Here's what's open on Christmas Day in Australia this year

Anyone who has left their Christmas planning to the very last minute knows the familiar terror of frantically searching online to see if your local supermarket or other retail store is open or not.

With many stores and services across the country closing their doors on December 25, it’s important to know where you can and can’t go.

And while millions of Australians will celebrate Christmas, less than half the population is Christian, and for many it’s just another day of the year (although one can’t count on normal trading hours).

With that in mind, here are some places you can shop, dine or enjoy holidays across the country – and which ones you’ll have to wait for.

Which stores will be open at Christmas?

If there is something on your Christmas Day grocery list, you should try to check it off before then. Woolworths, Coles and Aldi supermarkets across the country will be closed on December 25.

Woolworths and Coles stores will reopen on Boxing Day, with the exception of South Australia, where all metropolitan stores will be closed and all regional stores will be open. Aldi stores will be open on Boxing Day with varying trading hours depending on the store.

A Woolworths van with "Fresh food people" is near a building that reads "Coles: Open 7 days".

Are you planning to go shopping on December 25? You will probably run into trouble. Source: Getty / Quinn Rooney

IGA stores are each independently run and as a result store opening hours will vary from store to store, and some stores will operate as usual on Christmas Day or with adjusted hours.

If you’re surprised, many 7-Eleven stores will also be open all day nationwide this Christmas, and most major gas stations will also be open.

Westfield shopping centers will all be closed on Christmas Day, as will major stores including Kmart, Big W, Target, Myer, IKEA, David Jones and Bunnings.

If you’re planning to celebrate Christmas with a beer or champagne, you’ll also want to address this issue as soon as possible.

Most major liquor stores will also be closed on Christmas Day, with the exception of some BWS stores and Dan Murphy’s in some states and territories.

Are banks open on Christmas Day?

All major bank branches will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. You should check your individual branch to see when it will reopen.

Banks generally do not process payments made on a public holiday that day: they will be processed the next business day after they open.

Instant payment services such as PayID or Osko should operate normally on public holidays, including Christmas.

Where can you eat on Christmas Day?

Christmas opening hours for restaurants and cafes vary considerably. While many close for the festive period, some will trade as normal or offer set menus for Christmas lunch and dinner. It’s best to check with your favorite location individually to see if they will be open.

As for takeout, most McDonald’s restaurants will be open nationwide, and some Hungry Jack’s will also be open if you’re looking for a burger. Many Domino’s and Pizza Hut stores will also be open if you need a pizza.

If you hope to participate in the On Christmas Day this can be difficult, with only a limited number of KFC stores open. Select Red Rooster stores will also be open.

You can also expect to see many Yum Cha restaurants open on Christmas Day: for some Cantonese restaurants, it’s one of the busiest days of the year.

Palace Chinese in Sydney’s CBD is a Cantonese restaurant that remains open for yum cha on Christmas Day. Source: Provided / Katrina Ma

What else to do on Christmas Day?

If you’re one of the many Australians who have no connection with Christmas, there are still plenty of ways to get out of the house and enjoy the public holiday.

If you want to watch a movie, several major cinema chains – such as some Hoyts and Event Cinemas locations – will be open on Christmas Day with reduced hours, although smaller independent cinemas will likely be closed.

Many of the country’s zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries, including Melbourne Zoo and Taronga in Sydney, will also be open if you prefer to spend the day with wildlife.

It’s also a great day to spend in nature, whether you prefer to swim at one of the many beaches Australia has to offer or take a bushwalk.

What about medical services?

Out-of-hours clinics and home doctor services will operate on Christmas Day for non-life-threatening medical conditions or injuries. In an emergency, you should call triple zero or go to your local hospital.

Emergency dentists across the country should also be open.

Some pharmacies will also be open if you need to fill a prescription or obtain other medical items, but it’s best to call your local pharmacy in advance to make sure.