Already in second week of December, Delhi NCR is still waiting for the winter chill to set in. While many are expecting it anytime over the next few days, children are just waiting for the winter vacations. Even though pollution levels remain very poor in the city, schools are still running and exams are being conducted as per schedule. In the midst of all this, all children want to know is – when are the Delhi winter vacations starting?
The answer – not anytime soon. Parents may note that as per the Directorate of Education, DoE -Delhi, the winter vacations for academic year 2025 – 26 will begin from January 1, 2026. The winter vacations for Delhi schools will be from Janaury 1 till January 15, 2026.
Winter Vacation Schedule for Delhi NCR Schools and Other States in North India
Winters are expected to intensify over the next few days. Hilly regions have already started receiving snowfall. While some states have already announced holidays, many have shared dates for the start of winter vacation. Check out the dates below.
Delhi Winter Vacations 2025-26
As mentioned earlier, schools in Delhi (state run) will be closed for winter vacations from January 1, 2026 – January 15, 2026. As for the private schools, they are free to choose their own schedule as such. For most, however, the dates usually coincide with DoE’s directives. Schools for senior classes (9 to 12) may reopen earlier due to examinations.
Haryana School Holiday
Schools in Haryana are also expected to be closed from January 1, 2026 till January 15, 2026. There is no extension expected. Some northern districts might be closed earlier as winter sets in. Announcements for any changes will be made by local authorities, as required.
Central Government Schools – KVs, PM Shri
KVS schedule for winter vacation is from December 23, 2025 to January 1, 2026. This is for all schools across India, except the ones in winter zones. Central schools in Delhi will also follow the same schedule as per the KVS calendar of holidays.
Punjab Winter Vacations
Expecting the cold wave to begin earlier and last longer, the winter vacations in Punjab will begin from December 22. As per the government notice, all public and private schools in Punjab will remain closed for winter vacations from December 22, 2025 till January 10, 2026.
Himachal Pradesh Winter Holidays
School holiday dates have not been confirmed by the HP Government as yet. The schools are expected to shut down for winter vacations as well as Christmas Holidays around December 23, 2025. The schedule is likely to be released by next week.
Jammu and Kashmir Winter Vacations
The upper reaches of the state sees the longest winter breaks. Schools in Jammu and Kashmir’s winter zone were shut down for six days between December 8 and December 14. The decision was taken keeping in mind the severe cold, fog and snowfall conditions. Pre-primary schools will remain closed till March now. As for students from Class 9 and above, the schools will resume from February 2026 now.
Many other states including Rajasthan and Bihar have not announced the dates for winter vacations as yet. As the winter progresses, the dates will be shared. Temperatures in parts of Bihar have already started to steadily drop. However, the chill weather conditions have not set in yet.