Lausanne School Holidays 2026–2027: Full Dates & Term Breaks Guide

Last revised June 2026 by Sandra Steiger, TutorsPlus Education Advisor

Planning ahead for school holidays can be a pain, especially as public and private schools have their own  calendar. 

To make life easier, we’ve gathered the most important Lausanne school holiday dates, public holiday closures, and international school calendars for the 2026–2027 academic year in one place.

Whether your child attends a public school in the Canton of Vaud or an international school near Lausanne, this guide will help you stay on top of key holiday dates, school term breaks, and public holidays throughout the year.

Overview of Lausanne School Holidays 2026-2027 Academic Year

If you’re based in Lausanne or nearby, knowing the dates for the Vaud/Lausanne school holidays for 2026-2027 is essential for organising family travel, booking camps, or even just finding time to rest and chill out “en famille”.

Importance of School Holidays in Switzerland

School holidays in Switzerland are strictly observed in public schools. Families are expected to respect the school calendar, and unauthorised absences outside of official breaks can lead to fines or formal warnings. This makes it important to know when the official school breaks in Lausanne take place.

Differences Between Cantonal and National Holidays

Switzerland has both national holidays and canton-specific public holidays. In the canton of Vaud, which includes Lausanne, schools follow a calendar set by cantonal authorities. While national holidays apply across the country, the dates of school holidays such as autumn, winter, spring, or summer breaks are determined by each canton.

This means school holiday dates in Lausanne may differ from those in Geneva, Zurich, Basel, or Ticino.

Lausanne School Holiday Calendar 2026-2027

The following are the official public school holidays in Lausanne, based on the 2026-2027 academic calendar set by the Canton of Vaud. 

Summer Holidays 

The summer holidays are the longest school break in Lausanne and mark the official end of the academic year. It’s a chance for children to rest, travel, or attend enriching camps and courses.

The 2026 summer holidays also mark the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year cycle and remain one of the busiest travel periods for international families.

This extended break is ideal for family vacations abroad, residential camps, or simply enjoying Switzerland’s lakes and outdoor spaces.

Autumn Holidays

Autumn holidays come during a quieter time of the year, offering a pause before the busier winter term begins. The crisp autumn air makes it an excellent time for local hikes and scenic outings.

It’s a popular period for short breaks within Switzerland or neighbouring countries, with many families choosing to stay local.

Christmas Holidays

Christmas holidays mark the end of the calendar year and give families time to celebrate together. It’s also a peak season for winter travel and festive activities throughout Lausanne and beyond.

Many use this break for ski trips, visiting relatives, or enjoying festive events around the region.

Christmas Holidays

The February winter break is particularly popular with families who enjoy skiing and snow sports.

Many residents take advantage of Switzerland’s world-famous ski resorts, including destinations in Vaud and Valais.

Easter Holidays 

Easter holidays in Lausanne offer families a welcome break after the long winter months. The weather begins to warm, making it a good time for travel, outdoor activities, or enrolling children in spring camps.

For many students, the Easter break also provides an opportunity to prepare for end-of-year examinations and assessments.

Public Holidays in Lausanne in 2026-2027

Public holidays can also affect school schedules and closures. Here are the ones to note for Lausanne in 2026-2027.

Key National Holidays Affecting Schools

Switzerland observes various public holidays that affect school operations, during which schools are closed nationwide. It’s important for parents to take note of these dates when planning ahead. Here are the main public holidays for 2026–2027:

• Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
• New Year: Friday, 2 January 2027
• Good Friday: 26 March, 2027
• Easter Monday: 29 March 2027
• Ascension Thursday: 14 May 2027
• Pentecost /Whit Monday: 17 May 2027

Lausanne-Specific Public Holidays

In addition to national holidays, the canton of Vaud observes:

• Jeûne Fédéral: Monday, 21 September 2026
• St Stephen’s Day (often observed for cantonal administration): Monday, 20 September 2026 
• Berchtold’s Day: Saturday, 2 January 2027

Public holiday dates can occasionally affect school calendars, teacher training days, and holiday camp schedules. Parents should always check directly with their child’s school before making travel arrangements.

International School Holidays in Lausanne 2026–2027

If your child attends an international school, the calendar may differ slightly from the public system. Here are the expected breaks for some of the main international schools in the Lausanne area.

International School of Lausanne (ISL)

• October Break: 19th to 23rd of October 2026
• Christmas Holidays: 21st of December 2026 to 8th of January 2027
• February Break: 8th to 12th of February 2027
• Spring Holidays: 26th March to 9th of April 2027
• Start of Summer Holiday: 26th of June 2027

St. George’s International School (Montreux)

• Term 1 Half Term Holiday: 17th to 25th of October 2026
• Christmas Holidays: 11th of December 2026 to 3rd of January 2027
• Term 2 Half Term Holiday: 13th to 21st of February 2027
• Easter Holidays: 25th to 11th of April 2027
• Start of Summer Holiday: 17th of June 2027

Brillantmont International School

• Autumn Holidays: 17th to 25th of October 2026
• Christmas Holidays: 17th of December 2026 to 5th of January 2027
• School Ski Week: 6th to 14th February 2027
• Spring Holidays: 20th March to 4th of April 2027
• Start of Summer Holiday: 19th of June 2027

Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande (ENSR)

• Autumn Holidays: 10th to 25th of October 2026
• Christmas Holidays: 23rd of December 2026 to 10th of January 2027
• Winter Holidays: 6th to 21st of February 2027
• Easter Holidays: 26th of March to 11th of April 2027
• Start of Summer Holiday: 3rd of July 2027

Haut-Lac International Bilingual School (Saint-Légier)

• 2026-2027 Academic Calendar Coming Soon

Le Régent International School (Crans-Montana)

• Half-term Holidays: 16th to 25th of October 2026
• Christmas Holidays: 12th of December 2026 to 5th of January 2027
• February Holidays: 11th to 14th of February 2027
• Long Weekend: 21st to 25th of May 2027
• Start of Summer Holiday: 25th of June 2027

Exact dates vary from school to school and should always be checked directly with the institution before booking flights or accommodation.

It’s a good idea to check directly with each international school, as their holiday dates may differ depending on the curriculum they follow. Reaching out to the school helps ensure you have the latest information for planning your family’s schedule and trips.

Planning Tips for Lausanne School Holidays

Whether you’re arranging a family holiday or exploring options to keep your child busy, here are some ideas to help you enjoy the Lausanne school holidays in 2026–2027 to the fullest.

Travel Ideas for Families

Whether you’re heading to the Alps or abroad, the best time to travel is during the summer or spring holidays. February is ideal for ski trips, while October and December breaks are perfect for exploring nearby European cities.

Some options to consider:

• Local ski resorts in Vaud or Valais for the winter break
• City breaks in Italy or France during spring
• Family lakeside holidays in Montreux or Lucerne during summer

Holiday Camps and Activities for Kids

Lausanne and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of holiday camps that cater to different age groups and interests. Whether you’re looking for academic support, creative learning, or enrichment programmes, these trusted camps provide excellent opportunities for children to stay engaged during school breaks:

TutorsPlus IB Easter Revision Course

This course is ideal for IB students looking to strengthen their understanding before exams. Led by expert tutors, the sessions are focused, structured, and designed to boost confidence and performance.

Brillantmont Summer Course

Held in Lausanne, Brillantmont’s summer programme welcomes students aged 10 to 17 for language learning, sports, arts, and cultural excursions. It’s a great mix of academic development and fun international experiences.

TechSpark Academy – STEM Summer Camps

TechSpark offers innovative tech-focused camps in Lausanne and across Switzerland. Children can explore coding, robotics, and game design in small, hands-on workshops led by industry professionals.

ENSR Summer Camp

This camp blends sports, creativity, and language learning for students aged 9 to 18. Activities are held in both English and French, making it ideal for local and international families.

ISL Holiday Camps

The International School of Lausanne offers camps that cover sports, arts, science, and technology. Open to both ISL and non-ISL students, these camps are designed to keep kids active and curious during the holidays.

EHL Junior Academy

Hosted by the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne, this academy offers teens aged 14 to 19 a glimpse into the world of hospitality and business. Through workshops, projects, and real-world simulations, students build leadership and communication skills in a dynamic setting.

Booking Tips and Travel Budget Advice

To avoid price increases, book flights and accommodation two to four months in advance, especially for the summer holidays and Christmas break.

Additional ways to save include:

• Looking for early-bird camp discounts
• Booking train tickets in advance
• Using family travel passes
• Taking advantage of shoulder-season travel periods

Train travel within Switzerland is often more affordable when using a Swiss Family Card or Half Fare Card.

Families travelling during peak holiday periods should also check school calendars early, as accommodation around major ski resorts and lake destinations can sell out quickly.

How Lausanne School Holidays Compare to Other Cantons

School holiday dates vary from one Swiss canton to another, so it’s important for families to be aware of these differences when organising schedules or planning trips across cantonal borders.

Common Differences in School Calendars

Each Swiss canton sets its own school holiday dates. For instance, Geneva often begins and ends breaks earlier than Vaud, Zurich has shorter summers with more mid-term pauses, and Ticino follows an Italian-style calendar. These differences are especially important for families living near canton borders or with children attending schools in different regions.

Coordinating Holidays for Inter-Cantonal Families

When one parent works in Geneva and the children attend school in Lausanne, coordinating holidays can be challenging since public schools stick closely to their own calendars. It helps to check school dates early, discuss leave flexibility with your employer, and consider local holiday camps for childcare during mismatched breaks.

Conclusion

Knowing the Lausanne school holidays for 2026–2027 helps parents stay organised, avoid last-minute stress, and plan travel, camps, and family activities with confidence.

Since public schools in Vaud are strict about attendance, it’s best to follow the official school calendar and check directly with your child’s school for any updates or additional closures.

Whether your child attends a public school or an international school, understanding the approved holiday calendar allows families to make the most of the summer holidays, Christmas break, Easter holidays, and other important school term breaks throughout the academic year.

By planning ahead and checking important dates early, families can enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable school year while making the most of everything Lausanne and the Canton of Vaud have to offer.