If businesses and services are going to be closed any day of the year, chances are it is going to be on Christmas Day. For this reason, many people assume that if you want to go out and do something with the family or if you find yourself in desperate need of a particular service that it will have to wait another 24 hours before you can do so.
The good news is there are actually quite a few places and services that are opening and operating on Christmas Day. Below is a list of the places you can visit, the activities you can do and the services that are available.
Zoos
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has been voted one of the Top 10 Zoos in the World by AOL, and is the only theme park/zoo open on Christmas Day in and around Brisbane. It is the perfect place to visit with international relatives, where they can cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos and do it all surrounded by a beautiful, natural setting. Open 9:00am – 3:00pm Christmas Day 2022
Parks and Rides
If you are in search of a beautiful green space with playgrounds, beaches, cliffs and giant wheels, then look no further than the following Brisbane landmarks – all of which are open on Christmas Day.
- South Bank Parklands
- Wheel of Brisbane
- Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and Mt Coot-tha Lookout
- Kangaroo Point Cliffs
- Roma Street Parkland
Cinemas
Relaxing in the cool air-conditioned cinemas on a scorching hot summer’s day sounds like a pretty ideal way to wind down after the often hectic and loud Christmas morning festivities. The following cinemas are open on Christmas Day this year.
- Southbank Cineplex
- Event Cinemas Chermside, Garden City and Pacific Fair
- Hoyts Redcliffe, Stafford and Sunnybank
Fast Food
Usually there is an abundance of leftover goodies to last you through the rest of the week, but if you find yourself with a craving that doesn’t include pudding and potato salad than you will be able to sneak away to the following fast food outlets (though you will need to check with each location, as opening times and hours may vary).
- Red Rooster (limited trading hours)
- Dominos (with 20% surcharge)
- McDonald’s
Restaurants / Cafes
There are many restaurants and cafes that are open on Christmas Day and ready to take the hard work of cooking and preparing a Christmas lunch or dinner feast off your hands. Most of them also include some extra Christmas treats such as visits from Santa and some surprise gifts and fun as well. To book, check out our list of where you can have Christmas lunch in Brisbane this year.
After-Hours Medical & Chemists
If you find yourself in need of a medical professional on Christmas Day (and we hope you don’t!), we have a full list of after-hours medical doctors here.
If there’s something you urgently need that only a pharmacy can supply and it’s Christmas Day, take a look at this list of late night chemists in Brisbane (please call ahead to ensure they are open, as regular trading hours may not apply).
Food and General Supplies
Although the big chains like Woolworths, Coles and Aldi are closed on Christmas Day, many Foodworks, IGA and 7-Eleven stores remain open over the Christmas period. To find out if your local one is open, contact them via the below links.
Additionally, many chain service stations are open on Christmas Day, where you can grab emergency milk and bread, amongst other supplies.
Whether it is to explore our great city with visitors, an opportunity to make the most of a holiday, or to duck out and grab some last-minute supplies, hopefully the list above will have you covered for any eventuality this Christmas Day.
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