New Delhi – As the first real bite of winter hits North India, schools across Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Noida are closing their doors early. This marks the start of the winter holidays for the 2025-26 school year, giving kids a much-needed break from classes while keeping them safe from the dropping temperatures and foggy mornings. Parents are breathing a sigh of relief, but with more families hitting the roads for short getaways, traffic jams on hill routes like those to Shimla and Manali are already starting to pile up.
The Jammu & Kashmir government kicked things off today with its official announcement, closing pre-primary classes right away and wrapping up primary sessions by December 1. Other states are following suit, with holidays stretching from late November into March for some areas. It’s all about protecting young students from the harsh cold, which has already dipped below 5°C in many places.
Why the Early Closures? Cold Wave Takes Hold
North India is no stranger to chilly winters, but this year’s start feels extra sharp. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a strong cold wave through December, with temperatures in Delhi-NCR hovering around 4-8°C during the day and even lower at night. Dense fog is blanketing roads, making travel risky, especially for school buses and kids walking to class.
In Jammu & Kashmir, where snow is already dusting the higher valleys, the School Education Department said the move is to “ensure the health and safety of our children during extreme weather.” Similar reasons echo across states: fog reduces visibility to under 50 meters in spots, raising accident risks, and the dry cold can lead to health issues like coughs and asthma flare-ups in kids.
Education experts point out that these breaks aren’t just about weather – they’re timed with the academic calendar to avoid disrupting exams. Most schools have finished their first-term tests, so the holidays double as a time for revision and family bonding.
State-by-State Breakdown: When Do Schools Reopen?
Here’s a clear look at the holiday schedules based on the latest government orders. Note that dates can shift if the cold worsens – keep an eye on local district notices.
- Jammu & Kashmir: Pre-primary and Classes 1-5 closed from November 26, 2025, to February 28, 2026. Classes 6-8 end December 1, reopening March 1. Classes 9-12 wrap up December 11, back February 22. This long break covers the heavy snow season in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu’s winter zones.
- Delhi-NCR: Government and private schools (up to Class 8) shut from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, with possible extensions. Higher classes may go hybrid if fog lifts. The Delhi Directorate of Education cited “severe winter conditions” in its circular.
- Uttar Pradesh: Primary schools (Classes 1-5) close December 25, 2025, to January 15, 2026. In districts like Agra, Mathura, and Gorakhpur, it’s extended to January 14 for Classes 1-8 due to fog. Noida follows a shorter break till January 7, then online classes kick in.
- Haryana: All schools observe holidays from January 1 to January 15, 2026. Reopening on January 16, unless cold wave alerts change things. This covers Gurgaon and Faridabad too.
- Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar District): Aligned with UP, but stricter – Nursery to Class 8 closed till further notice, likely mid-January. Parents got emails about online assignments to keep learning on track.
These timings mean kids in lower grades get the longest breather, while teens might see shorter breaks to prep for boards. Private schools often match government dates but can tweak for their calendars.
What Parents and Kids Are Saying: Relief Mixed with Plans
Across cities, the news has sparked joy in homes. In Delhi’s busy markets, mothers like Sunita Sharma shared, “Finally, no more rushing kids out in the fog! We’ll use the time for some warm home cooking and stories by the heater.” A group of parents in Noida’s Sector 62 echoed this, planning indoor crafts and virtual playdates.
But not everyone’s taking it easy. Many families are eyeing quick trips to warmer spots like Rajasthan or Goa. “The break is a godsend, but with schools out, everyone’s heading to the hills for snow fun,” said Rajesh Kumar, a father from Gurgaon. On social media, posts are flooding with #WinterBreakVibes – kids posing with hot chocolate and families packing woolens.
School principals are urging balance. “Holidays are for rest, not just play. Encourage reading or light studies,” advised Meera Singh, principal of a Ghaziabad school. Some institutes are sending holiday homework packets focused on winter themes, like “How Fog Forms” or simple science experiments with ice.
The Flip Side: Traffic Woes on Hill Roads Begin
While homes stay cozy, roads tell a different story. With schools off, families are flocking to hill stations for that fresh mountain air – and it’s clogging routes early. The Shimla highway from Chandigarh saw a 20% jump in vehicles today, per Haryana Police reports. Manali’s winding paths are next, with tour operators noting bookings up 30% from last year.
Experts warn of dangers: Narrow ghat roads like those to Rohtang Pass get slippery with early frost, and fog cuts visibility. “Tourist rush plus school holidays mean double the cars on single lanes. We’ve had minor jams already,” said a traffic cop from Kullu. Last winter, similar spikes led to 15-hour delays and a few skids.
Tips from road safety groups: Check weather apps before leaving, carry chains for tires, and avoid night drives. The Himachal Tourism Department has set up helplines for real-time updates. For those staying put, it’s a chance to explore local parks bundled up – minus the highway hassle.
Health and Safety Tips for the Cold Days Ahead
Winter breaks mean more time outdoors (if the sun peeks out), so here’s how to stay safe:
- Dress in Layers: Woolens inside out to trap warmth – no tight clothes that block blood flow.
- Warm Foods: Ginger tea, soups, and nuts keep bodies fighting the chill. Avoid ice-cold drinks.
- Fog Travel: Use apps like IMD’s for alerts. Walk with a buddy if heading to markets.
- Home Safety: Heaters away from curtains to prevent fires. Keep kids hydrated even in cold.
- Health Watch: Dry air worsens coughs – use humidifiers. If fever hits, see a doctor quick.
Doctors in UP hospitals report a small uptick in cold-related visits already, mostly sore throats from sudden temperature drops.
Looking Ahead: What Happens When Schools Reopen?
As January rolls in, states will monitor IMD forecasts. If the cold lingers (like last year’s La Niña boost), extensions are likely – especially in J&K, where snow can bury playgrounds till March. Online classes are a backup in NCR, with platforms like DIKSHA ready for live sessions.
This break also ties into festivals: Christmas on December 25, New Year, and Republic Day prep in January. It’s a season of lights, sweets, and family – all under blankets of fog and occasional sun.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted today: “Winter holidays protect our young minds and bodies. Use this time to build memories and knowledge. Stay safe, India!”
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) on Winter School Holidays 2025-26
Q1. Why are schools closing so early this year?
The main reason is the early cold wave and fog, which make it unsafe for kids to travel or sit in unheated classrooms. Governments prioritize health, especially for primary students. Dates also align with the school calendar to finish terms without rush.
Q2. Will private schools follow the same dates?
Yes, most do to stay in line with state rules. But check your school’s app or notice board – some might add a day or two for staff training.
Q3. What about online classes during the break?
In Noida and parts of Delhi, yes – light sessions for Classes 6+ to cover basics. Others are full offline breaks, but homework is common.
Q4. How does this affect exams?
First-term exams are done. Post-holiday, focus shifts to mid-terms in February. No big delays expected.
Q5. Are holidays the same for all classes?
No – younger kids (up to Class 5 or 8) get longer breaks. Higher classes reopen sooner in places like J&K.
Q6. Where can I check updates for my district?
Visit state education websites: J&K (jkeducation.gov.in), Delhi (edudel.nic.in), UP (upbasiceduboard.gov.in), Haryana (schooleducationharyana.gov.in). Or follow IMD on X for weather ties.