Hong Kong School Holidays 2026–2027 | HK School Holidays & Dates

Last revised April 2026 by Sandra Steiger, TutorsPlus Education Advisor 

Did you know that students in international schools in Hong Kong can have up to 14 weeks of holiday each year? Knowing exactly when these breaks fall can make a big difference when planning family time, travel, and activities.

Planning around Hong Kong school holidays can feel overwhelming, especially with different calendars across public, private, and international schools. This guide brings everything together in one place, from key HK school holiday dates and term breaks to helpful tips and ideas, so you can make the most of the 2026 to 2027 school year.

Key Dates at a Glance (2026–2027)

Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the most important Hong Kong school holiday periods to mark in your calendar:

• Academic year starts: Late August to early September 2026
• Christmas holidays: Late December 2026 to early January 2027
• Chinese New Year break: February 2027
• Easter holidays: Late March to early April 2027
• Summer holidays: Mid June to August 2027

Keep in mind that exact dates can vary depending on whether your child attends a public, private, or international school. The sections below break things down further so you can plan with confidence.

List of Public Holidays in Hong Kong (2026–2027)

Public holidays form the backbone of the school year in Hong Kong. Every school, regardless of type, observes these dates, and many of the longer Hong Kong school holiday periods are built around them.

Here is a full overview of public holidays across the 2026 to 2027 school year:

Please note that the 2027 dates are estimates and will be updated once officially confirmed by the Hong Kong government. You can check the latest updates on the Hong Kong government’s public holidays page.

How Public Holidays Affect School Schedules

Public holidays do more than just give students a day off. They shape the rhythm of the entire school year. Here is how they typically affect school schedules:

• Some fall close to weekends, creating long weekends that are perfect for short family trips
• Others mark the start or end of longer term breaks, such as Easter and Chinese New Year
• A few, like National Day and Chung Yeung Festival, sit close together in October, often forming a natural mid-term rest period

Schools plan their academic calendars around these dates, so knowing them in advance helps families stay one step ahead.

Term Breaks in Hong Kong Schools (2026–2027)

The school year in Hong Kong is divided into three terms. Each term is separated by a holiday period, giving students and families regular opportunities to rest and recharge.

Typical Public School Term Dates

Public schools follow a structured government calendar. Here is how the year is typically laid out:

• Term 1: Early September to mid December 2026. This term includes a short mid-term break in October and wraps up with the Christmas holiday period starting in mid to late December.
• Term 2: Early January to late March 2027. The Chinese New Year break falls within this term, usually in early to mid February. The term ends just before the Easter holidays begin.
• Term 3: Mid April to late June 2027. This final term kicks off after the Easter break and runs through to the start of the summer holidays.

International and Private School Terms

International and private schools tend to have more flexibility in how they structure the year. While they follow the same public holidays, they often add extra breaks and start the year a little earlier.

Common features of international school calendars include:

• An earlier start, often from mid August 2026
• Additional mid-term breaks in October and February
• Longer winter and spring holiday periods
• Summer holidays that can begin anywhere from mid June to mid July

Because each school sets its own calendar, it is always worth checking directly with your school for the most accurate information.

School Holidays in Public and Private Schools (2026–2027)

All schools in Hong Kong observe the same public holidays, but the overall experience of the school year can feel quite different depending on the type of school your child attends.

Public Schools

• Follow a fixed calendar set by the Education Bureau
• Offer a consistent and predictable schedule throughout the year
• Have fewer additional breaks compared to private schools

Private and International Schools

• Enjoy more flexibility with term start and end dates
• Include additional breaks at mid-term and sometimes at Thanksgiving
• Tend to offer longer Christmas and Easter holiday periods

For families managing work, travel, and childcare, understanding these differences can help you plan much more effectively across the school year.

International School Holidays in Hong Kong (2026–2027)

To give you a clearer picture of how HK school holidays look in practice, here is a breakdown of holiday schedules for some of the most well-known international schools in the city. These dates are indicative and may be adjusted slightly each year.

Hong Kong International School

Canadian International School of Hong Kong

For full and up to date term information, visit the school’s official website directly.

French International School of Hong Kong

German Swiss International School

English Schools Foundation (ESF)

As you can see, while there is a lot of overlap across schools, the finer details do differ. Checking your specific school calendar at the start of each year is always the best approach.

School Holiday Activities in Hong Kong

Hong Kong school holidays are not just a chance to switch off. They are also a wonderful opportunity to explore, grow, and try something new. Here are some ideas to make the most of the time off.

Popular Educational Activities

Many families use school holiday time to supplement learning in an enjoyable and low-pressure way. The good news is that Hong Kong has a thriving scene of holiday programmes designed to keep students curious and engaged without the pressure of the classroom.

Popular options include:

• Language camps focused on English or Mandarin. These are especially popular during the summer holidays and Chinese New Year break. Immersive language programmes help students build confidence in speaking and listening, skills that formal lessons do not always have time to develop.
• STEM workshops covering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From robotics to coding to hands-on experiments, these workshops are a great way to spark a genuine love of learning in subjects that are increasingly important for future careers.
• Creative arts and design programmes. Whether it is painting, photography, filmmaking, or graphic design, creative programmes give students a chance to express themselves and develop skills that go well beyond the school curriculum.
• Sports camps and outdoor team activities. These are fantastic for building confidence, teamwork, and physical fitness. Options range from swimming and tennis to sailing and rock climbing, making the most of Hong Kong’s varied landscape.

These experiences keep students engaged during the holiday period and help build skills that genuinely complement their school education throughout the year.

Family-Friendly Options

For families simply looking to enjoy quality time together, Hong Kong has no shortage of things to do during the school holiday season.

Some well-loved options include:

• Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park. Both theme parks offer a full day of entertainment for children of all ages. Ocean Park in particular combines rides and shows with an educational focus on marine life and conservation, making it both fun and informative.
• Hiking trails with stunning views. Hong Kong is home to a surprising number of scenic trails that are accessible for families. Routes like Dragon’s Back and the Sai Kung coastline offer breathtaking scenery without requiring expert fitness levels. 
• Cultural events and seasonal festivals tied to local traditions. The Hong Kong school holiday calendar lines up beautifully with many of the city’s most vibrant cultural moments. The Chinese New Year celebrations, the Mid-Autumn Festival lantern displays, and the Dragon Boat Festival races are all memorable experiences that give children a deeper connection to the culture around them.

Explore a wide range of educational camps and courses to find something that fits your child’s interests and schedule.

For Older Students

For teenagers and secondary school students, the holidays can be much more than downtime. With a little direction, this time can become genuinely productive and even exciting.

Worthwhile options for older students include:

• Volunteering with local community organisations. From working with children and the elderly to supporting environmental projects, volunteering helps students develop empathy, responsibility, and a broader perspective on the world. It also looks impressive on university applications.
• Short internships with businesses or creative studios. Some companies in Hong Kong offer informal placements for secondary school students during longer holiday periods. These experiences offer a real taste of professional life and can help students begin to figure out what they enjoy and where their strengths lie.
• Academic enrichment programmes to prepare for upcoming exams. For students with important assessments on the horizon, the holiday period can be a calm and focused time to catch up, consolidate knowledge, or get ahead. Working with an experienced tutor at TutorsPlus during the break, even for just a few sessions, can build real confidence before returning to school.

A thoughtful mix of rest, fun, and purposeful activity tends to work best for most students during longer breaks. The holidays do not need to be entirely structured, but having a few meaningful plans in place helps students return to school feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Planning Tips for HK School Holidays

Getting ahead of the school year does not require a lot of effort, but a little organisation goes a long way. Here are four practical tips to help your family make the most of every holiday period.

1. Check your school calendar early. Dates can vary significantly between schools, especially across public and international institutions. Knowing the key dates ahead of time helps you avoid clashes with work or travel plans.
2. Plan around peak holiday periods. Christmas, Easter, and Chinese New Year are the busiest times for travel in Hong Kong. Booking early can save both money and stress.
3. Make the most of long weekends. Some public holidays fall near weekends, creating mini breaks that are ideal for short trips, day outings, or quality family time at home.
4. Balance rest with light learning. Holidays are for recharging, but they can also be a great time for students to revisit tricky topics or get some extra support ahead of exams. Even a session or two with a tutor during the break can make a real difference come results time.

FAQs about Hong Kong School Holidays

When do Hong Kong schools start in 2026?

Most public schools in Hong Kong start in early September 2026. International and private schools often begin earlier, with some starting as early as mid August 2026. It is always best to check directly with your school for the exact date.

How long are the Christmas holidays in Hong Kong schools?

For most public schools, the Christmas holiday period runs from mid to late December through to early January, giving students roughly two to three weeks off. International schools often have longer winter breaks, with some starting as early as mid December.

Do international schools in Hong Kong have longer holidays than public schools?

Yes, in general. International schools tend to offer more breaks throughout the year, including additional mid-term holidays in October and February, as well as longer Christmas and Easter holiday periods. Public schools follow a stricter government calendar with fewer additional breaks.

When is Chinese New Year 2027 in Hong Kong?

Chinese New Year 2027 falls on 6 February, with public holidays running from 6 to 9 February. Most schools will observe this as a break, though exact dates may vary slightly between institutions.

How many school holidays does Hong Kong have per year?

Hong Kong has around 17 public holidays per year. When combined with term breaks such as Christmas, Easter, and summer, students in public schools typically receive around 10 to 12 weeks of holiday annually. International school students may receive more, depending on their school’s calendar.

Are Easter holidays the same across all Hong Kong schools?

The core Easter public holidays, including Good Friday and Easter Monday, apply to all schools. However, the broader spring break period varies. Some international schools offer two weeks or more around Easter, while public schools tend to have a shorter break.

Final Thoughts

Having a clear picture of Hong Kong school holidays for 2026 to 2027 makes it much easier to plan your year with confidence. With a mix of public holidays, structured term breaks, and flexible school calendars, families have plenty of opportunities to organise travel, rest, and learning time.

The key is to plan early and stay organised. Whether you are booking a family trip, enrolling your child in a holiday programme, or simply enjoying time together, thoughtful planning helps you make the most of every school holiday.