ACT Public School Holidays and Term Dates 2026
Plan your school year with our handy guide
School Holidays and Term Dates 2026
Looking for the official ACT school holiday dates? This page lists the key term dates and school holiday breaks for Australian Capital Territory, helping you plan ahead for the year.
These dates are set by the ACT Education Directorate for public schools. Independent and Catholic schools often base their calendars on the same schedule but may have slight variations, so it’s always best to confirm directly with your school.
Download your free calendar for the full list of ACT school term dates and holiday periods for 2026.
| Event | Dates | |
| Jan | New Year's Day holiday | Jan 1 |
| Australia Day | Jan 26 | |
| Term 1 starts (new students) | Jan 30 | |
| Feb | Term 1 starts (Continuing students) | Feb 2 |
| Mar | Canberra Day |
Mar 9 |
| Apr | Easter Weekend | Apr 3 - 6 |
| Term 1 finishes | Apr 2 | |
| Autumn holidays | Apr 6 - 20 | |
| ANZAC Day | Apr 25 | |
| Term 2 starts | Apr 21 | |
| Jun | Reconciliation Day | Jun 1 |
| King's Birthday | Jun 8 | |
| Jul | Term 2 finishes | Jul 3 |
| Winter holidays | Jul 6 - 20 | |
| Term 3 starts | Jul 21 | |
| Sept | Term 3 finishes | Sep 25 |
| Spring holidays | Sep 28 - Oct 12 | |
| Oct | Labour day | Oct 5 |
| Term 4 starts | Oct 13 | |
| Dec | Term 4 finishes | Dec 18 |
| Summer holidays | Dec 21 | |
| Christmas Day holiday | Dec 25 | |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26 |
Check the dates of the rest of Australia's States and Territories here.
Free 2026 School Holiday Calendar
