School Holidays in Luxembourg 2024-2025
Contents
As we arrive at the first of September, the 2024/2025 academic year is officially in sight! Ever wondered how Luxembourg’s rich cultural blend shapes its school holiday calendar? As we dive into the 2024-2025 schedule, you’ll discover a unique mix of traditional Christian holidays and modern celebrations like Europe Day—a public holiday celebrated exclusively in Luxembourg. Let’s explore the breaks and holidays that will define this exciting school year. Knowing these dates will help you effectively plan your next vacation and manage family visits and extracurricular activities.
Overview of School Holidays in Luxembourg in 2024-2025
The academic calendar in Luxembourg is structured to provide students with a balanced schedule of study and rest. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the school holidays are spread across various breaks, ensuring that students have ample time to recharge. These holidays are aligned with seasonal changes and cultural events, providing students with opportunities to engage in activities both locally and abroad.
In Luxembourg, the school year begins on 16 September 2024 and runs until 16 July 2025. The year is punctuated by several holidays and breaks, including the traditional Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. Certain holidays, like Saint Nicholas Day, are only applicable to pre-primary and primary education schools. Below is an overview of the key school holidays for the academic year 2024-2025 in Luxembourg. For the official 2024/2025 calendar, please visit the government website.
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Public Holidays in Luxembourg 2024-2025
Public holidays play an important role in the school calendar, often extending existing school breaks or creating long weekends. In Luxembourg, public holidays, including saints day holidays, are decided by the government, specifically the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and the Social and Solidarity Economy. These holidays apply nationwide, affecting schools, businesses, and public services. On these days, schools close, and most businesses, as well as government offices, shut down, though essential services like hospitals and public transportation continue to operate.
The following public holidays are observed in the academic year 2024-2025 according to the official public holiday calendar 2024/25:
- All Saints’ Day: 1 November 2024
- Christmas Day: 25 December 2024
- Boxing Day: 26 December 2024
- New Year’s Day: 1 January 2025
- Easter Monday: 21 April 2025
- Labour Day: 1 May 2025
- Europe Day: 9 May 2025
- Ascension Day: 29 May 2025
- Whit Monday: 9 June 2025
- National Day: 23 June 2025
Like many European nations, most public holidays in Luxembourg are rooted in Christian traditions. However, Luxembourg stands out as the only country that has officially designated Europe Day on 9th May as a public holiday. Europe Day on 9 May is a significant holiday in Luxembourg and other European Union countries. It commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, which laid the groundwork for the creation of what is now the European Union. The day is celebrated to promote unity and peace across Europe, and in Luxembourg, it is observed as an official public holiday, providing a day off for students and workers alike. Furthermore, apart from the above legal public holidays, there are also bank holidays which lie on Good Friday (14 April 2025) and Christmas Eve afternoon (24 December 2024). These holidays are typically non-working days for most residents and can affect the scheduling of school terms.
Public and Private School Term Breaks in Luxembourg 2024-2025
School holidays in Luxembourg are determined by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth. This ministry sets the academic calendar, including the start and end of the school year, as well as term breaks and additional holidays. During school holidays, public schools, private schools and other schools following international curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) close, providing students and staff with much-needed breaks, while businesses generally remain open.
For the 2024-2025 school year, the term breaks are scheduled as follows:
- All Saints' Day Holiday: Begins on Saturday, 26 October 2024, and ends on Sunday, 3 November 2024.
- Saint Nicholas' Day: Observed on 6 December 2024, but this is only for primary education, where students might have special events or an early dismissal.
- Christmas Holidays: Begin on Saturday, 21 December 2024, and end on Sunday, 5 January 2025.
- Carnival Holiday: Begins on Saturday, 15 February 2025, and ends on Sunday, 23 February 2025.
- Easter Holidays: Begin on Saturday, 5 April 2025, and end on Sunday, 20 April 2025.
- Pentecost Holiday: Begins on Saturday, 24 May 2025, and ends on Sunday, 1 June 2025.
- Summer Holidays: Begin on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, and end on Sunday, 14 September 2025.
Both public and private schools in Luxembourg generally follow a unified academic calendar, though slight variations might occur depending on the institution. While public schools in Luxembourg adhere strictly to the national academic calendar set by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, private schools have more flexibility to adjust its schedule slightly around religious holidays or incorporate extra days for teacher training. In contrast, international schools, such as those following IB curriculum, have the most freedom to vary their school calendar and holiday schedule. For instance, UK international schools may follow the pattern of School Holidays in the UK and start its academic year in early September and have longer half-term breaks in October and February. Similarly, school holidays at international schools aligning themselves with the French system may observe the Toussaint (All Saints') break in late October and Spring Break in April like School Holidays in France. Given these slight variations of holiday dates across different types of schools, parents are advised to double-check with your child's specific school calendar.
Overall, school holiday breaks in Luxembourg are structured to coincide with significant public holidays and provide students with regular intervals of rest throughout the school year. Additionally, there are several key public holidays that fall outside these term breaks:
- Easter Monday: 21 April 2025
- Labour Day: 1 May 2025
- Europe Day: 9 May 2025
- Whit Monday: 9 June 2025
- National Day (HRH the Grand Duke's Birthday): 23 June 2025
This comprehensive holiday schedule ensures that students and educators have ample opportunities to rest and recharge throughout the academic year, contributing to a balanced educational experience.
List of Summer Holidays Activities Ideas
- Explore Luxembourg’s Outdoors: Discover the natural beauty of Luxembourg by hiking in the Ardennes or the Mullerthal Region, known as "Little Switzerland." These areas offer stunning landscapes, perfect for family day trips and outdoor adventures.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit Luxembourg City's museums, such as the National Museum of History and Art, or explore the country’s historical castles. These outings provide a fun and educational way for children to learn about the rich history and culture of Luxembourg.
- Private Tutoring: Enhance your child’s learning during the holidays with personalized tutoring sessions. For students pursuing the IB, check out Online IB tutors for tutoring services across all IB subjects, including Online IB Maths Tutors. These tutoring services can provide targeted support to help them excel in their studies, ensuring they stay ahead in their academic journey.
- Language Camps: Take advantage of Luxembourg’s multilingual environment by enrolling your child in a language camp. These camps offer immersive experiences in languages such as French, German, and English, helping students improve their language skills in a fun and engaging way.
- Sporting Activities: Participate in local sports camps or enjoy family time at public swimming pools, ice rinks, and other recreational facilities. These activities not only keep children active but also help them develop teamwork and social skills.
Conclusion
Understanding Luxembourg's school and public holiday calendar helps families plan effectively for the 2024-2025 academic year. Public schools follow a uniform schedule, while private and international schools may offer more flexibility. Knowing these differences allows you to maximize educational and recreational opportunities. Whether exploring local culture or engaging in private tutoring, these holidays provide valuable time for rest and enrichment, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling year ahead.
FAQ
How does Luxembourg’s school holiday calendar compare to those in neighbouring countries?
Luxembourg’s school holiday calendar is quite similar to those in neighbouring countries like France, Germany, and Belgium, with breaks scheduled around major Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter. However, there are some differences, particularly in the start and end dates of the school year and the length of certain breaks. For example, France may have slightly longer summer holidays, while Germany’s autumn break might differ in timing. Families living near the borders or with children in schools across different countries should be aware of these differences when planning vacations or activities.
How do international schools accommodate students from different cultural backgrounds during holidays?
International schools in Luxembourg are known for their cultural inclusivity and often accommodate students from diverse backgrounds by recognizing various international holidays. These schools might offer optional holidays or special activities for students who observe different religious or cultural events. Additionally, international schools often have flexible holiday policies to respect the traditions of their diverse student body. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the school about their family’s cultural needs, and many schools will work to create a supportive environment that honors these traditions while maintaining academic progress.
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Written by: Vicky Liu
Vicky has an undergraduate degree from The University of Hong Kong and a Masters from University College London, and has a background in legal and educational writing.
