State-Wise Winter Break Schedule Released: December–January Holidays Explained
State-wise winter break dates revealed as schools across India announce December–January holidays for students.
As December 2025 unfolds with festive cheer and chilly weather, schools across India are gearing up for year-end holidays, including Christmas breaks and extended winter vacations that vary significantly by state and Union Territory. While southern and western regions often observe shorter pauses around Christmas and New Year, northern states extend closures due to severe cold waves and fog, ensuring student safety. Official announcements have been made for several areas, with others pending final notifications based on weather conditions.
In Jammu and Kashmir, where extreme winters demand the longest breaks, schools in the Kashmir Division and winter zones of Jammu Division have already closed: pre-primary classes from November 26, 2025, to February 28, 2026 (approximately 95 days); Classes 1-8 from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026 (about 90 days); and Classes 9-12 from December 11, 2025, to February 22, 2026 (around 74 days). These staggered schedules, announced by the School Education Department, prioritize academic catch-up post-holidays amid heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan.
Haryana has declared a uniform 15-day winter vacation for all government and private schools from January 1 to January 15, 2026, with classes resuming on January 16. This aligns with the state's academic calendar, providing relief from dense fog and low temperatures typical in the region. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh offers a 12-day break from December 20 to December 31, 2025, encompassing Christmas and New Year's Eve, though some districts like Lucknow may extend closures for Classes 1-8 until early January if cold intensifies.
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Punjab, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh anticipate winter breaks in the first half of January 2026, typically lasting 10-15 days, though exact dates remain unconfirmed as of early December. Punjab's preliminary schedule suggests December 24-31, 2025, potentially extending to January 7 based on weather alerts. Uttarakhand follows a similar pattern, often mirroring neighboring Himalayan states for safety during peak winter.
PM SHRI Schools, upgraded model institutions under the national scheme, have standardized a 10-day holiday from December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026, covering Christmas and New Year. This applies uniformly across affiliated states, blending festive respite with the broader push for quality education under the National Education Policy 2020.
For unannounced regions like Madhya Pradesh (likely December 23, 2025, to early January 2026) and Delhi (January 1-15, 2026, per the academic calendar), parents should monitor state education department portals for updates, as extensions are common amid cold waves forecasted by the India Meteorological Department. These breaks not only shield students from harsh conditions but also foster family bonding during the holiday season.
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