Here's a guide to what is and isn't open on Christmas Day. Christmas Day is one of four restricted trading days in New Zealand (Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and until 1pm on Anzac Day), meaning almost all retail shops will be closed. Select KFC stores, McDonald's, Domino's and Pizza Hut will be open on Christmas Day. If you need your Christmas Day tipple, it's a good idea to stock up early as no takeaway alcohol is sold or supplied on Christmas Day. HOYTS Cinemas are open on Christmas Day at select cinemas in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 24, 2025 09:17 UTC