Public Holiday / Schools Holiday : As December begins, students, parents, and teachers across many states are gearing up for an unexpected long break. According to academic schedules and state-level announcements, schools are set to remain closed for 9 consecutive days in December, turning the month into a relaxing mini-vacation for lakhs of children. What has surprised many is the real reason behind this extended closure — and yes, it’s something most people didn’t see coming.
December, known for its festive mood and winter chill, is now offering families a perfect chance to pause, unwind, and enjoy much-needed time together. But the question remains: Why has the government decided to keep schools shut for a full 9 days? The answer lies in a combination of factors that have lined up perfectly this year.
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The number of holidays is expected to increase from the third week of December. Schools and government offices are closed across the country on Christmas (December 25). This is followed by a holiday for Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti in Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Schools will also be closed in Haryana on Shaheed Udham Singh Jayanti. Half-yearly exams also end in December, and students in all classes except board exam classes are usually given a holiday. States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar typically have a 10-day winter vacation. So, let’s take a look at the expected dates for school holidays in different states this December:
Expected School Holidays in December
- December 7 (Sunday) – Weekly Holiday (All India) – Latest School Holiday News
- December 14 (Sunday) – Weekly Holiday (All India)
- December 19 – Goa Liberation Day (Goa)
- December 21 (Sunday) – Weekly Holiday (All India)
- December 24 – Christmas Eve (Meghalaya, Mizoram
- December 25 – Christmas (National Public Holiday)
- December 26 – Boxing Day (Mizoram, Telangana)
- December 27 – Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh)
- December 28 (Sunday) – Weekly Holiday (All India)
Why Schools Are Getting 9 Days Off
Every year, schools close for winter breaks and regional festivals, but this time multiple events have come together, creating a long 9-day continuous holiday window. These include weekend alignments, public holidays, winter vacations, and state-specific observances. With temperatures dropping sharply in several states, authorities have also prioritized student safety, especially for young children.
The overlapping holidays have resulted in what is being called a “natural long break”, where festive dates and weekends merge into one long pause of nearly a week and a half. Several school boards advised administrators to adjust academic schedules to fit this extended window.
States Benefiting the Most
While the exact dates differ from state to state, regions in North India — especially those experiencing dense fog and extreme cold — are seeing the longest closures. Many schools have officially updated their December academic calendars to reflect the additional holidays.
Parents have welcomed the decision, calling it a “refreshing break” from the busy school routine, while students are already excited to enjoy their winter holiday period.
What should students do during public holidays?
Holidays are a great opportunity for students to relax, refresh themselves, and learn new things. Here are some useful activities students can do during their holidays:
- Complete pending homework:
Students should complete any pending assignments or schoolwork so they don’t feel pressured after the holidays. - Revise important topics:
Use your free time to review previous lessons. This improves understanding and builds confidence for upcoming exams. - Read books:
Reading storybooks, novels, or general knowledge books boosts creativity and improves vocabulary. - Learn new skills:
Students can learn new skills like drawing, dancing, coding, cooking, music, or a new language.
Holiday Calendar Snapshot
Although the holiday list varies by region, here is a simple overview of how the 9-day break usually aligns:
| Day | Occasion / Reason |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Weekend (Saturday) |
| Day 2 | Weekend (Sunday) |
| Day 3 | Public Holiday / Regional Festival |
| Day 4 | School Winter Break |
| Day 5 | School Winter Break |
| Day 6 | Public Holiday (State-specific) |
| Day 7 | Weekend (Saturday) |
| Day 8 | Weekend (Sunday) |
| Day 9 | Additional Winter Holiday |
How Families Are Using This Long Break
Many parents are using this period to plan quick vacations, spend quality time at home, or help children prepare for upcoming exams. Students, on the other hand, are already enjoying the extra time for sports, festivals, family outings, and winter fun.
Government’s Stand on the Holiday
Officials clarified that the long break is not due to any emergency but rather a calendar alignment combined with seasonal weather conditions. The government emphasized that academic learning will not be affected, as schools have adjusted working days earlier in the year to ensure syllabus completion.
Bottom Line
With a rare 9-day holiday stretch, December has suddenly turned into a surprise mini-vacation for millions of schoolchildren. Whether families choose to travel, relax, or simply enjoy the festive season, this extended break is expected to bring cheer and relief at the end of a busy academic year.