As a parent who has lived in Madrid for many years, the most important thing each year is knowing my children’s school holiday schedule. This affects not only family travel plans but also childcare service bookings. Today I’m sharing a detailed Madrid school holiday timetable for your reference.
Main Holiday Periods for 2024-2025 Academic Year
The Madrid Regional Education Department typically publishes the official school calendar for the next academic year in June. According to the latest regulations, public schools and most private schools follow this basic framework:
| Holiday Name | Approximate Dates | Duration |
|---|
| Christmas Break | December 23 - January 7 | 16 days |
| Easter Holidays | Varies with Easter date | 9-11 days |
| Summer Vacation | Late June - Early September | 70 days |
| Halloween Break | No fixed holiday | School-specific |
Important Points to Note
First, there are regional holidays. Madrid has its own regional festival, San Isidro, when all schools close. Additionally, each municipality has its own patron saint day - for example, Alcalá de Henares celebrates its saint’s day with an extra school holiday.
Second, pay attention to half-days and teacher training days. Many schools dismiss at noon on the day before Christmas and the Thursday before Holy Week. There are also pedagogical days for teacher training when students don’t attend but these aren’t official holidays. It’s advisable to check specific arrangements with your school in advance to avoid pickup confusion.
Private and international schools differ slightly. Some British schools follow the UK calendar, with half-term breaks arranged differently from public schools. American schools close for Thanksgiving, though this isn’t an official Spanish holiday. Therefore, when considering [url]https://www.52spain.com/d/71850-guide-to-schools-and-living-experiences-in-madrids-western-district schools in Madrid’s western district, always verify the specific calendar before enrollment.
Holiday Childcare Services
For dual-income families attending [url]https://www.52spain.com/d/71851-sharing-study-and-life-experiences-at-le-cordon-bleu-madrid blue-ribbon schools in Madrid, the long summer vacation is indeed challenging. Fortunately, many municipal ayuntamientos offer summer camp services at reasonable prices, with registration typically opening in April-May. Private childcare facilities provide more options but at higher costs, potentially ranging from 150-300 euros per week for [url]https://www.52spain.com/d/71855-madrid-private-school-selection-and-lifestyle-guide private schools in Madrid. Short-term camps are also available during Easter and Christmas breaks, though spaces are limited and require early booking.
Familiarizing yourself with the school holiday schedule is essential for families living in Madrid. I recommend saving the full-year calendar when school starts in September and marking it on your family calendar for easier planning. Schools typically notify parents promptly via email or app about any updates or special arrangements.
