Boxing Day 2024 in Australia
Boxing Day on 26 December is a national public holiday, often extending the Christmas break.
Boxing Day 2024 by state
History
Boxing Day on 26 December originated as a day when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts from their employers. In Australia, it has evolved into the biggest shopping day of the year, with major sales across retail and online.
How Australians celebrate
The Boxing Day sales are an institution in Australian retail, with shoppers queuing before dawn at major department stores. It's also the start of the Boxing Day Test cricket match at the MCG in Melbourne, drawing crowds of over 70,000 and watched by millions on television.
Boxing Day in other years
Frequently asked questions
When is Boxing Day in 2024?
Boxing Day 2024 is observed on Thursday 26 December 2024.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in all states?
Yes, Boxing Day is a national public holiday observed in all Australian states and territories.
Do I get a day off for Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is a gazetted public holiday in all states. Most workers are entitled to a day off with pay. If you work on the day, penalty rates typically apply as per your award or enterprise agreement.
Related tools
Picked for this page.
Is today a public holiday?
Check today's public holiday status in every state and territory.
Printable calendar
Print a full year or a single month with public holidays and school terms, or save it as a PDF.
Calendar subscriptions
Add public holidays to Apple Calendar, Google Calendar or Outlook.
Working days calculator
Count business days between dates, excluding your state's public holidays.
