You’ve decided 2026 is finally the year you’re going for holiday in the US. You’ve picked your flights, mapped out your itinerary, and decided you will, in fact, splurge on Minnie Mouse ears at Disney. But when you call your friends and family to share the good news, you realise your half-term does not align with their school holidays across the Atlantic.
Remitly wants to keep you informed, which is why we’ve created a guide specifically for school holidays in the US for 2026. Learn about the differences between the US and UK school calendars and when schools are on half-term in the US so you can plan accordingly.
If you’re planning a trip to the US or relocating, we’ll help you understand school holidays in America in 2026 so you can plan with confidence.
Why US school holidays are so different compared to the UK
In the UK, school breaks and half-terms are usually unified across the country. That goes for bank holidays as well. You can even check on the official UK government website to find out specific holiday breaks for where you live.
In the US, however, public schools are regulated differently from state to state and within local school districts. While federal holidays fall around the same days each year nationwide, school breaks are at the school district’s discretion.
For example, many East Coast schools, such as New York, start the school year after Labor Day weekend in September. Schools in Tennessee, however, begin the school year in late July or early August. That means Labor Day weekend is a long weekend for students in Tennessee, and still part of summer vacation in New York.
Private schools or higher education institutions, such as universities, are also somewhat aligned with federal and national holidays, but largely run on their own schedule. For example, many university winter breaks run from three to four weeks. At the State University of New York (SUNY Albany), winter break begins on 21 December 2025 and ends on 21 January 2026.
Why it matters for your travel plans
Because school calendars vary throughout the US, if you’re planning a trip or trying to acclimate to your new home, figuring out school break can feel like a puzzle.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Staggered holidays: You might arrive in one state where schools are on break and tourist areas are busy, while another state still has classes in session. This is quite common.
- Travel peaks: High season will differ by region and school breaks in the area.
- University breaks: Spring breaks are widely celebrated by US students taking a much-needed rest after exams. Warmer destinations like Florida will likely have large crowds despite public schools being in session.
Planning trips will become much easier once you remember that the US doesn’t have unified school holidays. And if you’ve recently relocated to the US, acclimating to school holidays may take some time, so make sure to check with your children’s school for their holiday calendar.
A general guide to US school holidays 2026: know the big blocks for your calendar
Since every state and school district varies, we’ve created an overview of the main holiday periods for American schools in 2026. Because many of the larger half-terms (known as breaks in the US) tend to occur around similar times, we’ve included estimated date ranges and what they might mean for your trip.
Winter break (Christmas/New Year)
Estimated 2026 date range: Christmas break tends to begin between 20 December and 24 December and last until the first week of January. For example, a school might break from 23 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 this coming Christmas break.
At a glance: Christmas and the New Year are major holidays in the US, and schools often close for a week or two to allow children to rest and celebrate with their families. Many businesses in the US also close for this period, aligning with the school holidays.
Travel tip: Though this might not be a popular time for UK families to travel, if you’re heading to major destinations like New York City, you’ll be able to enjoy the decorations, lights, and the tree at Rockefeller Center. Just know that it is a peak tourist time in New York.
Spring break
Estimated 2026 date range: A one-week break that usually falls in March or April around Easter. Seattle Public Schools have their spring break this year from 13 April to 17 April 2026.
At a glance: Many schools take a week off to give students a break from studies in exams before resuming for the last stretch of the academic year. For spring breaks that fall in April, they’re often referred to as Easter break if the holiday and school break align.
Travel tip: Because spring break is such a popular time for families and university students to travel in the US, popular destinations like Florida or California might be on the pricier side. If you’re looking for a more peaceful holiday, widen your search and find places that have plenty of activities and fewer people.
Summer break
Estimated 2026 date range: Begins between mid-May and the end of June, and runs until late July or early September.
At a glance: The longest break for students, summer holidays typically run from 10 to 12 weeks. Summer breaks begin at the end of an academic school year and end at the start of a new school year.
Travel tip: This is the busiest window for families to travel, particularly to major tourist hubs like Disney and other theme parks or popular beaches. If you’re going to the US during the summer holidays, which do overlap a good deal with the UK, keep your budget in mind. During this time, many places are in high demand. Consider travelling during early or late summer to help lower the costs.
Thanksgiving break
Estimated 2026 date range: Thanksgiving in the US always falls on the fourth Thursday of November. This year, it’s on 27 November 2025, and next year on 26 November 2026. Many schools allow students to have a four-day weekend, with some districts closing school for the entire week.
At a glance: Thanksgiving is a major national holiday in the US that is often celebrated with family and friends.
Travel tip: Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year apart from Christmas. It’s best to book tickets early during this time. You can enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Black Friday sales, but expect some closures during the Thanksgiving season.
Federal holidays for long weekends
Federal holidays in the US always fall on the same date or day. Fixed holidays fall on the same date every year; for instance, Independence Day is always on the fourth of July. Floating holidays, on the other hand, may change date but not day. For example, Thanksgiving is always on the last Thursday of November, and Memorial Day is always on the last Monday of May.
Although these federal holidays last only one day, if they fall on a Friday or Monday, they will likely become a long weekend for students. This might be something to keep in mind when booking your holiday. If you’re looking to avoid crowds at the beach, 4 July 2026 might not be the best time to go.
Key federal holidays* in 2026:
| Date 2026 | Holiday |
| Monday, 19 January | Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Monday, 25 May | Memorial Day |
| Friday, 19 June | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Saturday, 4 July | Independence Day** |
| Monday, 7 September | Labor Day |
*This list does not include all federal holidays.
**Because Independence Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, Friday, 3 July 2026, will be treated as a holiday for most employees across the US.
How to check specific school holiday dates for your trip
For UK travellers, research will go a long way. The best way to plan your trip to the US is to check local school district calendars rather than general US holiday lists. This will give you a clearer picture of peak seasons and costs before you book those plane tickets and hotel rooms.
To help you plan, here are some helpful tips to consider:
- Identify your destination: Decide which city or state you plan to visit. Will it be Orlando, Florida; Los Angeles, California; or Buffalo, New York?
- Search for the local school district: For your search, look for “[City] public school district calendar 2025-2026.” This will help you see when the school holiday breaks fall in the area you’ll be visiting.
- Check the official school calendar: When researching, you’ll want to look for “Academic Calendar” or “School Year Calendar.” You’ll usually find PDFs you can download, such as San Francisco Public Schools’, for your reference.
- Consider surrounding schools: In Tennessee, schools in one part of the state start earlier than those in other areas. If you’re driving from Chattanooga to Memphis, you might find that one city is already on school holidays or summer break, while in the other, school is still in session.
- Public vs private: Don’t forget that private schools often run on their own schedule. If your loved ones attend a private school, ask for their schedule, as this’ll help you narrow down dates and also compare them to public school holidays.
Mark your calendars and get ready to fly
If you’re planning to visit the US in 2026 and have school-aged children, it might be best to check what school holidays in America look like. Preparing ahead of time will help your trip go as smoothly as possible.
Beat the long lines, or join them if you prefer. Understanding US holidays when travelling can also shine a light on special events, business closures, and why there’s so much traffic on the highway. With US school holidays in mind, you can travel smarter and make the most of your trip. So, pack your bags and get ready to make some memories!
FAQs
Does every state have the same school schedule for the year?
No, states and local districts have varied schedules, with some schools starting their school year in late July and others in early September.
When does Christmas break fall in 2026?
Typically, Christmas break begins sometime around the 23rd of December and runs until the first week of January.
How can I confirm school breaks in a specific state?
The best way to confirm school breaks in a particular area is to check with the local school district. Their calendar will be the most accurate reference for holiday breaks during the school year.
Does spring break always happen in March of the school year?
Spring break varies each year, with some schools in the US taking one week off in March and others in April.