Back to school and school holidays in Neuchâtel 2026-2027: all the dates

Start of the school year in Neuchâtel: Monday 17 August 2026. Autumn holidays: from 5 to 16 October 2026.

Here is the full calendar of the 2026-2027 school year in Neuchâtel, followed by our family outing ideas for each holiday period.

Neuchâtel school calendar 2026-2027

These dates follow the Neuchâtel cantonal calendar relayed by the CIIP. Two particularities: Neuchâtel has the earliest autumn holidays in French-speaking Switzerland, and it has no February holidays — they are replaced by the 1 March holidays, around the cantonal celebration of the founding of the Republic. Always check your school’s official calendar before booking.

When does the 2026 school year start in Neuchâtel?

The 2026-2027 school year starts on Monday 17 August 2026, the same day as Vaud, Geneva and the Jura. Valais starts on 20 August and Fribourg on 27 August. You still have the first two weeks of August for one last outing: it is still peak season for the beaches of Lake Neuchâtel and the outdoor swimming pools.

Autumn holidays: the earliest in French-speaking Switzerland

From 5 to 16 October 2026, with school resuming on Monday 19 October. Neuchâtel breaks up a week before Vaud and two weeks before Geneva: a real advantage, with quieter sites and weather that is often still kind. It is the time when the Jura forests turn colour, for themed nature trails and farms open to children. When the rain arrives, head for interactive museums, indoor play parks and our ideas for rainy days.

Christmas holidays: ice rinks and markets

From 21 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, back to school on Monday 4 January. Two short weeks, centred on the festive season: ice rinks, Christmas markets and lights by the lake. Under cover, museums and sports and leisure activities take over.

The 1 March holidays: the Neuchâtel speciality

From 1 to 5 March 2027, back to school on Monday 8 March. Where other cantons have February holidays or a carnival, Neuchâtel sets its week off around 1 March, a cantonal public holiday. At the very end of winter, it is a good time for snow in the Neuchâtel mountains, ice rinks and outings in the warm.

Easter holidays: nature wakes up

From 26 March to 9 April 2027, back to school on Monday 12 April. Two weeks that arrive very soon after the 1 March break. It is the season for playgrounds reopening, for the gorges and waterfalls of the Jura and for the first stroller walks along the shore.

Summer holidays: the lake and the Jura ridges

Classes end on Friday 2 July 2027. On the programme: the beaches of Lake Neuchâtel, the water parks, minigolf, pedalo outings and the Jura ridges for walking families.

And in the other cantons?

Dates change from one canton to another. Find the school holidays for Vaud, Geneva, Fribourg, Valais and Jura too. To compare all the dates at a glance, see our overview: all the school holidays in French-speaking Switzerland.

And after the holidays?

Whatever the period, find all our outing ideas sorted by age, season and region on Kidora, including our family activities in Neuchâtel and all the activities in the canton of Neuchâtel. And so you are never short of ideas, join the 1000+ families subscribed to our weekly newsletter.