Academically, December also carries weight. Many schools conduct term-end exams during the first half of the month, while senior classes prepare for their pre-board examinations. As temperatures drop, winter vacation schedules begin across several states.
Below is an overview of when schools, colleges and other educational institutes are expected to observe holidays and winter breaks in December 2025.
School Holidays December 2025: List of days schools likely to remain closed
| Date | Day | Festival / Holiday | Region / State |
| 20–31 December 2025 | Saturday to Wednesday | Winter break / school vacation | Uttar Pradesh |
| 23 December 2025 – 1 January 2026 | Tuesday to Thursday | Winter break (as per schedules of select schools including PM SHRI Schools) | Several states |
| From 23 December 2025 | Tuesday onwards | Winter / Christmas vacation | Madhya Pradesh |
| 24 December 2025 | Wednesday | Christmas Eve (holiday in select schools) | Regional |
| 25 December 2025 | Thursday | Christmas Day | All states |
| 31 December 2025 | Wednesday | Year-end / winter break conclusion | Several states |
What are the key holidays for schools this month?
In Uttar Pradesh, schools are expected to remain closed from 20 December to 31 December, offering students a winter vacation of roughly 10–12 days. This break conveniently covers both Christmas and New Year’s Eve, giving families time to travel and enjoy the festive season.
In Madhya Pradesh, several government, private and centrally affiliated schools usually begin their winter or Christmas holidays from 23 or 24 December. The closure typically lasts until 31 December, and in some schools may extend to the first week of January 2026.
Christmas Eve (24 December) is not recognised as a universal holiday but is commonly observed in regions with Christian communities or in schools that follow cultural or international academic calendars. This is followed by Christmas Day (25 December), a confirmed holiday across all educational institutions nationwide.
Regional celebrations in December
- Nagaland: The Hornbill Festival takes place during the first week of December. Schools often take part in cultural presentations and educational trips, though this does not always result in formal closures.
- Goa: The Feast of St Francis Xavier in early December is a major religious event and may lead to localised school holidays.
- Gujarat: The Rann Utsav continues through the month and is popular for school excursions, but it does not typically trigger official school shutdowns.
Do holidays differ by education board?
Yes. School calendars across state boards, CBSE, CISCE and minority institutions may vary slightly, especially for Christmas Eve and extended winter breaks. Parents and students are advised to check school circulars for the final and accurate schedule.
December 2025 will bring a blend of winter vacations, exam-related schedules and cultural festivities. While Christmas Day is a definite holiday nationwide, the length of winter closures may differ from one state to another. Families planning travel should confirm dates with individual schools to avoid last-minute confusion.