Is KFC Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Australia? Hours & Locations

Christmas in Australia falls during the height of summer, and whether you’re traveling, celebrating with family, or just craving fried chicken, one question pops up every year: Is KFC open on Christmas Day 2025 in Australia?

This guide will break down all you need to know about KFC holiday hours in Australia, including city and suburban locations, airport outlets, drive-thru availability, menu restrictions, and tips to make sure your holiday meal goes smoothly.

Are KFC Locations Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Most KFC restaurants across Australia are closed on Christmas Day. This includes:

City-center locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide

Suburban dine-in shops

Shopping center KFC outlets

However, like other fast-food chains, KFC does keep some locations open for high-traffic areas:

Airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast)

Major train stations

Select 24-hour or large suburban drive-thru locations

Motorway service areas or highway-adjacent outlets

Pro Tip: If you need KFC on Christmas Day, focus on airports, train stations, or large drive-thrus.

KFC Christmas Day 2025 Hours in Australia (Typical)
Store Type Expected Hours Notes
City-center KFC Closed Most dine-in restaurants shut
Shopping mall KFC Closed Shopping centers generally closed on Christmas
Airport KFC 7 AM – 10 PM Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast
Train station KFC 8 AM – 8 PM Limited to major stations
Motorway service drive-thru 7 AM – 9 PM Busy routes along M1, M2, M5, Pacific Motorway
Hotel-adjacent KFC 8 AM – 10 PM Select tourist-heavy cities

Note: Hours may vary based on local staffing or holiday scheduling. Always check the KFC app or call ahead.

Drive-Thru vs. Dine-In on Christmas Day

Drive-Thru Locations:
Drive-thru KFC near airports, major suburban hubs, and motorway service areas are the most likely to remain open. Typical hours are 7 AM – 9 PM, but some may adjust depending on demand.

Dine-In Locations:
Dine-in KFC stores are almost entirely closed on Christmas Day. Even airport or hotel-adjacent KFC may limit seating to takeaway orders only.

Airport KFC Hours on Christmas Day

Airports are the safest bet for open KFC locations:

Sydney Airport (SYD)

Terminals 1 & 3: 7 AM – 10 PM

Mostly takeaway; dine-in limited

Melbourne Airport (MEL)

7 AM – 9 PM

Core menu available; no dine-in at smaller outlets

Brisbane Airport (BNE)

7 AM – 9 PM

Takeaway-focused; limited staff

Perth Airport (PER)

7:30 AM – 9 PM

Airport travelers only; smaller menu

Gold Coast Airport (OOL)

8 AM – 9 PM

Takeaway only

Pro Tip: Airport KFC may close briefly for staff breaks. Always confirm via the KFC app or airport signage.

Motorway & Highway Service KFC Hours

Highway travel is common during the Australian Christmas holiday. KFC drive-thrus along major routes usually operate 7 AM – 9 PM, with peak times 12 PM – 3 PM as families travel.

Major routes with KFC drive-thru options include:

M1 Pacific Motorway: Brisbane to Gold Coast

M2, M5 Sydney Motorways: Around Sydney metro areas

Princes Highway: Melbourne to coastal towns

M7 Western Sydney: Busy suburban corridors

Expect lines during peak travel periods.

Train Station KFC Hours

For rail travelers:

Sydney Central Station & North Sydney: 8 AM – 8 PM

Melbourne Flinders Street & Southern Cross: 8 AM – 8 PM

Brisbane Central & Fortitude Valley: 8 AM – 7 PM

Takeaway is prioritized; dine-in seating is limited or unavailable.

Holiday Menu Availability

Stores open on Christmas Day usually offer a limited menu, focusing on core items:

Original Recipe Chicken

Zinger Burgers & Twister Wraps

Fries and sides (coleslaw, potato wedges)

Soft drinks and water

Snack packs and family meals

Seasonal or promotional items (like Mega Box or dessert specials) may not be available at all open locations, especially in smaller or airport outlets.

Planning Tips for KFC on Christmas Day in Australia

Use the KFC Store Locator: Find open locations and live holiday hours.

Call Ahead: Some airports or service areas may adjust hours last minute.

Arrive Early: Morning coffee or breakfast items often sell out quickly.

Expect Takeaway-Only: Even open KFC may close seating for staff efficiency.

Consider Alternatives: Hungry Jacks (Burger King), Red Rooster, or Subway may fill gaps if KFC is closed.

Common Questions About KFC on Christmas Day (Australia)

Q: Are 24-hour KFC locations open?

Most 24-hour city locations close. Only airport and major drive-thru stores remain open.

Q: Can I order via Uber Eats or DoorDash?

Very limited. Only major city airport locations may deliver on Christmas Day.

Q: Are there KFCs open in hotels?

Yes, a few hotel-adjacent KFC locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane operate.

Q: Are suburban KFC drive-thrus open?

Only select high-volume locations; smaller towns are mostly closed.

Public Minute Pro Tips for Christmas Day KFC in Australia

Airports & Motorways Are Your Best Bet: These locations are more likely to stay open.

Plan Around Peak Hours: Morning (7–9 AM) and early evening (4–6 PM) are safest.

Use the KFC App: Check hours and limited menu updates.

Expect Takeaway Only: Dine-in seating is often unavailable.

Have Alternatives: Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster, Subway, and Macca’s (McDonald’s) may be open nearby.

Final Takeaway

Most KFC locations in Australia are closed on Christmas Day 2025, but travelers, highway commuters, and airport passengers still have options. By planning ahead, checking the KFC store locator, and heading to airports or motorway service areas, you can enjoy a fried chicken meal even on one of the busiest holidays of the year.

Whether it’s grabbing a late lunch during travel or feeding hungry kids after opening presents, knowing which KFC locations are open ensures your Christmas Day cravings are satisfied.