Quick answer
Christmas Day is a public holiday in every state. Christmas Eve is a public holiday only from the evening, and only in QLD, SA and NT. New Year's Eve is part-day in SA and NT. New Year's Day is Friday 1 January 2027. Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, so Monday 28 December is also a holiday.
Which Christmas and New Year days are public holidays in 2026?
| State | Christmas Eve | Christmas Day | Boxing Day and extra days | New Year's Eve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | No | Yes | Sat 26 Dec; Mon 28 Dec | No |
| Victoria | No | Yes | Sat 26 Dec; Mon 28 Dec | No |
| Queensland | From the evening | Yes | Sat 26 Dec; Mon 28 Dec | No |
| Western Australia | No | Yes | Sat 26 Dec; Mon 28 Dec | No |
| South Australia | From the evening | Yes | Sat 26 Dec; Mon 28 Dec | From the evening |
| Tasmania | No | Yes | Mon 28 Dec | No |
| Australian Capital Territory | No | Yes | Sat 26 Dec; Mon 28 Dec | No |
| Northern Territory | From the evening | Yes | Sat 26 Dec; Mon 28 Dec | From the evening |
New Year's Day is Friday 1 January 2027 in every state. Part-day holidays run from the evening to midnight: 6 pm in Queensland, 7 pm in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Which days are public holidays in 2027?
| State | Christmas Eve | Christmas Day | Boxing Day and extra days | New Year's Eve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | No | Yes | Sun 26 Dec; Mon 27 Dec; Tue 28 Dec | No |
| Victoria | No | Yes | Sun 26 Dec; Mon 27 Dec; Tue 28 Dec | No |
| Queensland | From the evening | Yes | Sun 26 Dec; Mon 27 Dec; Tue 28 Dec | No |
| Western Australia | No | Yes | Sun 26 Dec; Mon 27 Dec; Tue 28 Dec | No |
| South Australia | From the evening | Yes | Sun 26 Dec; Mon 27 Dec; Tue 28 Dec | From the evening |
| Tasmania | No | Yes | Mon 27 Dec; Tue 28 Dec | No |
| Australian Capital Territory | No | Yes | Sun 26 Dec; Mon 27 Dec; Tue 28 Dec | No |
| Northern Territory | From the evening | Yes | Sun 26 Dec; Mon 27 Dec; Tue 28 Dec | From the evening |
In 2027, Christmas Day is a Saturday and Boxing Day a Sunday, so extra weekday holidays are added on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December in most states.
Is Christmas Eve a public holiday?
Only in part, and only in QLD, SA and NT, from the evening. Elsewhere it is a normal day.
Is New Year's Eve a public holiday?
Only in part, and only in SA and NT, from 7 pm.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday?
Yes, in every state. In South Australia it is called the Proclamation Day holiday. In 2026 it falls on Saturday 26 December, with an additional holiday on Monday 28 December. In Tasmania the Boxing Day holiday itself is Monday 28 December.
How many days until Christmas?
Counting down...
The countdown runs to Christmas Day, Friday 25 December 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is New Year's Day a public holiday?
Yes, in every state: Friday 1 January 2027.
When do school holidays start for Christmas?
Between Saturday 12 December and Saturday 19 December 2026, depending on the state. See the December school holidays.
Are there public holidays between Christmas and New Year?
Yes. In 2026 Monday 28 December is a public holiday in every state.
More dates
Public holidays 2027 · Australia Day · December school holidays
For the year after, see the 2028 school and public holidays.