Punjab Announces Winter Vacations: All Schools Closed From December 22 to January 11

Punjab Announces Winter Vacations: All Schools Closed From December 22 to January 11

The Government of Punjab , through its School Education Department , has officially announced the schedule for winter vacations across all educational institutions in the province. In a notification issued today, the department has declared that all government and private schools will remain closed for winter break starting Friday, December 22nd, 2025.

According to the official directive, the winter holidays will extend for a period of three weeks, culminating on Sunday, January 11th, 2026. Consequently, all schools are scheduled to reopen for the spring term on Monday, January 12th, 2026.

The notification clarifies that since January 11th, 2026, falls on a Sunday is typically a weekly holiday, the effective last day of the vacation for students will be January 11. The department has instructed all educational institutions to ensure a smooth resumption of academic activities on the designated reopening date.

Official Notification and Key Dates

The formal notification, circulated to all relevant district education authorities, heads of institutions, and private school associations, leaves no ambiguity regarding the winter break timeline. The key dates for parents, students, and school administrations to mark are:

• Start of Winter Vacations: Monday, December 22nd, 2025

• End of Winter Vacations: Sunday, January 11th, 2026

• Schools Reopen: Monday, January 12th, 2026

The directive is uniformly applicable to all tiers of school education, including primary, elementary, and secondary levels, across both the public and private sectors in Punjab.

Rationale Behind the Extended Break

The annual winter break is a standard feature of the Punjab academic calendar, designed to account for the severe cold weather conditions that grip the region during the months of December and January. The decision aims to:

1. Ensure Student Well-being: Protect children, especially younger students, from health risks associated with extreme cold, fog, and low visibility during early morning commutes.

2. Maintain Academic Consistency: Provide a structured break, allowing educational institutions to plan their academic terms effectively.

3. Facilitate Administrative Work: Enable school administrations and teaching staff to complete pending administrative tasks, paper marking, and planning for the upcoming term.

An official from the School Education Department, speaking on background, stated, "The schedule has been formulated keeping in view the past years' patterns and the prevailing weather forecasts. The safety and comfort of students are our primary concern during the harsh winter months."

Reaction from Parents and Educational Stakeholders

The announcement has been largely met with approval from parent communities and school associations across Punjab.

"The notification has come at an appropriate time, allowing families to plan travel or activities for the children," said Ayesha Raza, a parent from Lahore. "The cold has already set in, and commuting to school was becoming a challenge."

Private Schools Associations have also acknowledged the notification, confirming they will comply with the government's directive. A representative from the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation stated, "We have received the notification and will disseminate it to all our member schools to ensure uniform implementation across the province. This synchronized break is beneficial for everyone."

Precautions and Academic Guidance

With the extended break, educationists advise parents and guardians to encourage productive activities for students. Recommendations include:

• Light Academic Revision: Encouraging children to engage in light reading and revision to prevent complete disengagement from studies.

• Indoor Hobbies and Skills: Promoting creative hobbies, such as reading, arts, and crafts, or learning a new skill indoors.

• Health and Safety: Emphasizing the importance of staying warm, consuming healthy foods, and following safety guidelines if traveling.

School administrations are expected to complete the first term's examinations and result preparation before the closure date. Many schools are likely to distribute result cards prior to December 22.

Looking Ahead: The Spring Term

The reopening date of January 12th, 2026, marks the beginning of the spring term in Punjab's academic year . The School Education Department has urged all schools to ensure that heating arrangements, cleanliness, and other necessary facilities are in perfect order before the students return.

This structured break and return are part of the Punjab government's broader effort to standardize the academic calendar and ensure a conducive learning environment for millions of students in the province.

For further updates or clarifications, parents and school authorities are advised to refer to the official website of the Punjab School Education Department or contact their respective District Education Offices.