School calendar: When do the December holidays start?

Public school learners across South Africa have just over five weeks of classes left before the December holidays begin.

According to the 2026 calendar for public schools, published in Government Gazette No. 52177 on 25 February 2025, the fourth and final term ends on Wednesday, 9 December.

The term began on Tuesday, 6 October, and runs for 10 weeks.

The Department of Basic Education sets one calendar for all public schools nationwide, which gives parents certainty when planning for the holidays.

When do schools close in December?

Learners will attend their last day of school on Wednesday, 9 December. However, teachers will remain at work for two more days.

The calendar sets aside Thursday, 10 December, and Friday, 11 December, as days for administration. Educators will use this time to finalise reports and wrap up the academic year before they also break for the holidays.

As a result, the fourth term counts 47 school days for learners and 49 days for teachers. No public holidays fall within the term.

From Monday, 2 November, learners have 28 school days left before the year ends.

Because the closing date falls midweek, many families may only begin their holiday travel from the weekend of 12 and 13 December.

Public holidays during the festive break

The December holidays include three public holidays. The Day of Reconciliation falls on Wednesday, 16 December, followed by Christmas Day on Friday, 25 December, and the Day of Goodwill on Saturday, 26 December.

Families planning to travel over the festive season can use these dates to plan, as roads and transport services tend to be busiest around Christmas.