UP School Winter Vacation 2025-26 Dates: Check School Closure & Reopening Updates

UP Winter Vacation 2025-26: As temperatures continue to fall and dense fog continues to disrupt daily life across Uttar Pradesh, students and parents are closely tracking school winter vacation updates. The state government and several district administrations have extended school holidays in view of the severe cold wave, with separate instructions issued for different classes and districts. Check this article for the latest official notifications, school reopening updates, online class arrangements, and district-wise orders.

Prayagraj School Holiday Extended Due to Magh Mela 

Keeping in view the heavy rush of devotees during the ongoing Magh Mela, the Prayagraj district administration has announced a temporary closure of schools. All government and private schools up to Class 8 in Prayagraj will remain closed from January 16 to January 20, 2026.

The decision was taken considering the large gatherings expected on the auspicious occasions of Makar Sankranti and Mauni Amavasya. District Basic Education Officer Anil Kumar stated that the move aims to ensure student safety and facilitate better crowd and traffic management during the religious events. Schools will reopen after January 20 as per official guidelines.

Are schools closed in UP on January 12 (Monday)?

Several districts in Uttar Pradesh have extended winter vacations due to the prevailing cold wave conditions. State Parishadiya (basic education) schools are already under winter vacation from December 31 to January 14. Along with this, district-level DM orders have further extended holidays in many places.

In districts where holidays were declared only till January 10, schools are scheduled to reopen from January 12, 2026 (Monday). However, in multiple districts, the closure has already been extended beyond January 12 because of severe cold. Therefore, school reopening on January 12 will depend on district-specific orders issued by the respective DMs.

Districts with extended closures

• Gautam Buddh Nagar – Schools up to Class 8 (all boards) closed till January 15

• Sambhal – Nursery to Class 8 schools closed till January 14

• Auraiya – Nursery to Class 8 schools closed till January 14

• Lakhimpur Kheri – Schools up to Intermediate level closed till January 14 as per DM order

UP Extends School Winter Vacations Amid Severe Cold Conditions

Due to an ongoing cold wave and dense fog affecting North India, the Uttar Pradesh government has extended winter vacations for schools across the state to ensure the safety and health of students. Under the latest order, schools from nursery to Class 8 will remain closed until January 15, while Class 9 to Class 12 schools will stay closed until January 5. This directive applies to all schools affiliated with ICSE, CBSE, and the UP Board. Authorities have warned that action will be taken against any school that does not comply with the closure order. 

Meanwhile, some private schools in Noida have decided to conduct online classes for students from Class 1 to Class 8 from January 8 to January 15, ensuring continuity of learning while keeping students safe amid severe weather conditions.

UP School Winter Vacation 2025-26 Dates (Updated)

Following the recent extension of winter vacations due to a severe cold wave and dense fog, the Uttar Pradesh government has revised the school closure schedule for the 2025-26 winter break as follows:

• Winter vacation begins: December 31, 2025 (Wednesday)
• Schools closed for Classes Nursery–8: Until January 15, 2026 (Thursday)
• Schools closed for Classes 9–12: Until January 5, 2026 (Monday)

Schools likely to reopen:

• Classes 9–12: January 6, 2026 (Tuesday)
• Classes Nursery–8: January 16, 2026 (Friday)

Some private schools in have announced that online classes for students from Class 1 to Class 8 will be conducted from January 8 to January 15, 2026, to maintain academic continuity during the extended winter break. Parents and students are advised to regularly check official school notifications or contact their respective schools directly for confirmation and updates regarding online classes and reopening schedules.

Previous Updates:

The updates mentioned below are earlier announcements released by the Uttar Pradesh government and district administrations before the latest extension of winter holidays.

1. UP Schools Holiday Cancelled on December 25, 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has formally clarified that December 25, 2025, will not be a school holiday for government-run institutions. The Basic Education Department has issued a written directive instructing all primary and upper primary schools across the state to remain open on this date.

The decision has been taken to observe the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which also marks the conclusion of his birth centenary year (December 25, 2024–December 25, 2025). As part of the observance, schools have been directed to organise structured commemorative programmes, focusing on Vajpayee’s life, contributions, and national service.

At the same time, it may be noted that many private schools across Uttar Pradesh are likely to observe a holiday on December 25, as per their pre-declared annual academic calendars, since the government order applies specifically to government schools.

Key Points at a Glance

• No holiday on December 25, 2025 in government schools
• Applies to primary and upper primary government schools
• Special programmes to mark Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary
• Observance coincides with the conclusion of his birth centenary year
• Student attendance mandatory
• Most private schools may remain closed as per their annual calendars

2. Earlier Schools were Closed in Bareilly Due to Cold Wave

The Uttar Pradesh state government has announced school holidays in Bareilly district due to severe cold wave conditions and dense fog. As per the official notification, all government, aided, and private schools in Bareilly will remain closed for students from Classes 1 to 8 from December 18 to December 20, 2025.

According to reports, the decision was taken keeping in mind the safety of young students amid persistent cold weather and low visibility caused by fog. Basic Shiksha Adhikari Dr Vinita confirmed that the order was issued following the directions of the District Magistrate.

3. Online Classes Ordered in Noida and Ghaziabad

Amid severe cold, dense fog, and rising air pollution, some districts in western Uttar Pradesh, especially Noida and Ghaziabad, have already issued directives for online classes.

• In several schools, classes up to Grade 5 are being conducted in online mode until further notice

• These decisions are being taken in line with government advisories and local weather conditions

4. Delhi NCR Impact: GRAP-4 and School Guidelines

Due to worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) has been implemented.

• The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has ordered hybrid mode classes for students up to Class 11

• Classes 10 and 12 are exempted from this order

• The impact of GRAP-4 has also influenced school operations in nearby UP districts

Winter Break Schedule in Some Private Schools in UP (Confirmed by Schools)

Several private schools in Uttar Pradesh have announced a longer winter break:

• Winter Break: Thursday, 01 January 2026 to Sunday, 18 January 2026

• School Reopens: Monday, 19 January 2026

These dates may vary by school board and management.

Last Year’s UP Winter Vacation (2024-25) for Reference

In the previous academic session:

• Primary schools in Uttar Pradesh were closed from December 31, 2024

• Winter vacation duration: 15 days

With winter conditions continuing to impact normal academic activities across Uttar Pradesh, students and parents are advised to stay alert and follow official updates issued by the state government, district administrations, and individual schools.

Also Check UP School Holidays List in December 2026