As the festive whirlwind sweeps across Australia, keeping track of the day of the week can be a challenge, let alone remembering when your local supermarket is open. Whether you're grabbing last-minute ingredients for Christmas lunch or replenishing supplies after the big day, knowing the trading hours for major grocers can save you a frustrating trip to an empty car park.
This holiday period, opening times will vary significantly. While some stores will operate as usual, others will close entirely or offer extended shopping windows to cater to the seasonal rush. To help you navigate the Christmas and New Year break, here is a detailed, state-by-state breakdown of trading hours for Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and IGA for 2025.
Woolworths Christmas 2025 Trading Schedule
Woolworths has outlined its national holiday trading plan, but it strongly advises customers to double-check its online Store Locator for any variations at individual sites.
For shoppers in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, the ACT, and Tasmania, the schedule is straightforward. All stores will be open until and including Christmas Eve, December 24. They will then be closed on Christmas Day, December 25, before reopening for Boxing Day, December 26. Stores will also trade on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
In South Australia and the Northern Territory, the pattern changes slightly after Christmas. While closed on the 25th, some stores will remain closed on Boxing Day. Similarly, some locations will be shut on New Year's Day, January 1. Customers are urged to verify their local store's status online.
Western Australia sees the most extensive changes, with many metropolitan stores offering extended hours in the lead-up to Christmas. On the Saturdays of December 6, 13, and 20, stores will open from 8am to 6pm. The Sundays of December 7, 14, and 21 will also see extended hours from 8am to 6pm. From December 15 to 24 (excluding weekends), trading will extend from 7am to 9pm. All WA stores will be closed on Christmas Day but open on Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Coles Holiday Opening Hours for 2025
Coles has also released its festive trading guide, recommending shoppers use its Store Locator for the most precise local information.
For the majority of states and territories—Queensland, NSW, Victoria, ACT, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the NT—the schedule mirrors Woolworths. Stores are open until Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day, and open again from Boxing Day through New Year's Day.
The exception is South Australia. While closed on Christmas Day, most metropolitan Adelaide stores will also be closed on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. However, several key regional stores will be open from 8am to 8pm on those days, including locations in Berri, Mount Barker, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge Green, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Victor Harbor, and Whyalla. In Adelaide's CBD, the Rundle Place store will open from 11am to 5pm on New Year's Day.
ALDI and IGA: Check Your Local Store
For ALDI shoppers, the advice is clear: always check the ALDI Store Locator. This tool reveals individual store hours seven days in advance. On key dates, hours will vary significantly across the country.
Nationally, all ALDI stores will be closed on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, trading hours will differ by location. For New Year's Eve, all stores will close early at 6pm, while New Year's Day will see most stores open, though some in South Australia may be closed.
IGA stores, being independently owned, have the most variable schedules of all. Some will trade normally, others will close, and many will operate on reduced hours. IGA has confirmed that some stores will be open on Christmas Day for emergency needs, but a definitive list of which stores won't be available until December 8. The best course of action is to contact your local IGA directly for its specific holiday trading plan.
Planning ahead is the key to a stress-free festive season. With this guide and a quick check of your supermarket's online store finder, you can ensure your holiday shopping is seamless, leaving you more time to enjoy the celebrations with family and friends.
