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Here’s your ultimate guide to all the public holidays over Christmas and New Year’s in Australia

Find out exactly when you can kick back this holiday season

Melissa Woodley
Written by
Melissa Woodley
Travel & News Editor, Time Out Australia
Friends celebrating Christmas and swimming at Bondi Beach in Bondi, Sydney
Photograph: Destination NSW
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The greatest gift anyone could give us over the festive season is a public holiday (or three, to be exact). But figuring out exactly when those days fall can be confusing. To stop you from accidentally showing up to work on your well-earned day off – or not showing up when you should be there (PSA: Christmas Eve isn’t a public holiday) – we’ve put together this handy public holiday guide. Scroll on to see when your next day off is coming up.

When is the next public holiday in Australia?

The next public holiday is on Wednesday, December 25. That’s Christmas Day for those who celebrate.

Is Christmas Eve a public holiday in Australia?

No, Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24) sadly isn’t a public holiday across most of Australia. However, some lucky states and territories enjoy a part-day holiday in the evening, including:

  • Northern Territory: public holiday from 7pm to midnight
  • Queensland: public holiday from 6pm to midnight
  • South Australia: public holiday from 7pm to midnight

Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Australia? 

Yes, Boxing Day (Thursday, December 26) is a public holiday all around Australia. 

Is New Year’s Eve a public holiday in Australia? 

No, New Year’s Eve (Tuesday, December 31) is not a public holiday in Australia. However, both the Northern Territory and South Australia treat it as a public holiday from 7pm to midnight.

Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in Australia?

Yes, all Australians score a day off on New Year’s Day (Wednesday, January 1). What a way to start 2025!

You can check out our full guide to all the Australian public holidays in 2025 here

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