NSW Court & Sydney Defenders Holiday Closure Period

NSW Court Vacation Dates 2025–2026

Each year, NSW courts enter a Christmas and Summer Court Vacation period, during which regular sittings pause and only urgent matters are heard. For the 2025–2026 period, the NSW Court vacation will commence on Monday, 22 December 2025, and conclude on Friday, 30 January 2026.

During this time, courts operate with reduced staff and limited hearing lists. While general matters are adjourned into the new year, urgent cases—such as bail applications and matters involving people in custody—continue to be managed by duty magistrates and designated registries.

Common Client Concerns During the Closure Period

Arrests, Charges, and Bail Over the Holidays

One of the most common worries clients have is what will happen if they, or a family member, are arrested or charged during the Christmas and New Year break. Many fear that courts will be closed altogether, leaving them without legal protection or the ability to seek bail.

In practice, even during the court vacation period, urgent criminal matters still proceed every day of the year. Bail courts remain operational, and there is always a magistrate rostered to hear urgent applications.

Limited Sydney Defenders Availability (21 December – 7 January)

Sydney Defenders will not be operating from 21 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, as our team will be overseas in Europe recharging during this period.

We encourage clients to contact us before 21 December for any urgent matters, case preparation, or strategic advice. If an issue arises during our closure period, urgent criminal matters can still be addressed by the duty magistrate system, and bail applications will continue to be heard by the courts.

Normal operations, full case management, negotiations, and representation will resume promptly from 8 January 2026.