What's Open on Christmas Day 2026
Friday, 25 December 2026
Christmas Day - the busiest closure day of the SA calendar. Most retailers close entirely or have very reduced hours.
Open
- Petrol stations - open 24/7 (some forecourt shops may close earlier)
- Hospitals and emergency services - 24/7
- Some convenience stores and corner shops (varies by area)
- A few restaurants in tourist areas
- Cinemas - selected sites open from afternoon
Closed
- All major grocery chains - Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Spar (FULL closure)
- All major malls - typically completely closed
- All Dis-Chem and Clicks pharmacies
- All bottle stores and liquor outlets
- All banks and financial services
- All government offices (Home Affairs, SASSA, SARS, Post Office)
- Most restaurants and most cafés
- Most independent retailers
Liquor sales on Christmas Day
- All bottle stores CLOSED on Christmas Day
- Restaurants with liquor licences may serve drinks with meals if open (rare)
- Buy your alcohol on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day
Note: Christmas Day is THE biggest closure day of the year. Stock up the day before. Petrol stations and emergency services remain available.
FAQs - Christmas Day 2026
Is Shoprite open on Christmas Day?
No. Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay and Woolworths all close on Christmas Day. The exception is some forecourt convenience stores attached to petrol stations.
Are banks open on Christmas Day?
No. All SA bank branches are closed on Christmas Day. ATMs, online banking and mobile apps work as normal.
Is Home Affairs open on Christmas Day?
No. Home Affairs offices are closed on every SA public holiday including Christmas Day. eHomeAffairs online services may still work.
Can I buy alcohol on Christmas Day?
No. All bottle stores are closed on Christmas Day in every province. Restaurants with a liquor licence may serve drinks if they are open, but most are also closed.
Are petrol stations open on Christmas Day?
Yes. Petrol stations operate 24/7 every day of the year in South Africa, including Christmas Day. Forecourt convenience shops may have reduced hours.
Other 2026 public holidays
New Year's Day
Thursday, 1 January 2026
Human Rights DaySaturday, 21 March 2026
Good FridayFriday, 3 April 2026
Family DayMonday, 6 April 2026
Freedom DayMonday, 27 April 2026
Workers' DayFriday, 1 May 2026
Youth DayTuesday, 16 June 2026
National Women's DaySunday, 9 August 2026 (Monday 10 August observed)
Heritage DayThursday, 24 September 2026
Day of ReconciliationWednesday, 16 December 2026
Day of GoodwillSaturday, 26 December 2026 (no auto-substitution)
Related
- SA public holidays 2026 calendar + long weekends
- SA school holidays 2026
- Fuel price - relevant for holiday travel
Trading hours summarised from each retailer's published holiday trading schedule. Individual stores may vary - check your local store. Liquor sales subject to provincial laws. Last verified 2026-05-14.