Punjab School Winter Holidays 2025 – Full Schedule, Travel Tips & Safety Guidelines

The Government of Punjab has officially announced the winter school holidays for 2025, bringing joy to students and clarity for parents. As per the latest notification, all schools across Punjab will remain closed from December 23, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Classes will resume on Monday, January 13, 2026. This article explains the holiday schedule, safety tips, travel updates, and how parents can plan effectively.

Type of School / College	Holiday Dates
Government Schools (All Levels)	23 Dec 2025 – 10 Jan 2026
Private Schools (All Boards)	23 Dec 2025 – 10 Jan 2026
Cambridge & International Schools	23 Dec 2025 – 10 Jan 2026
Religious Seminaries (Madaris)	23 Dec 2025 – 10 Jan 2026
Public Colleges (FA/FSc, I.Com, ICS)	Likely same as schools
Semester-Based Public Universities	25 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
Medical & Engineering Universities	Subject to internal notice
Students in Hostels	Relaxation to travel early

You can also view the official notification on the Punjab Education Department Website.

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Why Are Winter Holidays Longer This Year?

The holidays have been extended this year for student safety and health due to:

Severe cold and thick fog, especially in central Punjab
Risk of chest infections, flu, and cough
Road accidents caused by poor visibility (under 20 meters)
Gas load shedding and power issues, making mornings difficult
Short daylight hours, affecting school routines

According to the Meteorological Department:

Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad may see record low temperatures
Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to rise above 250 in urban areas
School buses may not operate safely during foggy mornings

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Schools Covered Under Holiday Notification

The holiday schedule applies to all school types, with strict enforcement in place:

Government schools under the School Education Department
Private schools registered with education boards
Cambridge O/A Level systems
Religious seminaries (Madaris) and community schools

Note: Any school operatingfor during this period may face penalties or registration cancellation.

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How Parents Can Prepare for Winter Break

Parents should ensure the winter holidays are both safe and productive for their children. Kids should dress warmly and use heaters safely at home. A light study schedule for core subjects like English, Maths, and Science can be helpful. Encourage indoor activities like drawing or reading, and avoid too much screen time. Balance study and fun to enjoy the break fully.

Travel and Weather Safety Tips for Families

Many families plan vacations to Murree, Nathia Gali, or Swat during this time. However, it’s important to consider weather-related travel issues:

Motorways (M2, M3, M4) may be closed at night due to fog
Train delays up to 5 hours are expected
Flight cancellations in Lahore and Sialkot may occur
Travel during midday hours when fog is lighter

Always check weather forecasts and have alternate travel plans ready.

Students Enjoying the Break: Holiday Excitement is Real!

Winter holidays bring joy and relaxation for families. Students are excited, often sharing memes and countdowns online. At home, families enjoy warm traditional foods like Gajar ka Halwa, Panjeeri, Dry Fruit Mixes, Chicken Corn Soup, and Kashmiri Chai. Meanwhile, stationery shops get busier as children engage in creative hobbies such as drawing, painting, and journaling during the cozy break.

When Will Schools Reopen in Punjab?

Schools will reopen on Monday, January 13, 2026. Most schools will likely follow a winter timetable with delayed starts between 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM for the first two weeks.

To welcome students back, many schools may hold:

Morning recitations and motivational talks
Quiz competitions
Essay writing contests (Topic: How I Spent My Winter Vacation)
Sports day warm-ups

This transition helps ease students back into academics after a refreshing break.

Conclusion

The Punjab School Winter Holidays 2025 give students a much-needed pause from routine academic pressure. From December 23, 2025, to January 10, 2026, families can rest, recharge, and prepare for the upcoming term. However, a little structure at home can help children stay mentally active and return with energy and focus when school reopens.

FAQs

What are the official dates for Punjab school winter holidays 2025?

The holidays will start on December 23, 2025, and end on January 10, 2026. Schools will reopen on January 13, 2026.

Are private and Cambridge schools also included in the holiday schedule?

Yes, the holiday notification applies to all schools, including private, Cambridge, and religious institutions.

Will colleges and universities in Punjab also follow the same schedule?

Many public colleges will follow the same dates, but universities may have different schedules, especially those with semester systems.

Can parents travel during winter holidays without concern?

Answer: Yes, but parents should monitor fog and weather conditions, avoid night travel, and check train/flight schedules before planning trips.