Last revised June 2026 by Sandra Steiger, TutorsPlus Education Advisor

Managing school breaks can be tricky, especially since public and private schools follow different calendars. To make things simpler, we’ve brought together all the key Lausanne school holiday dates, public holidays, and international school calendars in one place. If you need a quick, at-a-glance reference for Lausanne holidays, you can find it here. Whether your child attends a public school or a private international one, this guide will help you stay on top of the Lausanne holiday calendar for 2026–2027.

Overview of Lausanne School Holidays 2026/2027

If you live in Lausanne or nearby, it is important to know the Vaud and Lausanne school holiday dates for 2026 and 2027 so you can plan family trips, book camps, or simply find time to relax together as a family.

Importance of School Holidays in Switzerland

School holidays in Switzerland are strictly observed in public schools. Families are expected to follow the official school calendar, and taking children out of school outside the authorised breaks can result in fines or formal warnings. This makes it essential to know when the official Lausanne school holidays take place.

Differences Between Cantonal and National Holidays

Switzerland has national public holidays as well as holidays that vary by canton. In the canton of Vaud, which includes Lausanne, schools follow a calendar that is set by cantonal authorities. National holidays apply across the entire country, but the dates for school breaks such as autumn, winter, spring, and summer holidays are set by each canton individually.

Lausanne School Holiday Calendar 2026–2027

The dates below reflect the official public school holidays in Lausanne, based on the 2026 academic calendar established by the Canton of Vaud.

Summer Holidays

The summer holidays are the longest break of the school year in Lausanne and represent the official end of the academic cycle. This period gives children time to relax, travel, or participate in camps and courses.

This long holiday is ideal for family trips abroad, residential camps, or simply enjoying lakes, mountains, and outdoor spaces across Switzerland.

Autumn Holidays

The autumn break falls during a quieter part of the year and provides a welcome pause before the winter term starts. The cool temperatures make it a perfect moment for hikes and scenic outdoor activities.

Many families choose short getaways within Switzerland or nearby countries, while others prefer to stay local.

Christmas Holidays

The Christmas holidays close out the calendar year and give families time to celebrate together. It is also a popular time for winter travel and festive events in Lausanne and throughout the region.

Families often use this break for skiing, visiting relatives, or enjoying holiday celebrations and activities.

Easter Holidays

The Easter holidays offer a refreshing pause after the long winter months. The improving weather makes it a pleasant time for travel, outdoor excursions, or enrolling children in spring camps.

Public Holidays in Lausanne in 2026-2027

Public holidays can influence school schedules and closures. Below are the key dates to keep in mind for Lausanne in 2026-2027.

Key National Holidays Affecting Schools

Switzerland observes several nationwide public holidays that require schools to close. Parents should be aware of these dates when planning the year. The main public holidays for 2026 and 2027 are listed below:

Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
New Year: Friday, 2 January 2027
Good Friday: 26 March, 2027
Easter Monday: 29 March 2027
Ascension Thursday: 14 May 2027
Pentecost /Whit Monday: 17 May 2027

Lausanne-Specific Public Holidays

In addition to national public holidays, the canton of Vaud also observes several cantonal holidays and special dates, including:

Jeûne Fédéral: Monday, 21 September 2026
St Stephen’s Day (observed by certain cantonal institutions and administrations): Saturday, 26 December 2026
Berchtold’s Day: Saturday, 2 January 2027

These dates may influence school schedules, staff training days, extracurricular activities, and holiday camps. As calendars can vary between schools, families are encouraged to confirm term dates and closures directly with their child’s school before finalising travel plans.

International School Holidays in Lausanne 2026–2027

If your child attends an international school, the holiday schedule may differ slightly from the public school calendar. Below are the expected breaks for several major international schools in the Lausanne area.

International School of Lausanne (ISL)

October Break: 19th to 23rd of October 2026
Christmas Holidays: 21st of December 2026 to 8th of January 2027
February Break: 8th to 12th of February 2027
Spring Holidays: 26th March to 9th of April 2027
Start of Summer Holiday: 26th of June 2027

St. George’s International School (Montreux)

Term 1 Half Term Holiday: 17th to 25th of October 2026
Christmas Holidays: 11th of December 2026 to 3rd of January 2027
Term 2 Half Term Holiday: 13th to 21st of February 2027
Easter Holidays: 25th to 11th of April 2027
Start of Summer Holiday: 17th of June 2027

Brillantmont International School

Autumn Holidays: 17th to 25th of October 2026
Christmas Holidays: 17th of December 2026 to 5th of January 2027
School Ski Week: 6th to 14th February 2027
Spring Holidays: 20th March to 4th of April 2027
Start of Summer Holiday: 19th of June 2027

Ecole Nouvelle de la Suisse Romande (ENSR)

Autumn Holidays: 10th to 25th of October 2026
Christmas Holidays: 23rd of December 2026 to 10th of January 2027
Winter Holidays: 6th to 21st of February 2027
Easter Holidays: 26th of March to 11th of April 2027
Start of Summer Holiday: 3rd of July 2027

Haut-Lac International Bilingual School (Saint-Légier)

2026-2027 Academic Calendar Coming Soon

Le Régent International School (Crans-Montana)

Half-term Holidays: 16th to 25th of October 2026
Christmas Holidays: 12th of December 2026 to 5th of January 2027
February Holidays: 11th to 14th of February 2027
Long Weekend: 21st to 25th of May 2027
Start of Summer Holiday: 25th of June 2027

It is always best to confirm these dates directly with each school, since holiday schedules can vary depending on the curriculum and internal planning. Checking with the school ensures you have the most up-to-date information for organising your family’s plans.

Planning Tips for Lausanne School Holidays

Whether you are organising a family holiday or looking for ways to keep your child active, the ideas below can help you make the most of the Lausanne school holidays in 2026–2027.

Travel Ideas for Families

If you are planning to travel, the best periods are the summer or spring holidays. February is perfect for ski trips, while the October and December breaks work well for exploring nearby European cities.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

Ski trips in local resorts in Vaud or Valais during the winter break
City breaks in Italy or France during the spring holidays
Family lakeside holidays in Montreux or Lucerne during the summer

Holiday Camps and Activities for Kids

Lausanne and the surrounding region offer a wide range of holiday camps for different ages and interests. Whether you are searching for academic support, creative programmes, or enrichment activities, the following options provide engaging opportunities for children during school breaks.

TutorsPlus IB Easter Revision Course: This course is designed for IB students who want to strengthen their understanding before exams. Sessions are led by experienced tutors and focus on improving confidence, structure, and performance.

Brillantmont Summer Course: Held in Lausanne, this summer programme welcomes students aged 10 to 17. It includes language learning, sports, arts, and cultural excursions, offering a blend of academic development and fun international experiences.

TechSpark Academy – STEM Summer Camps: TechSpark runs innovative technology-focused camps in Lausanne and across Switzerland. Children can explore coding, robotics, and game design in small, hands-on workshops guided by industry professionals.

ENSR Summer Camp: This camp combines sports, creativity, and language learning for students aged 9 to 18. Activities take place in both English and French, making it a great choice for local and international families.

ISL Holiday Camps: The International School of Lausanne offers holiday camps covering sports, arts, science, and technology. These camps are open to both ISL and non-ISL students and are designed to keep children active, curious, and engaged.

EHL Junior Academy: Organised by the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, this programme gives teens aged 14 to 19 an introduction to the world of hospitality and business. Through workshops, group projects, and practical simulations, students develop leadership and communication skills in a dynamic environment.

Booking Tips and Travel Budget Advice

To avoid higher prices, it is best to book flights and accommodation two to four months ahead, especially for summer travel. Look for early-bird offers from local camps or regional tourism offices. Train travel within Switzerland can often be cheaper when using a Swiss Family Card or a Half Fare Card.

How Lausanne School Holidays Compare to Other Cantons

School holiday dates differ from one Swiss canton to another, so families should be aware of these variations when organising schedules or planning trips across cantonal borders.

Common Differences in School Calendars

Each canton in Switzerland sets its own academic calendar. Geneva often starts and finishes breaks earlier than Vaud, Zurich typically has shorter summer holidays with more mid-term breaks, and Ticino follows a calendar that is closer to the Italian school system. These differences are important for families who live near canton boundaries or have children attending schools in different regions.

Coordinating Holidays for Inter-Cantonal Families

Parents who work in one canton, such as Geneva, while their children attend school in another, such as Lausanne, may face challenges when coordinating holiday periods. Public schools follow their official calendars closely, so planning ahead is important. Checking school dates early, discussing leave flexibility with your employer, and exploring local holiday camps can help manage childcare during mismatched breaks.

Final Thoughts

Being aware of the Lausanne school holidays for 2026-2027 helps families stay organised, avoid last-minute stress, and plan travel, camps, and activities with confidence. Since public schools in Vaud strictly follow their attendance policies, it is important to stick to the official dates and check for any updates directly with your school. Whether your child is in a local school or an international one, this guide provides a useful overview to help you make the most of your family time.

Vacation Ready: Lausanne School Holidays 2026-2027