by Tallahassee, FL — Christmas break has officially begun for students in a few Florida counties, while most school districts across the state are preparing to start their winter break early next week as the holiday calendar lines up midweek this year.
Christmas Break Starts Earlier for Select Florida Counties
With Christmas Day falling on a Thursday in 2025, school districts across Florida adjusted their academic calendars to create longer, uninterrupted holiday breaks. According to district calendars, three of Florida’s 67 counties began winter break on Friday, Dec. 19, while the majority will start on Monday, Dec. 22.
Education officials note that “when Christmas and New Year’s fall midweek, districts often adjust schedules to minimize short school weeks,” a factor that influenced many of this year’s decisions.
Why Most Florida Schools Start Break on Dec. 22
For most districts, beginning the break on Dec. 22 allows students and families to enjoy a full holiday week without returning to class for just one or two days. Districts also cited operational efficiency and attendance considerations in their planning.
State education calendars show that students will return to classrooms between Jan. 5 and Jan. 8, depending on the county. Teacher schedules vary slightly, with some educators returning earlier for planning and professional development days.
Counties That Began Winter Break on Dec. 19
Three counties started winter break earlier than the rest of the state:
- Bay County: Break runs from Dec. 19 to Jan. 5, with classes resuming Jan. 6
- Franklin County: Break runs from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2, with Dec. 19 designated as a teacher planning day
- Union County: Break runs from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2, with Dec. 19 marked as a teacher work day
District officials confirmed that “students in these counties receive a longer continuous break due to local calendar decisions.”
Christmas Day and State Holidays in Florida
Christmas is observed nationwide on Thursday, Dec. 25, and it is also a paid holiday for Florida state employees. In November, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced additional paid days off for state workers, including “the day after Christmas and the day after New Year’s.”
Remaining state holidays this season include:
- Christmas Day: Thursday, Dec. 25
- Day after Christmas: Friday, Dec. 26
These additions give many state employees extended holiday weekends, though school calendars remain district-controlled.
When Florida Students Return to School
Across the state, most students will return to class between Jan. 5 and Jan. 7, with a few counties resuming as late as Jan. 8. Many districts have designated early January days as teacher planning, inservice, or professional learning days before students return.
Education officials remind families that “school calendar links can change,” encouraging parents to confirm dates directly with their local district.
Conclusion
Florida’s Christmas break schedule reflects how midweek holidays shape school calendars statewide. While a handful of counties began winter break on Dec. 19, most students will start their holiday time on Dec. 22 and return to classrooms in early January, following district-specific plans.
Has your county already started Christmas break, or are you waiting until Dec. 22? Tell us which Florida county you’re in and when your school break begins by sharing in the comments.
