Australia Christmas Public Holiday Guide 2025: Penalty Rates, Trading Hours & Worker Rights
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day are full public holidays across Australia in 2025, with most awards applying higher penalty rates.
- Retail trading hours differ sharply by state — some states close major shops on 25 Dec while others allow limited trading on 26 Dec.
- Casuals and part-timers should check their award, roster notice, and penalty rate table before accepting December shifts.
The Christmas period is the busiest — and often the most profitable — time of year for retail and hospitality workers in Australia. Search interest in penalty rates, Boxing Day trading hours and public holiday rules spikes every December as thousands of casual and part-time workers try to understand how much they may be paid for holiday shifts.
This guide summarises what changes in 2025, typical pay ranges under major awards, and what workers should check before agreeing to Christmas or Boxing Day rosters.
Christmas & Boxing Day: Public Holidays in All States (2025)
Across Australia, the following dates are official public holidays:
- 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day
- 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day (Proclamation Day in SA)
Public holiday entitlements apply nationwide, but rates differ by award, not by state.
Typical Penalty Rates for Christmas & Boxing Day
Exact rates depend on the award, classification and employment type. The following ranges are common across retail and hospitality awards in 2025:
- Casual workers: 225%–275% of base rate (often the highest)
- Part-time employees: 200%–250% of base rate
- Full-time employees: 200%–250% of base rate
Note: These figures represent typical ranges based on major awards such as the Retail Award and Hospitality Award. Workers should confirm their specific award conditions on Fair Work’s website.
Public Holiday Minimum Shifts
Some awards specify a minimum number of hours that must be paid if you’re rostered on a public holiday. Check the “minimum engagement” section of your award.
Retail Trading Hours by State (2025 Overview)
Retail trading hours change significantly during the Christmas period, especially for large shops.
NSW
- 25 Dec: Most major shops closed.
- 26 Dec: Boxing Day trading permitted but restrictions apply in some regional areas.
VIC
- 25 Dec: Large shops closed.
- 26 Dec: Normal public holiday trading allowed.
QLD
- 25 Dec: All large shops closed.
- 26 Dec: Zoned trading applies — some regions open, others restricted.
WA
- 25 Dec: Closed.
- 26 Dec: Limited trading hours for most retailers.
SA
- 25 Dec: Closed.
- 26 Dec (Proclamation Day): Strict trading hours apply.
TAS, ACT, NT
- More flexible trading arrangements, but many major retailers voluntarily close 25 Dec.
Workers should remember: trading hours laws affect whether a shop can open — not whether an individual worker must accept a shift.
Do Workers Have to Work on Christmas Day?
Under most awards:
- Employees cannot be forced to work on a public holiday without reasonable grounds.
- Employees may refuse if the refusal is reasonable.
- Employers must genuinely consider your circumstances before rostering you on.
Fair Work outlines these factors clearly, and workers should check their award’s public holiday clause.
Common Situations for Casuals & Hospitality Workers
1. “Am I paid even if the shop closes?”
Usually no — public holiday payments apply only if you were rostered to work.
2. “Do penalty rates apply if I choose not to work?”
No, penalty rates only apply when you actually work the hours.
3. “What if my roster changes last minute?”
Many awards require reasonable notice; late changes may entitle you to compensation depending on the award.
How to Check Your Penalty Rates Quickly
- Use the Fair Work Pay Calculator.
- Look up your Award Classification (e.g., Retail Level 1, Hospitality Food & Beverage Level 2).
- Confirm whether your employer pays public holiday penalties or substituted days.
- Review your roster notice — some awards require a set number of hours’ notice for holiday shifts.
Workers paid through labour hire agencies should also check which award or enterprise agreement applies.
Tips for Managing Holiday Rosters & Income
- Check your roster early — December shifts fill quickly in retail and hospitality.
- Review transport costs (fuel, tolls, parking) for Christmas trading days.
- Keep written copies of your agreed availability.
- Track your actual hours for payroll accuracy.
Quick Q&A: Christmas Work in Australia 2025
- Q: Do all shops close on Christmas Day?
A: Most large retailers do, but smaller shops may open depending on state rules. - Q: Are penalty rates double-time?
A: Many awards apply double-time or higher, but exact percentages vary. - Q: Can I refuse a Christmas shift?
A: Yes, if refusal is reasonable under Fair Work rules. - Q: Do I get paid if I’m part-time and Christmas falls on my usual day?
A: Many awards require payment at base rate for permanent staff whose usual workday falls on a public holiday.
Sources & Further Reading (Australia)
- Fair Work Ombudsman – Public Holidays & Penalty Rates
- NSW Industrial Relations
- Business.gov.au – Retail Trading Hours
- State government public holiday calendars for 2025
- Applicable Award or Enterprise Agreement (PDS equivalent for employment)
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Penalty rates differ by award, industry and employment type. Workers should check their exact award, enterprise agreement and official Fair Work guidance.
