If you’re a parent or student who often ends up scrambling to check school holiday dates, you’re not alone. Hong Kong school calendars can vary widely between public, private, and international schools. To help you plan with confidence, we’ve gathered all the key information on Hong Kong school holidays for 2025–2026, from public holidays to term breaks, all in one place. And if you’d like your child to make the most of these school breaks academically, TutorsPlus offers personalised tutoring that fits smoothly around any schedule.

Overview of School Holidays in Hong Kong for 2025-2026

School holidays in Hong Kong are shaped by a mix of public holidays and school-specific term breaks. Local and international schools often follow different calendars, but major holidays such as Christmas and Chinese New Year are observed by everyone. These breaks give students a chance to rest, spend time with family, and take part in activities that support their learning. In 2025, the holiday periods also provide great opportunities for families to travel, explore new interests, and enjoy quality time together.

Public Holidays in Hong Kong for 2025 – 2026

Public holidays in Hong Kong are set by the government and followed by all schools. These breaks give students time off, and many families use them for holidays, short trips, or local activities.

Below is a full list of Hong Kong’s public holidays for the 2025-2026 school year:

2025 Public Holidays

December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day

2026 Public Holidays

January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
February 17, 2026 – Lunar New Year’s Day
February 18, 2026 – Lunar New Year (Day 2)
February 19, 2026 – Lunar New Year (Day 3)
April 3, 2026 – Good Friday
April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
April 7, 2026 – The Day Following Ching Ming Festival
May 1, 2026 – Labour Day
May 25, 2026 – Birthday of Buddha Holiday
June 19, 2026 – Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival)
July 1, 2026 – Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day

How Public Holidays Affect School Closures

Public holidays dictate when schools close in Hong Kong. Public schools follow the government’s official schedule, and international schools observe these holidays too, though they may add extra breaks of their own. These holidays give families a chance to travel or celebrate together, especially during major seasons like Chinese New Year and Christmas.

Long Weekends and Smart Leave Planning

Some public holidays fall close to the weekend, which makes them perfect for quick family getaways or short breaks. Here are a few simple tips to help you make the most of them:

Check the school calendar early so you know all the public holidays and term breaks ahead of time. This helps you avoid last-minute surprises.
Plan trips around major holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year since schools will already be closed.
Make good use of long weekends. When a public holiday lands right before or after a weekend, it’s a great chance for a short trip or a relaxing staycation.

Term Breaks in Hong Kong Schools (2025-2026)

Schools in Hong Kong follow their own term break schedules, although major holidays like Christmas and Chinese New Year are shared across both local and international schools.

Public Schools Term Dates

Public schools in Hong Kong usually follow an academic calendar set by the Education Bureau. The term dates for public schools are listed below:

The first term runs from September 1, 2025 to December 22, 2025.
The second term begins on January 4, 2026 and ends on March 31, 2026.
The third term takes place from April 15, 2026 to June 30, 2026.

While individual schools may have small variations, most public schools follow this general pattern, with breaks tied to official public holidays.

Private and International Schools Term Dates

International schools in Hong Kong have greater flexibility in setting their calendars. Many begin the school year in mid-August, earlier than public schools. Some also include additional mid-term breaks or adjust summer holidays to better suit expatriate families.

School Holidays in Public and Private Schools (2025-2026)

Both public and private schools in Hong Kong observe the same public holidays, but their academic calendars and term breaks differ. Public schools follow a government-set schedule with fewer breaks, while private and international schools, including the English Schools Foundation (ESF), often begin earlier and offer additional breaks, as well as longer winter or spring holidays.

International School Holidays in Hong Kong (2025-2026)

International schools in Hong Kong structure their calendars around their home country’s academic system, adapting them to local holidays. Below are the holiday schedules for several major international schools.

Hong Kong International School (HKIS)

Winter Break – December 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Spring Break – March 27 to April 12, 2026
Ching Ming Festival – April 4, 2026
Labour Day – May 1, 2026
Buddha’s Birthday – May 5, 2026
Summer Break – June 15 to August 14, 2026

Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS)

Winter Break – December 22, 2025 to January 5, 2026
Spring Break – March 13-27, 2026
Ching Ming Festival – April 4, 2026
Labour Day – May 1, 2026
Buddha’s Birthday – May 5, 2026
Summer Break – June 30 to August 21, 2026

French International School of Hong Kong (FIS)

Winter Break – December 19, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Spring Break – March 26 to April 10, 2026
Ching Ming Festival – April 4, 2026
Labour Day – May 1, 2026
Buddha’s Birthday – May 5, 2026
Summer Break – June 10 to August 26, 2026

German Swiss International School (GSIS)

Winter Break – December 15, 2025 to January 2, 2026
Chinese New Year Holidays – February 17-19, 2026
Easter Holidays – March 30 to April 10, 2026
Ching Ming Festival – April 5, 2026
Labour Day – May 1, 2026
Buddha’s Birthday – May 24, 2026
Tuen Ng Festival – June 19, 2026
Summer Break – June 26 to August 17, 2026

English Schools Foundation (ESF)

Christmas Holidays – December 25-26, 2025
New Year Holiday – January 1, 2026
Chinese New Year Holidays – February 17-19, 2026
General Holidays – April 3-7, 2026
General Holidays – May 1-25, 2026
General Holidays – June 19 to July 1, 2026

These international schools balance local and global observances, making it easier for expatriate families to coordinate study plans and travel. Breaks are also an excellent time for students, especially those following the IB curriculum, to work with expert IB tutors to reinforce key topics ahead of exams.

School Holiday Activities in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers a wide range of activities during school holidays to keep students engaged, inspired, and learning beyond the classroom. Here are some popular options for families:

Educational Camps and Workshops

Many parents look for enriching programmes that help children continue learning during the holidays. Popular choices include:

Language Camps: Ideal for students who want to improve their Mandarin or English.
STEM Camps: Perfect for children interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Art and Craft Workshops: A great creative outlet for kids who enjoy hands-on activities.

Family-Friendly Events and Local Attractions

Hong Kong has no shortage of attractions that families can enjoy together during the school break:

Hong Kong Disneyland: A magical destination filled with rides, performances, and character experiences.
Ocean Park: A mix of marine exhibits, animal encounters, and exciting amusement rides.
Hiking Trails: For families who enjoy the outdoors, Hong Kong offers beautiful trails with stunning views.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities for Teens

Older students can use their holiday time to gain experience and contribute to the community. Opportunities include:

Community Service Projects: Support local charities or assist at community events.
Short-Term Internships: Some companies offer internship placements for students during school breaks.

Boost Academic Performance During the Holidays with TutorsPlus

School holidays are also an excellent time for students to strengthen their academic skills. TutorsPlus provides personalised tutoring that helps learners tackle challenging subjects and prepare for upcoming exams. Whether your child needs support in Maths, English, Science, or other subjects, targeted tutoring can make a significant difference.

If you’re considering extra lessons during the break, you can explore our pricing options to find the most suitable tutoring plan for your child.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Do primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong have different holidays?

Primary and secondary schools share the same public holidays, but their term breaks can vary slightly. Secondary schools may have a bit more flexibility in their academic calendars.

Do public schools and private schools follow the same term dates?

No. Public schools follow the schedule set by the Education Bureau, while private and international schools set their own calendars, which can differ in start dates, end dates, and break lengths.

What activities are suitable for students during school holidays in Hong Kong?

Students can join educational camps, take part in workshops, visit museums, explore local festivals, or volunteer. Many families also choose outdoor activities or short trips to make the most of the break.

Final Thoughts

School holidays in Hong Kong for 2025-2026 offer a wide range of opportunities for rest and enrichment. Whether you’re planning travel, exploring learning programmes, or enjoying family time, these breaks provide a useful chance to reset and recharge. With this guide, you can organise the year ahead more efficiently and make full use of every holiday.

Holiday Planning: Hong Kong School Holiday Dates for 2025-2026