What's Open on Christmas Day in Melbourne 2026 — Complete Trading Hours Guide

What's Open on Christmas Day in Melbourne 2026 — Complete Trading Hours Guide

Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday 25 December — and if you're wondering what's open, what's closed, and where you can grab a coffee, a last-minute gift, or a Christmas lunch, you're in the right place.

Christmas Day is one of only two-and-a-half restricted trading days in Victoria each year. That means most shops, supermarkets, and shopping centres must close by law. But there are plenty of exemptions — restaurants, cafes, petrol stations, and small businesses can all trade.

This guide covers everything you need to know about trading hours on Christmas Day 2026 in Melbourne, including which restaurants are open for Christmas lunch, whether public transport is running, and what you can do around the city on 25 December.

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Key Details: Christmas Day 2026

With Christmas Day on a Friday and Boxing Day on a Saturday, Melburnians get a long weekend in 2026. Many workplaces will also close the week between Christmas and New Year, making this one of the quietest periods of the year.

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Victoria's Restricted Trading Day Rules — What You Need to Know

Under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996, Victoria has two-and-a-half restricted trading days per year:

1. Good Friday (full day)
2. Christmas Day (full day)
3. ANZAC Day (from 12:01 AM to 1:00 PM only)

On Christmas Day, most shops are prohibited from opening. The law defines a "shop" as any building, structure, place, or vehicle used wholly or predominantly for the retail sale of goods.

Who CAN Trade on Christmas Day?

The Act provides two categories of exemptions:

1. Exempt Business Types (can open regardless of size):

• Chemists and pharmacies
• Petrol stations
• Restaurants
• Cafes
• Takeaway outlets

2. Small Business Exemption (must meet BOTH criteria):

• No more than 20 employees working in the shop at any time on Christmas Day
• No more than 100 employees across the business and related entities during the 7 days before Christmas Day

3. Service Providers and Hire Outlets:

• Service providers (like hairdressers, mechanics, etc.) and hire outlets are not classified as shops under the Act, so they can operate on restricted trading days — though most choose to close on Christmas Day.

Penalties for Breaching Restricted Trading Rules

Businesses that trade in breach of Victoria's restricted trading day laws can face significant fines. The Victorian Government takes compliance seriously, particularly for large retailers. If you're a business owner unsure about your obligations, refer to the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996 or contact Business Victoria for guidance.

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What's CLOSED on Christmas Day in Melbourne

Major Supermarkets

All major supermarkets will be CLOSED on Christmas Day 2026:

• Coles — Closed all day
• Woolworths — Closed all day
• Aldi — Closed all day
• IGA — Most stores closed (some small independent IGA stores may open under the small business exemption — check with your local store)
• Costco — Closed all day
• Harris Farm Markets — Closed all day

Tip: Make sure you do your Christmas grocery shopping by Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December). Most supermarkets will have reduced hours on the 24th, so don't leave it until the last minute. Check individual store hours from mid-December.

Shopping Centres

All major shopping centres will be CLOSED on Christmas Day:

• Melbourne Central
• Emporium Melbourne
• Chadstone Shopping Centre
• Highpoint Shopping Centre
• Northland Shopping Centre
• Southland Shopping Centre
• Eastland Shopping Centre
• Doncaster Westfield (Westfield Doncaster)
• Westfield Fountain Gate
• DFO South Wharf
• DFO Essendon
• The Glen Shopping Centre
• QV Melbourne
• Melbourne's GPT (Melbourne Central, Highpoint)
• Pacific Werribee
• Watergardens Shopping Centre

These centres will reopen on Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December) — most with early-opening hours for the Boxing Day sales.

Department Stores and Major Retailers

• Myer — Closed
• David Jones — Closed
• Kmart — Closed
• Target — Closed
• Big W — Closed
• Bunnings — Closed
• Officeworks — Closed
• JB Hi-Fi — Closed
• Harvey Norman — Closed
• The Good Guys — Closed
• Rebel Sport — Closed
• Cotton On — Closed

Bottle Shops

• Dan Murphy's — Closed
• BWS — Closed
• First Choice Liquor — Closed
• Vintage Cellars — Closed
• Liquorland — Closed

Important: Make sure you stock up on drinks by Christmas Eve. Victorian liquor licensing laws also apply additional restrictions on Christmas Day, so even venues with restaurant licences may have conditions around alcohol service.

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What's OPEN on Christmas Day in Melbourne

Restaurants, Cafes, and Takeaway

Restaurants, cafes, and takeaway outlets are specifically exempt from restricted trading rules in Victoria. Many restaurants — particularly hotels, upscale dining venues, and culturally diverse eateries — open on Christmas Day, often with special set menus.

Types of dining venues typically open on Christmas Day:

• Hotel restaurants (The Langham, Crown Towers, Sofitel, Park Hyatt, InterContinental, etc.)
• Fine dining restaurants offering Christmas Day set menus
• Yum cha and Chinese restaurants (Chinatown is typically bustling on Christmas Day)
• Indian restaurants
• Thai, Vietnamese, and other Asian restaurants
• Some Italian and Mediterranean restaurants
• Fast food chains (McDonald's, KFC, Hungry Jack's — most open with reduced hours)
• Some independent cafes (especially in multicultural neighbourhoods)

Pro tip: For Christmas Day dining, book well in advance — popular restaurants fill up months ahead. Start looking from October for the best options.

Petrol Stations and Convenience Stores

Petrol stations are exempt from restricted trading rules. Most will be open on Christmas Day, though many will operate with reduced hours.

• Shell — Most open
• BP — Most open
• 7-Eleven — Open 24 hours at most locations
• Ampol — Most open
• United Petroleum — Most open (check individual stores)

7-Eleven stores attached to petrol stations are your best bet for grabbing essentials like milk, bread, snacks, and basic groceries on Christmas Day.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (chemists) are specifically exempt under the Act. While most local pharmacies will close on Christmas Day by choice, some will operate:

• Chemist Warehouse — Select stores may open (check their website closer to the date)
• Priceline Pharmacy — Select stores may open with reduced hours
• Hospital pharmacies — Open for urgent prescriptions
• Midnight Pharmacy (Prahran, Carlton) — Typically open on public holidays

If you need urgent medication on Christmas Day, call the Supercare Pharmacies or check the Pharmacy Guild of Australia website for a list of open pharmacies in your area.

Crown Melbourne (Casino and Entertainment Complex)

Crown Melbourne operates 365 days a year, including Christmas Day. As an entertainment and hospitality complex (not a retail shop), Crown is exempt from restricted trading rules.

What's open at Crown on Christmas Day:

• Crown Casino — Open 24 hours
• Crown restaurants — Most will be open, many offering special Christmas Day menus. Crown's dining precinct includes dozens of restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining
• Crown Towers, Crown Promenade, Crown Metropol — Hotels operating as normal
• Bars and lounges — Most open (check individual venue hours)
• Crown Spa — Usually open with holiday hours

Some of Crown's retail shops may be closed under restricted trading rules, but the entertainment, dining, and gaming areas will be fully operational.

Cinemas

Cinemas can open on Christmas Day in Victoria (the ANZAC Day morning restriction on cinemas does not apply to Christmas Day). However, not all cinemas choose to open:

• Hoyts — Some locations open (typically from early afternoon)
• Village Cinemas — Some locations open with reduced sessions
• Palace Cinemas — Check individual locations
• IMAX Melbourne — May be open (confirm closer to the date)
• Lido Cinemas (Hawthorn) — Often open on Christmas Day

Christmas Day at the movies is actually a popular tradition — major blockbusters often release around this time, and it's a great way to spend the afternoon.

Tourist Attractions and Cultural Venues

Some of Melbourne's tourist attractions open on Christmas Day, while others close. Here's a general guide (always confirm closer to the date):

Likely OPEN:

• Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne — The gardens themselves are open year-round (free entry). Buildings and facilities within the gardens may have limited hours
• Melbourne Zoo — Has historically been open on Christmas Day with reduced hours. Check closer to the date
• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium — Often open on Christmas Day with reduced hours
• Eureka Skydeck — Has been open on Christmas Day in past years
• Queen Victoria Market — Closed (always closed on Fridays and public holidays)
• South Melbourne Market — Closed

Likely CLOSED:

• National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) — Closed on Christmas Day
• Melbourne Museum — Closed on Christmas Day
• Immigration Museum — Closed on Christmas Day
• State Library of Victoria — Closed
• Arts Centre Melbourne — Closed (unless a specific show is scheduled)
• Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) — No public access (unless a specific event is on)

Emergency Services

All emergency services operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — including Christmas Day.

• Police — Call 000 for emergencies, or your local station for non-urgent matters
• Ambulance — Call 000
• Fire (MFB/CFA) — Call 000
• SES (State Emergency Service) — Call 132 500 for storm and flood emergencies
• Hospitals — All emergency departments open 24/7. Major hospitals including The Royal Melbourne, The Alfred, St Vincent's, Monash Medical Centre, and others are fully operational
• Nurse-on-Call — 1300 60 60 24 (24 hours, 7 days)

Medical Services

• Hospital emergency departments — Open 24/7
• Some GP clinics — Select bulk-billing and after-hours clinics may operate. Check the healthdirect service finder for Christmas Day availability
• National Home Doctor Service — 13 SICK (13 7425) for after-hours home visits

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Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Melbourne — Where to Book

Christmas Day dining in Melbourne is a beloved tradition, particularly for those who want to skip the cooking and enjoy a special meal out. Here are the types of venues that typically offer Christmas Day dining, along with some well-known options:

Luxury Hotel Christmas Day Lunches

Melbourne's top hotels are among the most popular choices for Christmas Day lunch. They typically offer lavish buffets or multi-course set menus, often with live entertainment.

• The Langham Melbourne — Their Christmas Day buffet at Melba Restaurant is one of Melbourne's most iconic Christmas dining experiences. Expect seafood, roasts, desserts, and a festive atmosphere. Book from October.
• Crown Towers Melbourne — Multiple restaurants at Crown offer Christmas Day dining, from Rockpool Bar & Grill to Nobu and Silks. Crown also offers special Christmas packages for overnight stays.
• Sofitel Melbourne on Collins — Typically hosts a Christmas Day lunch in their No35 restaurant with panoramic city views.
• Park Hyatt Melbourne — Radii Restaurant & Bar usually offers an elegant Christmas Day set menu.
• InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto — Often offers a premium Christmas lunch experience.
• Grand Hyatt Melbourne — Collins Kitchen typically hosts a Christmas Day buffet.
• The Westin Melbourne — Allegro restaurant frequently runs a Christmas Day lunch.
• Pullman Melbourne on the Park — Windows Restaurant often has Christmas Day dining with views over the Fitzroy Gardens and MCG.

Price range: Hotel Christmas lunches typically range from $150–$350 per adult, with children's pricing available. Early booking is essential — many sell out by November.

Chinatown and Asian Restaurants

Chinatown along Little Bourke Street is one of the liveliest parts of Melbourne on Christmas Day. Many Chinese, Malaysian, Thai, and other Asian restaurants trade on Christmas Day — it's one of their busiest days of the year.

• Flower Drum — Melbourne's legendary Cantonese fine-dining institution on Market Lane. If they're open on Christmas Day, expect an extraordinary (and expensive) experience.
• Shark Fin House / Shark Fin Inn — Classic Chinatown yum cha
• Tim Ho Wan — Affordable dim sum in Melbourne Central (note: the restaurant itself is exempt, but the shopping centre may have limited access)
• HuTong Dumpling Bar — Popular for handmade dumplings
• Supper Inn — Late-night Cantonese favourite on Celestial Avenue
• Shandong Mama — Known for their hand-pulled noodles
• Dainty Sichuan — Fiery Sichuan cuisine
• Chin Chin — If open, one of Melbourne's most popular Thai-inspired restaurants
• Wonderbao — Quick bao buns in the CBD

Indian Restaurants

Indian restaurants are another reliable option on Christmas Day:

• Tonka — Modern Indian fine dining on Duckboard Place
• Horn Please — Indian street food–inspired dining in Fitzroy
• Daughter in Law — Contemporary Indian in the CBD
• Bhoj Indian Restaurant — Buffet-style Indian in the CBD and suburbs
• Mumbai Grill — Indian barbecue and grill in Southbank
• Various curry houses across suburbs like Dandenong, Footscray, and Clayton

Other Popular Cuisines

• Tipo 00 — Fresh pasta in the CBD (if open)
• Cumulus Inc. — Modern Australian on Flinders Lane (check Christmas hours)
• Movida — Spanish tapas in the CBD
• Vue de Monde — Melbourne's fine dining icon at the Rialto (very limited availability if open — book far in advance)
• Lûmé — Modern Australian fine dining in South Melbourne
• Sunda — Southeast Asian in the CBD

Fast Food and Chain Restaurants

If you're after something quick and casual on Christmas Day:

• McDonald's — Most locations open with reduced hours (typically 8 AM – 10 PM or similar)
• KFC — Select stores open with reduced hours
• Hungry Jack's — Select stores open
• Grill'd — Some locations may open
• Nando's — Some locations may open
• Subway — Select franchise locations may open (franchisee decision)
• Domino's — Some stores open for delivery

Note: Fast food hours vary by location. Check the restaurant's app or website for confirmed Christmas Day hours, which are usually published in mid-December.

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Supermarket Status on Christmas Day 2026

Let's be absolutely clear: Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and all major supermarkets will be CLOSED on Christmas Day 2026.

This is not a choice by the supermarkets — it's the law. Under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996, these stores exceed the small business exemption thresholds and must remain closed.

Where to Get Essentials on Christmas Day

If you've forgotten something critical, here are your options:

1. 7-Eleven stores — Open 24 hours at most locations. Stocks milk, bread, basic groceries, drinks, and snacks
2. Petrol station convenience stores — Shell, BP, and Ampol stations usually have a small range of groceries
3. Small independent grocers — Some small, independently owned shops (with fewer than 20 staff) may open. This includes some small IGA stores, Asian grocers, and corner shops
4. Some milk bars and convenience stores — Independent stores that meet the small business exemption can trade

Christmas Eve Shopping Hours

To avoid the Christmas Day scramble, plan your shopping for Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December 2026):

• Coles — Typically open early and closes between 6 PM – 9 PM (varies by store)
• Woolworths — Similar to Coles, with many stores closing around 6 PM – 9 PM
• Aldi — Usually closes earlier, around 5 PM – 7 PM
• Fresh food markets — Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market, and Prahran Market typically hold special pre-Christmas trading days with extended hours in the lead-up to Christmas

Our advice: Shop by 23 December if possible. Christmas Eve is chaotic at every supermarket and market in Melbourne. The earlier you get your supplies, the less stressed you'll be.

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Public Transport on Christmas Day 2026

Public transport in Melbourne runs on a significantly reduced timetable on Christmas Day. Here's what to expect:

Trains

• Limited service — Most train lines run on a reduced Sunday or public holiday timetable
• Services typically run from mid-morning to late evening
• Frequency is much lower than normal — expect trains every 30–60 minutes on most lines
• Night Network does NOT run on Christmas Eve into Christmas Day

Trams

• Reduced service — Trams typically operate on a Sunday/public holiday timetable
• Not all tram routes may run — check PTV closer to the date
• The Free Tram Zone in the CBD still applies
• Reduced frequency on all routes

Buses

• Very limited service — Some bus routes may not operate at all on Christmas Day
• Routes that do run will have significantly reduced frequency
• NightRider buses do not run on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day

V/Line (Regional)

• No services or very limited services on Christmas Day
• If you're travelling regionally, plan for alternative transport

Rideshare and Taxis

• Uber, DiDi, Ola, and other rideshare services — Operating on Christmas Day. Expect surge pricing, particularly in the evening
• 13cabs and Silver Top Taxis — Operating, but wait times may be longer than usual. Book in advance if possible

Plan ahead: Check the PTV website or the PTV app from mid-December for confirmed Christmas Day timetables. Public transport on Christmas Day is best suited for getting to a lunch booking — don't rely on it for time-critical journeys.

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Things to Do on Christmas Day in Melbourne

Just because the shops are closed doesn't mean there's nothing to do. Here are some ideas for Christmas Day 2026:

Outdoor Activities

1. Beach day — With Christmas falling in the middle of summer, Melbourne's beaches are a popular Christmas Day destination. Head to St Kilda Beach, Brighton Beach (and the famous bathing boxes), Elwood Beach, or Williamstown Beach
2. Royal Botanic Gardens — Open year-round with free entry. Perfect for a post-lunch stroll or picnic
3. Fitzroy Gardens — Beautiful gardens with Cook's Cottage and the Conservatory. The gardens are open even if buildings have limited access
4. Yarra River walk — Stroll along the Yarra from Southbank to Abbotsford or out to Docklands
5. Dandenong Ranges — If you have a car, the hills are stunning in summer. Walk through the forests and fern gullies
6. Mornington Peninsula — Beaches, wineries (some open on Christmas Day), and coastal walks

Christmas Day Activities

1. Christmas Day lunch — Book a restaurant (see our dining guide above)
2. Catch a movie — Several cinemas open on Christmas Day afternoon. Major holiday blockbusters release around this time
3. Visit Crown Melbourne — The casino, restaurants, bars, and entertainment areas are all open
4. Christmas swim — Join the locals for a dip at your nearest beach. Some communities organise informal Christmas Day swims
5. Backyard cricket — The most Australian Christmas tradition there is. All you need is a bat, ball, and a wheelie bin for stumps
6. Visit friends and family — Obviously! Christmas Day in Melbourne is all about spending time with the people you love

For Visitors and Tourists

If you're visiting Melbourne over Christmas, don't worry — there's still plenty to enjoy:

• Walk the CBD — The city is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and installations. It's actually lovely to walk through the quiet streets
• Federation Square — The square itself is open, and some venues within Fed Square may operate
• Southbank Promenade — Walk along the river, enjoy the views, and dine at one of the many restaurants
• Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes — A must-see Melbourne landmark, especially on a summer Christmas Day
• Street art in Hosier Lane — Free to visit any time

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Boxing Day 2026 — The Big Rebound

Boxing Day Sales in Melbourne

After the enforced quiet of Christmas Day, Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December 2026) is one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

Boxing Day is a public holiday in Victoria but is NOT a restricted trading day. All shops, shopping centres, and retailers can open — and they do, often with some of their biggest sales of the year.

What to Expect on Boxing Day 2026

• Chadstone Shopping Centre — Expect early opening (often 8 AM or earlier) with massive sales across hundreds of stores
• Melbourne Central and Emporium — CBD shopping centres will be packed with bargain hunters
• Myer and David Jones — Major department store sales, often with doors opening early
• DFO South Wharf and DFO Essendon — Outlet centres with already-discounted stock marked down further
• Highpoint, Northland, Southland, Eastland — All suburban centres open for sales

Note: Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, the additional public holiday is observed on Monday 28 December. This means you get a full three-day weekend of sales shopping!

Boxing Day Tips

1. Get there early — Popular stores like Myer, David Jones, JB Hi-Fi, and Nike open early and the best deals go fast
2. Shop online — Many retailers start their Boxing Day sales online on Christmas Day evening or at midnight
3. Have a plan — Know what you want before you go. Boxing Day crowds at Chadstone are legendary
4. Use public transport — Parking at major centres will be extremely limited. Trains and trams will run on a public holiday timetable but with better frequency than Christmas Day

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Employee Rights on Christmas Day 2026

If you're working on Christmas Day, you should be aware of your entitlements:

Public Holiday Penalty Rates

Under the Fair Work Act, employees who work on a public holiday are generally entitled to penalty rates. The exact rate depends on your award or enterprise agreement, but common rates include:

• Full-time and part-time employees — Typically 225%–250% of the base rate (double time and a half)
• Casual employees — Typically 250%–275% of the base rate

Right to Refuse

All employees have the right to refuse to work on a public holiday if the request is unreasonable. Factors considered include:

• The nature of the workplace (e.g., essential services)
• Your personal circumstances
• Whether you'll receive penalty rates
• How much notice you were given

For detailed information about your rights, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman or call 13 13 94.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Melbourne in 2026?

Yes. Christmas Day (Friday 25 December 2026) is a national public holiday observed in every state and territory in Australia, including Victoria. It is also a restricted trading day in Victoria, meaning most retail shops are legally required to close.

What day of the week is Christmas Day 2026?

Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, giving most workers a long weekend through to Monday 28 December (the additional public holiday for Boxing Day).

Is Coles open on Christmas Day in Melbourne?

No. Coles is closed on Christmas Day in Victoria. This applies to all Coles supermarkets and Coles Express stores (the convenience stores attached to Shell petrol stations — note that the Shell petrol station itself may open, but the Coles Express component may be restricted). The same applies to Woolworths, Aldi, and all other major supermarkets.

Is Kmart open on Christmas Day?

No. Kmart, Target, Big W, and all major general merchandise retailers are closed on Christmas Day in Victoria.

Are restaurants open on Christmas Day in Melbourne?

Yes. Restaurants, cafes, and takeaway outlets are specifically exempt from Victoria's restricted trading day rules under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996. Many restaurants in Melbourne open on Christmas Day, particularly hotels, Asian restaurants in Chinatown, and fine dining venues offering special Christmas menus. Booking well in advance is essential.

Can I get petrol on Christmas Day?

Yes. Petrol stations are exempt from restricted trading rules in Victoria. Most petrol stations across Melbourne will be open on Christmas Day, though some may operate with reduced hours.

Is 7-Eleven open on Christmas Day?

Yes. Most 7-Eleven stores operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Christmas Day. They're one of your best options for basic essentials like milk, bread, and snacks.

Is Crown Casino open on Christmas Day?

Yes. Crown Melbourne operates 365 days a year, including Christmas Day. The casino, restaurants, bars, and hotel facilities are all open. Many of Crown's restaurants offer special Christmas Day dining menus.

Does public transport run on Christmas Day in Melbourne?

Yes, but on a very reduced timetable. Trains, trams, and some bus routes operate on a limited Christmas Day schedule with reduced frequency. Check the PTV website or app for confirmed timetables, which are usually published in mid-December. Rideshare services like Uber also operate but expect surge pricing.

Are pharmacies open on Christmas Day?

Some pharmacies may be open on Christmas Day — chemists are exempt from restricted trading rules in Victoria. However, most choose to close. Hospital pharmacies are available for urgent needs, and some late-night pharmacies (like Supercare Pharmacy) may operate. Check ahead of time for your nearest open pharmacy.

What time do shops open on Boxing Day 2026?

Boxing Day is Saturday 26 December 2026. While it is a public holiday, it is not a restricted trading day. Major shopping centres and retailers typically open early — many from 8 AM or even earlier — with significant sales. Check individual centre websites from mid-December for confirmed hours.

Is the Queen Victoria Market open on Christmas Day?

No. The Queen Victoria Market is always closed on Fridays and public holidays. Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, so the market will be closed. Check the QVM website for their special pre-Christmas trading schedule, which usually includes extra trading days in the week before Christmas.

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Summary: Quick Reference Guide

❌ CLOSED on Christmas Day 2026

• All major supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi)
• All shopping centres (Chadstone, Melbourne Central, Emporium, etc.)
• Department stores (Myer, David Jones)
• Major retailers (Kmart, Target, Big W, Bunnings, JB Hi-Fi)
• Bottle shops (Dan Murphy's, BWS)
• Queen Victoria Market and most other markets
• Most museums and galleries (NGV, Melbourne Museum)
• State Library of Victoria

✅ OPEN on Christmas Day 2026

• Restaurants, cafes, and takeaway outlets
• Petrol stations
• 7-Eleven and convenience stores
• Crown Melbourne (casino, restaurants, bars)
• Some pharmacies
• Some cinemas
• Some tourist attractions (check individual venues)
• Emergency services (hospitals, police, ambulance, fire)
• Public transport (very reduced schedule)
• Rideshare services (Uber, DiDi, taxis)
• Small businesses meeting the exemption criteria (<20 staff on the day)

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Plan Your Christmas Day 2026

The best advice for Christmas Day in Melbourne? Plan ahead.

• Book your restaurant by October or November for the best options
• Do your grocery shopping by 23 December at the latest
• Stock up on drinks and alcohol by Christmas Eve
• Check public transport timetables from mid-December
• Download the PTV app and your preferred rideshare app
• If you need medication, check pharmacy hours in advance
• Most importantly — enjoy the day with family and friends

Christmas Day in Melbourne might be quiet on the shopping front, but with beautiful summer weather, incredible dining options, beaches, parks, and quality time with loved ones, it's one of the best days of the year.

Merry Christmas, Melbourne! 🎄

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This guide is based on Victorian legislation (Shop Trading Reform Act 1996) and information from Business Victoria and the Fair Work Ombudsman. Individual business hours may vary — always confirm directly with venues closer to Christmas Day 2026. This article will be updated as specific 2026 hours are announced.

Last updated: February 2026