South Africans who woke up today (Thursday, 25 December 2025) needing last-minute basics—ice, bread, baby supplies, medication, a forgotten gift, or a “we’re-out-of-everything” braai emergency—are finding the same reality across much of the country: Christmas Day shopping is possible, but it’s highly selective. The big theme this year, reflected in updates shared across major shopping destinations in the past 48 hours, is “optional” or “voluntary” trading. In plain terms: many malls open their doors, but individual stores decide whether they trade, and for how long. That means one centre can feel almost closed… while another has a working supermarket, a few essentials retailers,

Updated: Thursday, 25 December 2025 Christmas Day in Ireland is famous for the quiet: shuttered high streets, dark supermarket car parks, and a country-wide pause that’s part of what makes 25 December feel like 25 December. But real life doesn’t always stick to the plan. If you’ve run out of milk, forgot batteries for a new toy, need pain relief, or you’re travelling and just need something—anything—open, there are options. They’re simply limited, often local, and usually running reduced hours. Below is what’s open on Christmas Day 2025 (25 December) in Ireland, what’s closed, and the fastest ways to confirm opening times before you