Here’s When Winter Holidays Are Expected to Begin in Punjab Schools

Students and parents in Punjab are eagerly anticipating the dates for the upcoming winter holidays in 2026, as cold weather conditions are already impacting the region. However, the provincial government has yet to release any official notification regarding the scheduled break. Typically, winter vacations have begun in Punjab's second half of December and extended into January based on the government's previous practices.

Schools might close around December 22, though the precise schedule will hinge on the government's final announcement.

The Punjab School Education Department officially announced winter holidays on December 4, 2025, for all public and private institutions, from December 22, 2025, to January 10, 2026. Due to extreme cold waves and severe weather conditions, the government later extended the break through a new notification on January 10, 2026, directing schools to reopen on January 19.

Weather forecasts issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department on November 9 cautioned of fog and smog in numerous Punjab districts, such as Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan, particularly in the mornings. These atmospheric conditions could influence the timing of the winter holidays for 2026; however, the government has not yet commented on any potential adjustments.