The Stanford holidays 2025-2026 clarify when no-class days and campus closures occur so planners can arrange travel, research, or teaching without surprises.
Key breaks include Thanksgiving Recess, Winter Closure, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and the Independence Day pause during the Summer Quarter.
This expert guide uses precise dates and clear explanations, weaving Stanford University holidays and holiday schedule terms naturally to signal relevance and aid discoverability.
Below are the official Stanford holidays and no-class periods for the 2025-26 academic year.
Each entry notes the exact date(s) and implications for instruction, campus services, and housing.
Table of Contents
Democracy Day 2025
Stanford University’s Democracy Day 2025 is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Stanford’s Democracy Day is an academic holiday dedicated to civic engagement and reflection on democratic participation.
Established recently to encourage voter education, community dialogue, and public service, this day halts instruction across most units so students and staff can join forums, workshops, and volunteer activities.
The observance is student-led in collaboration with campus offices, featuring panels, voter-registration drives, and discussions on policy and civic responsibility.
All regular classes are suspended. Many administrative offices reduce hours or close; essential services (e.g., campus safety and emergency health services) remain available. Dining locations may offer limited menus or altered hours—check Residential & Dining Enterprises advisories.
Stanford Thanksgiving Break 2025
Thanksgiving Break 2025 is from Monday, November 24, to Friday, November 28, 2025. The Thanksgiving Recess aligns with the national holiday week, offering a full pause in instruction. No classes occur throughout the five days.
Housing remains open, but meal plans adjust—some dining halls close or offer limited service. Students should verify meal schedules via Residential & Dining Enterprises and plan groceries or off-campus options if staying.
Many administrative offices close or run reduced hours. Essential services (e.g., campus health clinic on-call, campus safety) operate with a skeleton staff. IT maintenance windows may coincide with the break; consult Axess notices for system availability.
Stanford Winter Break 2025
Stanford Winter Break 2025 is from Saturday, December 13, 2025, to Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The official 2025/2026 winter closure date is from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026, with the following dates designated as University holidays:
- Wednesday, December 24, 2025,
- Thursday, December 25, 2025, and
- Thursday, January 1, 2026
Winter Closure spans the end of the Autumn Quarter into the start of the Winter Quarter.
Undergraduate housing closes for Winter Break (Move-Out Deadline) on Saturday, December 13, 2025, by noon, and reopens (Stanford Move-in Date) on Saturday, January 3, 2026, for the Winter Quarter. Students not staying over Winter Break must vacate by December 13.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday is Monday, January 19, 2026. There are no classes.
MLK Day commemorates Dr. King’s legacy, aligning Stanford with federal observance.
Stanford hosts events—panels, reflection services, and community dialogues, organized by the Office for Religious & Spiritual Life and diversity centers.
Recent programming includes screenings of historic speeches, interfaith symposiums, and service activities emphasizing equity and justice.
Multiple MLK-themed events occur in the week leading up to the day: screenings, panel discussions, performances (e.g., Stanford Soul Line), and a Celebration Service at Memorial Church.
Students and staff are encouraged to participate in “Reflect. Act. Uplift” programming.
Many offices close or run minimal hours; essential operations (e.g., campus safety) continue.
Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day is Monday, February 16, 2026. It is a federal holiday recognized by Stanford University as a no-class day in most units, except the Law School.
Administrative offices often close or shift to limited staffing. Essential services remain operational with reduced coverage.
While formal classes pause, some seminars or volunteer activities tied to civic themes may be organized; check campus event listings.
Dining services may run limited menus; campus card balances should accommodate changes.
Stanford Spring Break 2026
Stanford Spring Break 2026 is from Saturday, March 21, to Sunday, March 28, 2026.
Under Stanford’s quarter system, there is no traditional Spring Break week. Instead, students experience a brief respite during the End-Quarter/exam periods and the interval between the Winter and Spring Quarters.
Housing remains continuously open; there is no break in housing transition as in semester systems. Dining and campus services maintain regular schedules, with some adjusted hours around holidays that fall near quarter ends.
Move-Out Deadline is Saturday, March 21, 2026, for those not continuing into the Spring Quarter. Housing reopens on Saturday, March 28, 2026, for the Spring 2026 Quarter.
Students staying for the Spring 2026 Quarter keep their rooms; those departing must complete check-out procedures on March 21.
Dining and support services follow Winter schedules until move-out. Encourage early communication so students avoid packing during limited service days.
Housing teams schedule inspections and maintenance between March 21 and Spring Quarter move-in dates (March 28 or as specified).
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, 2026. Memorial Day honors U.S. service members and is observed as a no-class day at Stanford.
It falls near the end of the Spring Quarter or early Summer Quarter, depending on the academic calendar year.
There are no classes, and many offices close or operate minimally; essential services continue.
Independence Day
Independence Day holiday is Friday, July 3, 2026. Observed as a no-class day during the Summer Quarter; aligns with the national Independence Day holiday (July 4).
Stanford recognizes this by pausing summer instruction on the preceding Friday to accommodate extended holiday observance.
There are no scheduled classes on July 3, 2026. Summer courses resume around this date, but avoid major assignments or exams that conflict with the holiday.
Administrative and support offices may close or have reduced hours; essential services (e.g., campus safety, emergency health care) remain available.
Stanford Staff Holidays & Paid Time Off 2025-26
Stanford staff holidays often mirror no-class days in the Stanford Academic Calendar.
Paid time off typically covers federal holidays like MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day, along with university-designated closures such as Thanksgiving Recess and Winter Closure.
For areas that fully close during the Winter Closure period (Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026), Stanford provides three (3) additional paid days off.
These days may be taken on any normal workday during the closure that is neither an employee’s regular day off nor a designated University holiday.
Below is a list of University-paid holidays for eligible employees, with dates for 2025 and 2026:
- Thanksgiving Day & the Friday after Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28, 2025
- Winter Holidays: Wednesday, December 24 & Thursday, December 25, 2025
- University Winter Closure (2025/2026): Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16, 2026
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2026
- Independence Day: Friday, July 3, 2026
- Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
Stanford Holidays 2025-2026: FAQs
What are the official Stanford holidays for 2025-2026
Stanford holidays 2025-2026 include Democracy Day (Nov 4, 2025), Thanksgiving Recess (Nov 24–28, 2025), Winter Closure (Dec 20, 2025–Jan 4, 2026), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan 19, 2026), Presidents’ Day (Feb 16, 2026), Memorial Day (May 25, 2026), and Independence Day observed July 3, 2026.
When is the move-out deadline before Stanford’s Winter Closure 2025?
The move-out deadline for students not staying over Winter Closure is December 13, 2025 (Saturday, noon). This ensures housing inspections before the Winter Closure period (Dec 20, 2025–Jan 4, 2026).
How do I download the Stanford holiday calendar PDF for 2025-2026?
Visit the official Academic Calendar page or click “Download Stanford Holidays 2025-2026 PDF” on this site. The PDF lists all no-class days, closures, and move-out dates. Use it for travel planning, syllabus preparation, and staff scheduling.
Are there additional paid days off during the Winter Closure for staff?
Yes. During the Winter Closure (Dec 22, 2025–Jan 2, 2026), eligible staff get three additional paid days to use on normal workdays that aren’t already designated holidays (Dec 24, 25, Jan 1) or regular days off. Refer to Stanford staff holidays policy to select dates like Dec 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 31, or Jan 2.
Is Stanford closed on Presidents’ Day?
Yes. There are no classes on February 16, 2026, though some programs (e.g., Law) may hold sessions. Confirm via the official Stanford holiday schedule.
When are move-out dates at the end of Spring Quarter 2026?
For students not returning in Spring Quarter, move-out is March 21, 2026 (Saturday) after Winter Quarter exams. For end-of-year move-out, non-Commencement participants vacate by June 12, 2026; graduates stay until June 15 for Commencement. Align these with Memorial Day (May 25) and campus closures.
What services remain open during Stanford Winter Closure?
During Winter Closure (Dec 20, 2025–Jan 4, 2026), essential services like campus safety and emergency health care operate on reduced schedules. Most administrative offices and dining venues have limited hours. Consult the Stanford holiday schedule and Residential & Dining notices to confirm specific service availability.
Are there exceptions for staying on campus during breaks?
Yes. Students in approved winter or summer programs may request extended housing beyond standard move-out deadlines. Submit requests early via Residential & Dining Enterprises. Note that services during closures follow the Stanford holiday calendar, so plan for limited dining and support if approved to remain.
