Winter break explained
Winter break usually runs about two weeks around Christmas and New Year, from late December into early January. It is a peak travel window for family trips and theme parks.
Quick tips
Tip 1
Expect peak-season pricing on flights, hotels and theme parks.
Tip 2
Check the exact return date, some districts add a teacher day in early January.
Tip 3
Theme parks in Florida and California are at their busiest from Dec 26 through Jan 1.
Dates across the US
A sample of winter break dates across major US districts for 2026-27.
| District | Winter break |
|---|---|
| New York City Public Schools New York City | Dec 24, 2026 to Jan 1, 2027 |
| Los Angeles Unified Greater Los Angeles | Dec 21, 2026 to Jan 8, 2027 |
| Chicago Public Schools Chicago | Dec 21, 2026 to Jan 4, 2027 |
| Houston ISD Houston | Dec 21, 2026 to Jan 4, 2027 |
| Miami-Dade County Public Schools Miami | Dec 21, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027 |
| Orange County Public Schools Orlando | Dec 21, 2026 to Jan 4, 2027 |
Popular districts
Jump straight to a full district calendar.
2026-27 · 122 days until next break
New York City Public Schools
New York City
Next break
Thanksgiving Recess
Starts Nov 26, 2026
Open calendar →
2026-27 · 122 days until next break
Los Angeles Unified
Greater Los Angeles
Next break
Thanksgiving Break
Starts Nov 26, 2026
Open calendar →
2026-27 · 122 days until next break
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago
Next break
Thanksgiving Break
Starts Nov 26, 2026
Open calendar →
2026-27 · 119 days until next break
Houston ISD
Houston
Next break
Thanksgiving Break
Starts Nov 23, 2026
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2026-27 · 119 days until next break
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami
Next break
Thanksgiving Break
Starts Nov 23, 2026
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2026-27 · 119 days until next break
Orange County Public Schools
Orlando
Next break
Thanksgiving Break
Starts Nov 23, 2026
Open calendar →