushers in deals and discounts, with all Woolworths stores open in most states, except for a few regional exceptions.

Woolworths stores will open nationwide on New Year's Day, with a few closures in Western Australia and South Australia.


For those who prefer Kmart's red and white over Christmas's traditional green and red, you'll be pleased to know that Kmart's trading hours can be easily found online.

All stores will be closed on Christmas Day, but beyond that, you can search for your local store's hours to plan your shopping spree.

BIG W is also joining the holiday cheer, with stores only closing on Christmas Day.

For precise opening times during the festive season, it's best to check with your local BIG W.

Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market, and Vintage Cellars will generally be open during the holiday but will pause on Christmas Day.

Some businesses may close on New Year's Day, so it's wise to check ahead to stock up for your New Year's toast.


BWS and Dan Murphy's ensure your Christmas Eve is merry and bright with regular trading hours.

Almost all stores will be closed on Christmas Day, but they'll be back in business from Boxing Day onwards.

On New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, Dan Murphy's will be open until 9 pm, and BWS will operate under regular hours, albeit with some reduced trading.

Westfield shopping centres are wrapping up their trading hours with a big bow, closing all stores on Christmas Day.

However, the lead-up to Christmas and the days following will see extended hours, with some centres open until 9 pm on Boxing Day.


New Year's Day trading varies by location, so it's best to check with your local Westfield.

Lastly, ALDI, the European supermarket favourite, will be closed on Christmas Day in all states and territories.

For the rest of the holiday period, ALDI encourages customers to visit its website for local trading hours, which vary from store to store.


How do Coles and Woolworths' holiday hours in your area compare, and how will this impact your shopping plans? Are you planning to shop the Boxing Day sales, and have you checked your local store’s hours? Let us know in the comments below.