Last revised June 2026 by Sandra Steiger, TutorsPlus Education Advisor

To make holiday planning easier, we’ve created a clear guide to Zurich School Holidays 2026–2027, giving you all the key dates in one place. Whether you’re organising family trips, aligning time off with work, or simply checking when the kids will be home, this overview covers school breaks, major public holidays, and essential rules to help you avoid issues with unauthorised absences especially important in Swiss public schools where term-time travel is strictly regulated.

Overview of Zurich School Holidays 2026 to 2027

The Zurich school holidays for 2026 and 2027 follow a clear and well-organised schedule, which makes it easier for families to plan vacations and activities around the main breaks during the school year.

Importance of School Holidays in Switzerland

School holidays in Switzerland play an important part in both the academic year and family life. Unlike in some other countries where there can be more flexibility with dates, the Swiss education system is very strict. The fixed holiday periods make it easier for students and teachers to organise their time. Public holidays often connect with school holidays, and knowing exactly when the kids are off helps parents plan vacations, family outings, and even busy work periods.

Differences Between Cantonal and National Holidays

In Switzerland, each canton has a certain level of independence, which means that school holidays can differ slightly from one canton to another. While the main holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, are generally the same across the country, some cantons choose different dates for local holidays or their autumn breaks. This is important to keep in mind when arranging travel or coordinating schedules across different regions.

Zurich School Holiday Calendar 2026 to 2027

Here, we have put together the Zurich School Holiday Calendar for 2026 so families can easily see all the important school breaks and public holidays for the year.

Winter Holidays (Sportferien)

The winter holidays, known as the Sportferien in Zurich, give students a welcome break after the first part of the school year.

Start Date: 9th February 2026
End Date: 20th February 2026

This holiday is ideal for anyone who enjoys winter activities, as many families head to the nearby Swiss Alps for skiing and snowboarding. The two weeks give children plenty of time to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Spring Holidays (Frühlingsferien)

Spring brings a refreshing change of season, and Zurich’s spring holidays give students a chance to rest before summer arrives.

Start Date: 21st April 2026
End Date: 2nd May 2026

These two weeks are great for planning a spring trip or enjoying quiet time at home. As the days get warmer, it is also a nice period for family outings and outdoor activities.

Summer Holidays (Sommerferien)

Students look forward to the long summer break, which gives them six full weeks for travel, rest, or exploring new interests.

Start Date: 6th July 2026
End Date: 14th August 2026

With the school year ending in July, many families use this time to take trips abroad or enjoy holidays within Switzerland. The summer break is a perfect chance for students to recharge before school begins again.

Autumn Holidays (Herbstferien)

Autumn brings a shorter holiday, yet it is a lovely time to enjoy Zurich’s scenery and outdoor activities.

Start Date: 6th October 2026
End Date: 17th October 2026

This break gives families the chance to take in the autumn colours and explore the beautiful landscapes in and around Zurich.

Christmas Holidays (Weihnachtsferien)

Christmas is one of the most special times of the year in Switzerland, and Zurich’s Christmas holidays allow families to celebrate together.

Start Date: 22nd December 2026
End Date: 2nd January 2027

This two-week break gives families time to enjoy Christmas markets, take part in Swiss traditions, and spend quality time together during the festive season.

Public Holidays in Zurich in 2026 to 2027

Zurich has several public holidays that influence both school and work schedules, and some of these holidays are specific to the canton.

Key National Holidays Affecting Schools

Switzerland has a number of nationwide public holidays that close schools in Zurich and throughout the country, so parents should keep track of when these dates fall. Here are the main public holidays in 2025 and 2026:

New Year’s Day: 1 January 2026 | 1 January 2027
Good Friday: 3 April 2026 | 26 March 2027
Easter Monday: 6 April 2026 | 29 March 2027
Ascension Day: 14 May 2026 | 6 May 2027
Whit Monday: 25 May 2026 | 17 May 2027
Swiss National Day: 1 August 2026 | 1 August 2027
Christmas Day: 25 December 2026 | 25 December 2027

Zurich Specific Public Holidays

Alongside the national holidays, Zurich has a few local holidays that can influence the school schedule and city activities:

Knabenschiessen (12th-14th September 2026), which is a long-standing Zurich event
Zurich Day (26th October 2026), which marks the founding of Zurich

These local holidays are great moments for families to enjoy traditional events in the city or spend some relaxed time together.

Planning Tips for Zurich School Holidays

Planning ahead for the Zurich school holidays can make it easier to enjoy the time off, whether you are looking for travel ideas, fun activities for the kids, or ways to manage your budget.

Travel Ideas for Families

Zurich’s school holidays provide great chances for family trips, whether you prefer a quick getaway within Switzerland or a holiday abroad. During the winter break, many families choose to ski in the Swiss Alps, while the summer holidays are perfect for exploring Europe. It is always helpful to plan early, as travel can become expensive during busy school holiday periods.

Holiday Camps and Activities for Kids

If you’re spending the school holidays in Zurich, there are plenty of camps and activities to keep children engaged. Winter and summer breaks typically offer sports camps, while the spring holidays include creative and educational programmes. These options help kids stay active, entertained, and connected with friends. If you also need to catch up on some academic support, TutorsPlus can assist you wherever you are.

Booking Tips and Travel Budget Advice

When organizing travel for school holidays, booking early usually helps you find better prices. Flights and accommodation tend to increase in cost during peak seasons, so preparing ahead of time is a smart move. Setting a budget and looking for family packages that include meals and activities can also help keep costs manageable.

How Zurich School Holidays Compare to Other Cantons

School holiday dates can differ across Switzerland’s cantons, and knowing these variations is important for families who need to coordinate schedules or plan travel between regions.

Common Differences in School Calendars

As mentioned before, each canton in Switzerland sets its own school calendar, which means holiday dates can vary slightly. Zurich’s school holidays may not always match those in other cantons, so it is a good idea to check local calendars if you are planning with friends or relatives in other areas. For example, cantons such as Vaud and Geneva may start the school year on different dates or have different timings for holidays like Ascension or Easter.

Coordinating Holidays for Inter-Cantonal Families

If you have family members living in different cantons or your household is split across regions, it helps to know when holidays fall in each place. This makes it easier to plan family visits, shared activities, or vacations without conflicting school schedules.

Final Thoughts

With this full guide to Zurich school holidays in 2026-2027, you have everything you need to organise your family’s year, including school breaks and public holidays. Make the most of each holiday period by planning time to travel, relax, or enjoy the many activities Zurich has to offer. Whether you stay local or explore new destinations, good preparation will help you enjoy every school break to the fullest.

Plan Ahead: Zurich School Holidays 2026-2027