Good Friday, which falls on April 18 in 2025, holds deep spiritual significance for millions of Christians around the world, as it marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It also marks the start of the Easter long weekend – a four-day break that affects public life in parts of Australia and the United States. Since both Western and Orthodox Easter coincide this year for the first time since 2017, many people are preparing for religious observances and planning business closures and travel well in advance.
Here’s everything you need to know about Good Friday and how it affects services in Australia and the U.S.
What’s open and closed in Australia on Good Friday
In Australia, Good Friday is widely observed, and strict trading restrictions are in place in most states and territories.
Major retailers such as Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Big W, Bunnings and Westfield Shopping Centres will mostly remain closed. However, some exceptions exist – some Woolworths stores in South Australia, Western Australia and Brisbane Airport may open. Coles will also operate in select locations such as Victor Harbor, Murray Bridge Green and Mount Barker in South Australia.
Alcohol sales are heavily restricted. In New South Wales, takeaway alcohol sales are prohibited, and on-site consumption is limited to the hours between noon and 10pm. Victoria closes bottle shops completely, allowing alcohol to be served at licensed venues from noon to 1am. In Queensland and Western Australia, alcohol is only served with food. Meanwhile, South Australia, the ACT and Tasmania do not enforce restrictions on alcohol sales.
Gambling is not permitted in hotels and clubs anywhere in the country on Good Friday.
What about the rest of the Easter weekend?
On Easter Saturday, most major supermarkets and retail shops reopen, including Woolworths, Coles and Aldi, although times may vary by location. Shoppers are advised to check local trading hours.
Easter Sunday trading laws vary significantly by state. In NSW, most businesses are closed unless they are exempt. In South Australia and Western Australia, retail trading is limited to the Adelaide CBD and Greater Perth respectively, where trading hours are from 11am to 5pm. Queensland allows small businesses to operate independently, while large retailers generally open from 9am to 6pm. Victoria, ACT and Tasmania have no restrictions.
By Easter Monday, most businesses begin operating again, although large retailers in Queensland continue to follow Sunday trading rules. In South Australia, only some supermarkets in the Adelaide CBD open from 10am to 5pm. In Western Australia, normal retail hours run from 8am to 6pm.
Good Friday in the United States
Unlike Australia, Good Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States, so most federal government offices, postal services and schools remain open. However, some states – such as Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, Tennessee and Louisiana – recognize it as a state holiday, meaning select government services and schools may close.
One notable exception is the stock market. Both the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are closed for the entire day, making it one of the few religious holidays recognized by US financial institutions.
Private businesses observe Good Friday in different ways. Some may offer an optional holiday or reduced working hours, while others operate as normal. This largely depends on local customs and the discretion of the employer.
Religious and Cultural Significance of Good Friday
Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and comes at the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and reflection. The week before Easter, known as Holy Week, includes important Christian observances: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
Easter Sunday, which falls on April 20 this year, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is central to the Christian faith. It also brings cultural traditions such as Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies and family gatherings to many parts of the world, especially the US.
Interestingly, 2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a landmark moment in early Christianity. This milestone has reignited conversations about setting a unified date for Easter, a move that Pope Francis has endorsed but is still debated among Christian denominations.
Why the date of Good Friday changes every year
Like Easter, Good Friday is a variable feast day. Its date is determined by the lunar calendar, meaning it changes every year based on the spring equinox and full moon. Although it can fall anywhere from March 22 to April 25, the 2025 alignment of Western and Orthodox Easter is a rare event that only happens every few years.
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