Christmas holidays

When are the Christmas holidays?

The Christmas holidays mark the end of the autumn term. In most of the UK, schools close for about two weeks, from shortly before Christmas until the first week of January. The exact dates depend on the council, or on the school for academies and other schools that set their own term dates, and on which day of the week Christmas falls.

Differences across the UK

The pattern is broadly similar in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, where New Year has traditionally been a bigger celebration than Christmas, schools are always off over Hogmanay and the bank holidays on 1 and 2 January. In some areas schools go back a day or two later than in others, sometimes with an INSET day at the start of the spring term.

Tips for the Christmas holidays

The last days before Christmas and the days after New Year are among the busiest of the year on the roads and at airports. Public transport runs a very limited service on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so plan any travel to family well ahead.

Many schools finish early on the last day of term, often at lunchtime, so check the timetable with your child's school if you need to arrange childcare.