Sipu Jha
December has finally arrived, bringing with it the stretch students across the country look forward to all year, winter breaks, Christmas celebrations and the gentle slowing down that marks the end of the academic calendar. After a busy November filled with examinations in many states, schools are now shifting into a lighter schedule as temperatures begin to drop and year-end activities take over.Unlike summer holidays, December breaks don’t follow a uniform pattern across India. Each state, and often each school, sets its own calendar depending on the weather and institutional policies. But there is one common trend: the second half of December typically offers the longest cluster of holidays for schoolchildren before the new year begins.
When are schools likely to close in December 2025?
Schools across several northern and central states are expected to go on winter break sometime between December 20 and December 24, with most reopening only in the first week of January. This period usually covers Christmas, New Year’s Eve and the coldest days of the season.
Important festive holidays in December
Even in states without long winter breaks, certain days will be observed as holidays across most schools:
- December 24: Christmas Eve (holiday in select schools)
- December 25: Christmas Day (holiday in all states)
- December 31: Year-end break in several institutions
Some schools also club these festive holidays with year-end events, annual functions or cultural programmes, adding to the excitement of the month.
Why December still feels special for students
December is more than just a month of holidays, it marks a much-needed pause in the school year. The weather encourages a slower pace, families plan outings and reunions, and students get a short but meaningful break before the academic race picks up again in January.Even for schools, this period is valuable: campuses use the downtime for repairs, planning sessions and preparations for final-term activities.
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