Residents and visitors in Geelong are preparing for the festive season, and knowing when shops and services will be open is crucial for last-minute preparations and holiday planning. This comprehensive guide outlines the trading hours for major supermarkets, retail centres, and essential services across the Christmas and New Year period.
Supermarket Trading Hours for Christmas and Boxing Day
Major supermarket chains have confirmed their operating hours for the key holiday dates. On Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, all Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi stores across Geelong will be closed. This allows staff to spend the day with family and friends.
The trading landscape changes for Boxing Day, Tuesday, December 26. Most Coles and Woolworths supermarkets will reopen, but with reduced hours. Shoppers can expect stores to be open from 8am until 8pm on this public holiday. It is always advisable to check with your local store for any specific variations.
Aldi stores will also reopen on Boxing Day, typically operating from 8:30am to 8pm. For those needing supplies on Christmas Day itself, some selected independent IGA stores or petrol station convenience outlets may be open, but availability will be limited.
Retail Centre and Shopping Precinct Schedules
Shopping centres across the Geelong region will follow special holiday timetables. Major hubs including Westfield Geelong and Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre will be closed on Christmas Day.
On Boxing Day, these centres traditionally host major sales events and will open their doors to eager shoppers. Trading hours for Boxing Day sales usually commence around 8am or 9am, with centres closing later in the evening. Individual retailer hours within the centres may vary, so checking directly with your favourite stores is recommended.
The popular Market Square shopping precinct in central Geelong will also be closed on December 25. Its Boxing Day operations will align with the broader retail trend, opening for extended hours to accommodate the post-Christmas sales rush.
Essential Services and Public Holiday Information
Beyond retail, other essential services will be impacted. Australia Post outlets will be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with no regular mail delivery on these public holidays.
Public transport in Victoria, including services in Geelong, will run to a public holiday timetable on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. This often means reduced frequency, so passengers should plan their journeys in advance using the PTV app or website.
For medical needs, pharmacies will operate on a rotational roster. Some will be open for limited hours on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to provide urgent prescriptions. The location of these open pharmacies is typically published by local health networks closer to the date.
General Practitioners' clinics will largely be closed on the public holidays, with patients directed to hospital emergency departments for urgent care or to seek assistance from the National Home Doctor Service.
As the festive season approaches, planning ahead is the best strategy. Stocking up on essentials before Christmas Eve, confirming the opening times of your intended destination, and having patience during the busy sales period will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday break in Geelong.
