Setting your date
Schools break up on different days. We start with Friday 18 December, which is common in many countries, but you should set your own. Your date is saved in this browser only.
Counting to the big day instead? See the days until Christmas and the kids countdown.
Counting down to the Christmas break
How many days until Christmas break? It depends on your school, college or workplace, which is why this countdown lets you set your own date. Pick the last day before the holidays in the box above and the countdown, ticker and progress bar all update. Your date is saved in this browser.
We start with Friday 18 December 2026, the last Friday before Christmas, because it is a common last day of term in many schools. If your school breaks up on a different day, change it.
Typical Christmas break dates
- United States: winter break dates are set by each school district. Many finish between 18 and 23 December and return in early January.
- United Kingdom: most schools break up in the week before Christmas, often on Friday 18 December in 2026.
- Pakistan: winter vacations are announced by provincial education departments and usually begin in the second half of December.
- Universities: terms often end earlier, in mid-December.
Always check your own school's calendar, as dates can change.
Thanksgiving break first
In the US, many students get a Thanksgiving break before the Christmas one. Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday 26 November, and schools often close from Wednesday 25 or Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 November. Count down to it on the Thanksgiving countdown.
Ideas for the holidays
- Start the first day with a lie-in and a Christmas film from our classic movies list.
- Bake something from the Christmas recipes.
- Run a family quiz with Christmas trivia.
- Make gifts or cards for relatives.
- Keep one quiet day before school starts again.
Grown-ups counting their last days in the office can use working days until Christmas.
Making the most of the break
The Christmas break usually lasts about two weeks. Plan a mix of busy and lazy days: one outing, one day with family, one quiet day at home, and repeat. Keep the last day before school for getting ready: uniforms, bags and an early night. Students with revision can split each day into a morning of study and an afternoon off.
Christmas break around the world
In the southern hemisphere, the Christmas break is the long summer holiday. Australian and New Zealand schools finish in mid-December and return in late January or early February. In much of Europe, the break covers Christmas and New Year and ends after Epiphany on 6 January. In the US, many college students head home in mid-December after exams and return in mid-January.
Questions people ask
Quick answers about this countdown.
How many days until Christmas break?
Set your school's last day in the box at the top. The countdown then shows the days left.
When does Christmas break start in 2026?
It varies. Many schools break up on Friday 18 December 2026, but check your own school calendar.
How many days until Thanksgiving break?
Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday 26 November. See the Thanksgiving countdown.
Keep exploring
More countdowns, tools and Christmas reading on Christmas Days Left.