Introduction
Students and parents across several states are rejoicing as governments announce extended winter breaks amid festive celebrations and harsh weather conditions. The public holiday declared for schools in late 2025 brings welcome relief, with many regions seeing closures spanning around 12 days to prioritize child safety during cold waves, Christmas, and New Year festivities. In Uttar Pradesh, for instance, schools enjoy a planned 12-day break from December 20 to 31, while recent cold wave orders extend closures further in some areas. These school closures 2025-2026 vary by state but commonly combine winter vacations with public holidays, allowing families quality time together. Here’s a detailed look at the major government orders impacting millions of students this season.
Key Details on School Closures and Public Holidays
- Uttar Pradesh: 12-Day Winter Break Plus Extensions As per the academic calendar, schools remain closed from December 20 to 31, 2025—exactly 12 days—including weekends and Christmas. Recent severe cold wave prompted CM Yogi Adityanath to order all schools (up to Class 12) shut until January 1, 2026, for added safety.
- Delhi and NCR: Festive and Winter Vacation Many schools close around December 23-27 for Christmas, with the official winter break running January 1-15, 2026. Pre-board exams continue for higher classes, but younger students enjoy extended downtime.
- Punjab: Extended 20-Day Holiday Schools shut from December 22, 2025, to January 10, 2026, covering Christmas, New Year, and peak winter— one of the longest breaks for family celebrations and rest.
- Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Closures start December 25, extending to January 5 in Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh begins winter vacations December 23, often lasting into early January for weather protection.
- Bihar and Jharkhand: Cold Wave Closures District-wise orders close schools until December 31 or January 1 due to dense fog and dropping temperatures, aligning with planned breaks.
- Jammu & Kashmir: Prolonged Winter Shutdown Lower classes off from early December to late February 2026; higher classes resume later—extreme cold necessitates these long public holiday-like closures.
- Other States: Varied Festive Breaks Kerala, Odisha, and PM Shri/KV schools observe 8-12 day holidays around Christmas to New Year, with southern states focusing more on festivities than weather.
Conclusion
This public holiday declared for extended school closures marks a thoughtful government response to seasonal challenges, blending safety with celebration. While Uttar Pradesh’s standard 12-day break stands out, cold wave extensions and state variations ensure students stay protected. Parents should check local district orders or school circulars for exact reopening dates, as weather may trigger further changes. Enjoy the festive season responsibly—these breaks offer perfect opportunities for family bonding and recharge before classes resume in 2026.
FAQs:
Why are schools closed for around 12 days in many states?
Closures combine planned winter vacations, Christmas/New Year public holidays, and cold wave safety measures to protect students from harsh weather.
Which state has a standard 12-day school holiday in December 2025?
Uttar Pradesh follows its academic calendar with schools closed from December 20 to 31, 2025—totaling 12 days including weekends.
When do schools reopen after the winter break in Delhi?
Official winter vacation runs January 1-15, 2026; many reopen January 16, though Christmas closures start earlier in some institutions.
Are school closures extended due to cold wave in 2025?
Yes, states like UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand extended holidays until January 1, 2026, or beyond in districts facing severe cold and fog.