School Holidays in Zurich 2025-2026

To simplify holiday planning, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to School Holidays in Zurich 2025-2026. Whether you’re trying to plan a family trip, coordinate schedules with work, or know when the kids will be off, this guide will provide all the information you need.

With Switzerland’s strict rules around taking time off school outside of official holiday dates, especially in public schools, staying informed is important. In Zurich, parents must carefully plan their time away to avoid potential issues. This article breaks down Zurich’s school holiday calendar and public holidays and provides helpful planning tips to make holiday preparation easier.

Overview of Zurich School Holidays 2025-2026

The Zurich school holidays for 2025 and 2026 offer a structured and well-defined calendar, allowing families to plan vacations and activities around key academic breaks throughout the year.

Importance of School Holidays in Switzerland

School holidays in Switzerland play a significant role in the academic year and family life. Unlike other countries, where holiday dates might have a bit of flexibility, the Swiss education system is very strict. The set holiday dates ensure that students and teachers can plan their activities. Public and school holidays can often be joined together, and having a clear understanding of when the kids are off can help parents plan vacations, family activities, or even busy work schedules.

Differences Between Cantonal and National Holidays

In Switzerland, each canton has some degree of autonomy, which means that school holidays can vary slightly from one canton to another. While the main holidays are typically the same across the country, such as Christmas and Easter, some cantons will have different dates for local holidays or their autumn breaks. This is something to be mindful of when planning travel or coordinating schedules with other regions.

Zurich School Holiday Calendar 2025-2026

Here, we have created the Zurich School Holiday Calendar for 2025 to provide an overview of all the important school breaks and public holidays, making it easier for families to plan their year.

Winter Holidays (Sportferien)

The winter holidays, also known as the “Sportferien” in Zurich, offer a much-needed break after the first few months of school.

• Start Date: 9th February 2026 (Monday)
• End Date: 20th February 2026 (Friday)

This holiday period is great for winter sports lovers, as many families take the opportunity to hit the ski slopes in the nearby Swiss Alps. The kids have two weeks to unwind from their studies and engage in outdoor activities.

Spring Holidays (Frühlingsferien)

Spring is a time for renewal, and Zurich’s spring holidays allow students to enjoy a restful break before the summer months.

• Start Date: 21st April 2025 (Monday)
• End Date: 2nd May 2025 (Friday)

These two weeks are perfect for a spring getaway or simply relaxing at home. As the weather starts warming up, it’s also a good time to engage in family-friendly activities.

Summer Holidays (Sommerferien)

Students highly anticipate the long summer break, which provides a solid six weeks for travel, relaxation, or pursuing personal interests.

• Start Date: 28th July 2025 (Monday)
• End Date: 5th September 2025 (Friday)
• Start Date: 6th July 2026 (Monday)
• End Date: 14th August 2026 (Friday)

With the end of the school year in July, families often take this opportunity to travel abroad or enjoy staycations in Switzerland. The summer holidays are a great time for students to recharge before the next academic year.

Autumn Holidays (Herbstferien)

Autumn in Zurich brings a shorter break, but it’s an excellent time for outdoor activities, especially in the stunning Swiss countryside.

• Start Date: 6th October 2025 (Monday)
• End Date: 17th October 2025 (Friday)

This holiday allows families to take advantage of the autumn weather and explore the beautiful nature of Zurich and its surroundings.

Christmas Holidays (Weihnachtsferien)

Christmas is one of the most celebrated times of the year in Switzerland. Zurich’s Christmas holidays allow students and families to celebrate the festive season together.

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

This two-week holiday is an important cultural time for families to spend together, enjoy Christmas markets, and participate in Swiss traditions.

Public Holidays in Zurich in 2025-2026

Zurich observes several public holidays that impact both school and work schedules, with some holidays being specific to the canton.

Key National Holidays Affecting Schools

Switzerland has several public holidays that affect school schedules. These are days when schools are closed across the country, and parents need to know when these holidays occur. Key public holidays in 2025 include:

1. New Year’s Day (1st January 2025)
2. Good Friday (18th of April 2025)
3. Easter Monday (21st April 2025)
4. Ascension Day (29th May 2025)
5. Whit Monday (9th June 2025)
6. Swiss National Holiday (1st August 2025)
7. Christmas Day (25th December 2025)
8. New Year’s Day (1st January 2026)
9. Good Friday (3rd of April 2026)
10. Easter Monday (6th April 2026)
11. Ascension Day (14th May 2026)
12. Whit Monday (25th May 2026)
13. Swiss National Holiday (1st August 2026)

Zurich-Specific Public Holidays

In addition to the national holidays, Zurich observes a few unique holidays in the canton. These can affect the school calendar and business operations in the city:

1. Knabenschiessen (15th September 2025) – A traditional Zurich festival
2. Zurich Day (26th October 2025) – Celebrates the foundation of Zurich

These public holidays are a perfect opportunity for families to engage in local festivities or relax together.

Planning Tips for Zurich School Holidays

Planning ahead for Zurich school holidays can help you make the most of the time off, whether you’re looking for travel ideas, engaging activities for kids, or ways to stick to your budget.

Travel Ideas for Families

The school holidays in Zurich offer great opportunities for travel, whether it’s a short trip within Switzerland or a holiday abroad. For the winter holidays, skiing in the Swiss Alps is a popular choice, while the summer holidays are ideal for family trips to Europe. Don’t forget to plan ahead, as travel during peak holiday times can get expensive.

Holiday Camps and Activities for Kids

For families staying in Zurich during school holidays, there are plenty of holiday camps and activities available for kids. From sports camps during the winter and summer to arts and crafts during the spring, these camps are an excellent way for children to stay active, engaged, and social.

Booking Tips and Travel Budget Advice

When booking travel during school breaks, booking early is a good idea to secure the best prices. Flights and hotels can get pricey during peak times, so it’s wise to plan. Consider setting a budget and looking for family-friendly packages with activities and meals to help save costs.

How Zurich School Holidays Compare to Other Cantons

School holiday dates can vary across Switzerland’s cantons, and understanding these differences is essential for families coordinating schedules or planning inter-cantonal travel.

Common Differences in School Calendars

As mentioned, different cantons in Switzerland can have slightly different school holiday dates. Zurich’s school calendar may differ from that of other cantons, so it’s important to check local schedules if you are coordinating with friends or family in other regions.

For example, cantons like Vaud and Geneva may have different dates for the start of the school year or specific holidays like Ascension or Easter.

Coordinating Holidays for Inter-Cantonal Families

If your family lives across cantonal lines or you have relatives in different parts of Switzerland, it’s essential to know when school holidays fall in different regions. This helps ensure that family visits and travel plans align smoothly.

Conclusion

With this complete guide to Zurich school holidays in 2025-2026, you should be well-equipped to plan for your family’s holidays, school vacations, and public holidays. Remember to take advantage of the various breaks to travel, relax, or explore all the amazing things Zurich has to offer. Whether you’re staying in the city or heading abroad, proper planning will ensure that you make the most of every holiday opportunity.

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.