School Holidays in Geneva 2025-2026: Calendar & Planning Guide

Understanding the 2025-2026 school holiday dates in Geneva is essential for planning family vacations, activities, and breaks.

We know what a nightmare it can be juggling all the holiday dates of kids in public and private schools, and sometimes in different cantons or across the border in France voisine.

In this article, we’ll outline the school holiday calendar in Geneva, highlighting key breaks and public holidays and offering tips on making the most of these times for international families. In case you need a quick, easy reference to the Lausanne holiday dates, you can find them here.

By adding school holiday dates to public holidays, families can more effectively plan travel, leisure, and educational activities. So here we go….

Overview of Geneva School Holidays 2025-2026

The school holidays in Geneva for 2025 and 2026 provide a clear and organised schedule, enabling families to arrange vacations and activities around important academic breaks throughout the year.

Importance of School Holidays in Switzerland

School holidays in Switzerland allow children to relax, recharge, and explore beyond their academic routine while offering families time to bond, travel, and engage in local activities. These well-structured breaks highlight the importance of both educational and personal growth.

While some holidays are nationwide, others vary by canton, giving each region its schedule. For families in Geneva, understanding these differences is key to planning vacations and activities around the local calendar.

Differences Between Cantonal and National Holidays

In Switzerland, school holidays vary by canton, with each canton determining its own holiday dates, although national public holidays like Christmas are observed across the country.

This can lead to differences in school calendars, so families need to be aware of both local and national holidays, especially in Geneva, where regional holidays influence the school schedule.

Geneva School Holiday Calendar 2025-2026

Geneva follows a detailed school holiday calendar that includes breaks throughout the year.

For 2025–2026, the school year begins in August for public schools and September for private schools. Thisand includes regular holidays that allow students time to rest, travel, or take part in seasonal activities. Here is a breakdown of the key school holiday periods in Geneva:

Autumn Holidays

The autumn holidays fall during a beautiful time of the year when the weather starts to cool and the autumn colours begin to emerge. It’s a great time to experience nature or enjoy indoor activities that families can do together.

Start Date: 20th of October 2025 (Monday)
End Date: 24th of October 2025 (Friday)

It’s also an excellent opportunity to prepare for the academic year ahead or participate in local events.

Christmas Holidays

Christmas holidays in Geneva are a festive time filled with traditions, family gatherings, and winter celebrations. These holidays allow students to relax at home and celebrate Christmas and New Year’s.

Start Date: 22nd of December 2025 (Monday)
End Date: 2nd of January 2026 (Friday)

Local attractions, holiday markets, and Christmas lights add to the city’s charm, making it a wonderful time for families to explore or unwind together.

Winter Holidays

Winter holidays are a beloved tradition in Geneva, also called ski week. These holidays typically fall around the same time as the ski season, offering families the opportunity to take advantage of the nearby Alps for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.

Start Date: 23rd of February 2026 (Monday)
End Date: 27th of February 2026 (Friday)

This period is ideal for families who love winter activities, whether for a quick getaway or a longer family vacation.

Spring Holidays

The spring holidays are a longer break, allowing students and families to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days. The break falls during the Easter period, allowing families to engage in local traditions or travel abroad for a change of scenery.

Start Date: 3rd of April 2026 (Friday)
End Date: 17th of April 2026 (Friday)

It’s also a great time to participate in seasonal outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnics.

Summer Holidays

The summer holidays are the longest break, giving families plenty of time to plan their holidays. Many take the opportunity to travel to destinations within Switzerland or beyond, while others enjoy a staycation.

Start Date: 29th of June 2026 (Monday)
End Date: 18th of August 2026 (Tuesday)

This is perfect for making lasting family memories, as the weather is warm, and many outdoor events take place across Geneva and the surrounding areas.

Public Holidays in Geneva in 2025-2026

Public holidays in Geneva significantly impact the school calendar, as they often coincide with school breaks or offer additional days off for students and families. Here’s a look at the key public holidays and their impact on school holidays:

Key National Holidays Affecting Schools

Switzerland observes several public holidays that impact school schedules, during which schools across the country remain closed. Parents should be aware of when these holidays fall. Key public holidays in 2025-2026 include:

Christmas and New Year (22nd of December 2025 to 2nd of January 2026)
February Sport Break (23rd-27th of February 2026)
Easter Holidays (3rd-17th of April 2026)
Labor Day – 1st of May 2026
Ascension Day – 14th-15th of May 2026
Pentecost – 25th of May 2026

Geneva-Specific Public Holidays

Geneva has additional holidays, such as Jeûne genevois Geneva Fast (September 11, 2025), which is observed by the local population and international schools. It’s a celebration unique to Geneva, and though it doesn’t always align with the academic calendar, it can feel strange to have a holiday just a short time after the kids are back at school for the new academic year.

International School Holidays in Geneva 2025–2026

Geneva is home to many international schools, each with its own academic calendar. These schools cater to expatriate families and have unique holiday schedules, which differ from those of local schools.

Here’s a look at the major international schools in Geneva and their holiday schedules:

International School of Geneva (Ecolint)

Autumn Holidays: 20th to 24th of October 2025
Christmas Holidays: 13th of December 2025 to 2nd of January 2026
February Break: 23rd to 27th of February 2026
Spring Break: 3rd to 17th of April 2026
Start of Summer Holiday: 27th of June 2026

Collège du Léman

Autumn Holidays: 13th to 24th of October 2025
Christmas Holidays: 22nd of December 2025 to 9th of January 2026
Ski Week: 23rd to 27th of February 2026
Easter Holidays: 3rd to 17th of April 2026
Start of Summer Holiday: 29th of June 2026

Geneva English School

Autumn Holidays: 20th to 31st of October 2025
Christmas Holidays: 15th of December 2025 to 2nd of January 2026
February Break: 23rd to 27th of February 2026
Easter Holidays: 3rd to 17th of April 2026
Start of Summer Holiday: 27th of June 2026

British School of Geneva

Half-term Holiday: 20th to 31st of October 2025
Winter Break: 15th of December 2025 to 2nd of January 2026
Half-term Holiday: 23rd to 27th of February 2026
Spring Break: 3rd to 17th of April 2026
Start of Summer Holiday: 26th of June 2026

Institut Florimont

Autumn Holidays: 17th to 29th of October 2025
Christmas Holidays: 20th of December 2025 to 4th of January 2026
February Break: 21st of February to 1st of March 2026
Easter Holidays: 3rd to 20th of April 2026
Start of Summer Holiday: 27th of June 2026

Institut International de Lancy

Mid-term break: 18th to 29th of October 2026
Christmas Holidays: 19th of December 2025 to 4th of January 2026
Mid-term break: 21st of February to 2nd of March 2026
Easter Holidays: 3rd to 19th of April 2026
Start of Summer Holiday: 27th of June 2026

It’s important to verify the holiday schedules directly with each international school, as their dates can vary based on the curriculum they follow. Contacting the school will ensure you have the most up-to-date information for planning your family’s activities and travel.

Planning Tips for Geneva School Holidays

Whether you’re planning a getaway or looking for activities to keep your child entertained, here are some tips for making the most of the Geneva school holidays in 2025-2026:

Travel Ideas for Families

Explore Switzerland’s Mountains: Take advantage of the nearby Alps during the winter and spring holidays. Skiing, snowboarding, and mountain hiking are great ways to enjoy Switzerland’s natural beauty.
Cultural Getaways: Consider a city break to other Swiss cities like Zurich, Lucerne, or Bern, or venture to neighbouring countries like France or Italy for a short holiday.

Holiday Camps and Activities for Kids

Geneva offers a variety of holiday camps during school breaks, providing children with opportunities to learn, explore, and engage in fun activities. Here are some popular options:

Ecole Hôtelière Genève Semaine Découverte

Ecole Hôtelière Genève’s Semaine Découverte offers a unique experience for teens aged 15-19 interested in the hospitality and culinary fields. This week-long camp allows participants to gain hands-on experience in food preparation, customer service, and other essential aspects of the hospitality industry, making it ideal for those looking to explore a future career in this dynamic sector.

TutorsPlus IB Easter Revision Course

This course provides personalised academic support, with targeted lessons that focus on improving exam techniques, problem-solving skills, and overall confidence in tackling the IB curriculum.

TutorsPlus IB Internal Assessment Courses

TutorsPlus offers a specialised IA courses to help students understand what is needed for their IA across a range of subjects. Taught by qualified IB examiners and teachers, they know exactly what you need to do to get a top mark.

Lycée Töpffer – Summer Camp

Lycée Töpffer’s Summer Camp in Geneva offers a diverse mix of academic courses and fun recreational activities for children aged 9-18.

Ecolint Geneva Summer Camps

Ecolint Geneva offers a variety of summer camps catering to children aged 3-16, providing a blend of educational and recreational activities. With options in arts, sports, and academic enrichment, the camps offer children a chance to explore new interests, develop new skills, and enjoy a fun and multicultural environment.

How Geneva School Holidays Compare to Other Cantons

School holiday dates differ across Switzerland’s cantons, so understanding these variations is crucial for families coordinating schedules or planning travel between cantons.

Common Differences in School Calendars

While Geneva’s school holidays align closely with other major Swiss cities, there can be notable differences in the exact dates. For instance, Zurich may have different winter holiday dates, and cantonal holidays such as Geneva Fast are unique to the canton.

Coordinating Holidays for Inter-Cantonal Families

Families living in multiple cantons may need to coordinate their children’s schedules, especially if one parent lives in a different canton. Understanding the differences in holiday dates across cantons is essential for ensuring that family vacations or special events align with the school calendars.

Conclusion

Understanding the Geneva school holidays for 2025-2026 is key to planning your family’s year ahead. With well-spaced breaks throughout the academic year, there’s plenty of opportunity to rest, travel, or engage in holiday activities. Whether you’re looking to explore Switzerland or plan a family getaway, knowing the school holiday dates and public holidays in Geneva will help make your plans smoother and more enjoyable.

By Sara Lloyd

Sara has been an education consultant for TutorsPlus for 15 years, and is an expert on international IB education. She is also a parent of two lively children.