What's open on Christmas Day in Australia?

Forgot to buy that last-minute garnish for your Christmas table? Or some medicines that you may need urgently? It's important to know where you can or can't go on 25 December.

Most shops are closed on Christmas Day. Source: AAP / Diego Fedele

Christmas is a day many Australians spend with loved ones, exchanging presents and enjoying a feast.

While less than half of the population is Christian and almost two in five follow no religion whatsoever, most stores and services nevertheless shut their doors on 25 December to mark the public holiday.

But the need to buy something on this day can still emerge. Here is a guide of shops and services that may or may not satisfy that need on Christmas day in Australia:

Shops

All Coles, Woolworths and Aldi stores across Australia will be closed on 25 December.

If you forgot to pick up milk or bread ahead of time, never fear. Select IGA and 7-Eleven locations will be open for business, as well as some other independent grocers.

You can expect most bottle shops to also be shut, but given that rules around Christmas Day trading vary from state to state, it's worth checking with your local shop.

Major stores like Kmart, Target, Myer, IKEA, David Jones, Big W and Bunnings will all be closed on Christmas Day.

All Westfield locations and other major shopping centres will also be shut.

Medical and dental

For non-life-threatening medical conditions or injuries, after-hours clinics and home-visiting doctor services will operate on Christmas Day.

In an emergency, call 000 or go to your local hospital.

For those who forgot to fill their prescription ahead of time or need some emergency eye drops or painkillers, some pharmacies will be open.

It's best to call your local pharmacy in advance to ensure that, just in case you're caught short.

If you get a sudden toothache or break one of your teeth on a piece of over-cooked gingerbread, emergency dentists across the country should be open.

Banking

All bank branches will be closed on Christmas Day.

Being a public holiday means no BPAY or other regular payments will be processed.

Real-time online payments using services like Osko should still go through.

Transport

Public transport services across the country typically run according to weekend timetables on Christmas Day.

For those hitting the road, most service stations should be open for you to fill up the tank.

Dining

If you need a caffeine fix or want someone else to cook your Christmas lunch this year, it's worth checking the opening hours with your favourite eatery.

For those craving burgers or needing a snack as you rush between family events, the majority of McDonalds and Hungry Jacks stores tend to be open on 25 December.

While fried chicken is the Christmas meal of choice for many in Japan, those in Australia may struggle to get their fix from KFC with only a select few across the country operating on the day.

If yum cha's more your thing, head to your local Chinatown.

Attractions

The cinema is one place you can guarantee will be open on 25 December, albeit with reduced trading hours.

Most Hoyts, Village, Palace and Event cinemas as well as select independent ones, will start their Christmas screenings in the afternoon.

Many of the nation's zoos, animal sanctuaries and aquaria will also be open.

Sydney's Taronga Zoo, Melbourne's Werribee Open Range Zoo and Sea Life and the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania are just some of the places you can visit to celebrate the holiday in the company of animals.

And of course, Australia's beautiful beaches are open 24/7.