Winter vacations in schools are more than just a break from classes—rather, they are seen as a much-needed pause for teachers and students. Even parents get to spend quality time with their child and plan year-end trips.
As temperatures drop across many parts of the country, especially in North India, schools announce winter holidays to protect students from harsh weather conditions, including cold waves, dense fog, and poor air quality.
For students, parents, and teachers, winter vacation offers relief from early morning routines. Many private schools align winter breaks with local climatic conditions. Therefore, the duration of vacation varies across states.
From academic perspective, winter breaks are seen as productive time. Schools provide holiday homework to encourage students to revise concepts and read books beyond the syllabus.
Also Read: Patna School Timing Changed From December 20 Amid Severe Cold
| State/Region | Winter Vacation Dates |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | December 20 to December 31, 2025 |
| Punjab | December 22, 2025 to January 10, 2026 |
| Delhi | January 1 to January 15, 2026 |
| Haryana | January 1 to January 15, 2026 (tentative) |
| Odisha | December 23, 2025 to January 1, 2026 |
| Madhya Pradesh | From around December 23, 2025 (dates may vary) |
| Himachal Pradesh | Late December (dates vary by district) |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Extended winter shutdown (zone-wise dates vary) |
| Kendriya Vidyalayas | December 23, 2025 to January 1, 2026 |
In Maharashtra, winter vacation dates vary by school and board affiliation. CBSE, ICSE, and international board schools usually observe a short Christmas break in late December. School authorities may announce special holidays or revised timings if cold conditions worsen.
In Haryana, winter vacations have not yet been officially announced by the state government. The winter break is likely to begin on January 1. Meanwhile, several private schools in Faridabad have already announced holidays from January 1 to January 11. School timings have also been revised, and classes are running from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
NOTE: Several states set winter vacation based on local weather conditions and academic calendars. Dates may vary for private schools and district administrations within states.
Winter Vacation Extension
Winter vacations are often extended due to adverse weather conditions. In January 2025, several states have extended their school holidays due to severe cold. Here’s a list of states that extended school holidays.
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