Public holiday
Christmas Day 2025 in Australia
Christmas Day falls on 25 December and is a public holiday in every state and territory.
Christmas Day 2025 by state
History
Christmas Day has been a public holiday in Australia since the earliest days of European settlement. As a summer Christmas, Australian celebrations have developed their own distinctive character that blends northern hemisphere traditions with the local climate.
How Australians celebrate
Christmas in Australia means barbecues, beach trips, backyard cricket, and seafood alongside more traditional roasts and puddings. The Boxing Day Test cricket match at the MCG is a beloved post-Christmas tradition. Most workplaces shut down from Christmas Eve through to early January.
Christmas Day in other years
Frequently asked questions
Christmas Day 2025 is observed on Thursday 25 December 2025.
Yes, Christmas Day is a national public holiday observed in all Australian states and territories.
Christmas 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.
Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday 25 December 2026.