As families prepare for another school year, it's not too early to mark the calendar for the major holidays and breaks that will give students time away from the classroom this fall.
While school calendars vary by district, most public schools in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties observe the same major religious and federal holidays. Parents should check their local district's calendar for exact dates, as some holidays may differ.
Here's a look at the major school holidays during the 2026 fall semester.
When are schools closed in September?
Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7, marking the unofficial end of summer. Public schools will be closed for the federal holiday. While some districts may
begin classes before Labor Day, others will welcome students back the following day, making it one of the final long weekends before the school year gets fully underway.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sunset Thursday, Sept. 10. Most public school districts in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties will be closed Friday, Sept. 11, in observance of the holiday.
Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism and a day of fasting, prayer and reflection, begins at sunset Sunday, Sept. 20. Most local public schools will be closed Monday, Sept. 21.
When are schools closed in October?
Columbus Day, also recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day by many communities, falls on Monday, Oct. 12. The federal holiday commemorates Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas while also recognizing the history, cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Most public schools in the Lower Hudson Valley will be closed.
When are schools closed in November?
Election Day falls on Tuesday, Nov. 3. School schedules vary by district throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties. Some districts close all schools for staff development or because some school buildings are used as polling places, while others remain open. Families should check their district's academic calendar.
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, will be observed Thursday, Nov. 12. New York City public schools close for Diwali, most school districts in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties remain open. Families should check their district's calendar, as some districts have begun recognizing the holiday.
Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11. School schedules vary, with some districts closing for the day while others remain open. Parents should check their district's calendar for details.
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov. 26. Nearly all public school districts in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 27, giving students and staff a four-day weekend before returning to class the following Monday.
When are schools closed in December?
Hanukkah begins at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 6, and continues through Monday, Dec. 14. While New York City public schools close for part of the holiday, most public school districts in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties remain open during Hanukkah. Families should check their district's calendar, as holiday observances vary.
This year, Christmas Day falls on Friday, Dec. 25. Most public school districts in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties will begin their winter recess on Thursday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, and remain closed through Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Students in many districts will return to class on Monday, Jan. 4, although families should check their local school calendar because recess schedules can vary slightly by district.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: When are NY school holidays this fall and winter? What to expect
