UC Berkeley holidays 2025-2026 follow a structured academic calendar that helps students plan their year effectively. The University of California, Berkeley observes twelve official holidays during the academic year, including federal holidays and state-specific observances.
UC Berkeley holidays 2025-2026 affect every aspect of campus life. Libraries reduce their operating hours. Dining services modify meal plans.
Student support services adjust their availability. International students must plan housing arrangements carefully during these periods.
This guide covers all essential information about Berkeley’s academic holidays. You will find the exact dates for each holiday period as scheduled on the UC Berkeley Academic Calendar.
Table of Contents
Labor Day
Labor Day at UC Berkeley is Monday, September 1, 2025. This federal holiday gives students a welcome break as they adjust to their new course loads and campus routines.
The entire campus shuts down, including libraries, administrative offices, and student services centers.
For many Berkeley students, Labor Day serves as an opportunity to explore the Bay Area or catch up on early semester readings.
Local events like the Labor Day Weekend at Pier 39 in San Francisco and the Oakland Art and Soul Festival provide exciting options for students staying in the area.
Remember that dining halls operate on holiday hours, so plan meals accordingly.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day at Berkeley is on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This UC Berkeley Fall 2025 holiday brings a mid-semester pause to honor military service members.
The university hosts several commemorative events, including the annual Veterans Day ceremony at California Memorial Stadium.
Student veterans and ROTC members often participate in special recognition programs throughout the week.
This holiday arrives at a crucial time in the fall semester, just before many courses have major assignments due. While campus facilities are closed, many students use this break for study groups and project preparation.
The Berkeley Veterans Services Center provides resources and support for student veterans year-round, with special programming around this holiday.
UC Berkeley Thanksgiving Break 2025
UC Berkeley Thanksgiving break 2025 begins from Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to Friday, November 28, 2025. The break provides a crucial respite before the final push toward semester exams.
Many international students participate in Berkeley’s “Thanksgiving Hosting” program, where local families welcome them for traditional celebrations.
During this period, residence halls remain open but with reduced services. Students staying on campus should note that dining facilities close early on Wednesday and remain closed through Friday.
The UCB Thanksgiving break offers an excellent opportunity for catching up on coursework, though many students use it for home visits and family time.
Berkeley’s location makes it convenient for students to explore California during this brief holiday period.
Below is a breakdown of UC Berkeley Thanksgiving Break 2025.
- Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – Academic and Administrative Holiday
- Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – Non-Instructional Day (campus prepares for the holiday weekend)
- Thursday, November 27, 2025 – Thanksgiving (Academic and Administrative Holiday)
- Friday, November 28, 2025 – The day after Thanksgiving (Academic and Administrative Holiday)
UC Berkeley Winter Break 2025-2026
UC Berkeley Winter Break 2025 is from Saturday, December 20, 2025, to Monday, January 19, 2026. The holiday represents the longest closure period of the academic year, spanning multiple holidays:
Christmas Holiday
Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, 2025 – Academic and Administrative Holidays. Campus operations halt completely during these dates.
New Year’s Holiday
Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Academic and Administrative Holidays. The campus remains closed for four consecutive days, with only essential services like public safety operating with reduced staff.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 19, 2026 – Academic and Administrative Holiday. This federal holiday occurs during the spring semester start period.
Residence halls close for most students during winter break. Check these UC Berkeley Move-Out Dates for more information. International students can request special permission to remain on campus (additional fees apply). UC Berkeley Dining halls close completely from December 24 through January 1.
Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day is Monday, February 16, 2026. It is an Academic and Administrative Holiday that provides a welcome break during the early spring semester.
Berkeley’s history and political science departments often organize special lectures and events around this time, connecting historical presidential leadership to contemporary issues.
The holiday gives students a chance to catch up on readings or explore local historical sites.
Campus services operate on holiday schedules, and students should check specific facility hours in advance. This break often aligns well with early-semester project planning and study group formation.
UC Berkeley Spring Recess 2026
UCB Spring Break 2026 is from Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, 2026. César Chávez Day is on Friday, March 27, 2026, an Academic and Administrative Holiday
Berkeley’s celebration of César Chávez Day reflects California’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to social justice. The holiday honors the legendary labor leader and civil rights activist, with special emphasis on his connections to California’s history.
Campus organizations typically organize events highlighting labor rights, environmental justice, and Latinx heritage.
The timing of this holiday, following spring recess, creates an extended break period for students. Many courses incorporate themes of social justice and labor rights into their curricula around this time.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, 2026 – Academic and Administrative Holiday Observed during the early summer session.
Memorial Day marks a significant point in Berkeley’s summer session calendar. The holiday honors fallen service members while providing a break for students enrolled in early summer courses.
Campus memorial services often take place at the California Memorial Stadium, named in honor of Californians who gave their lives in World War I.
Summer session students should note that this holiday affects class schedules and assignment deadlines.
While most campus services are closed, essential services maintain limited operations. Many students use this long weekend for Bay Area exploration or summer job searching.
Juneteenth
Friday, June 19, 2026 – Academic and Administrative Holiday. This federal holiday affects summer course schedules.
Berkeley’s observance of Juneteenth reflects the university’s commitment to acknowledging and celebrating African American history and culture.
Various departments and student organizations host educational events and celebrations leading up to the holiday.
Summer session students should plan around this relatively new federal holiday, which impacts class meetings and academic deadlines.
The African American Student Development Center typically coordinates special programming, creating opportunities for learning and community building during the summer term.
Independence Day
Independence Day holiday is Friday, July 3, 2026. It is an Academic and Administrative Holiday (observed). Summer session classes don’t meet on this date.
The Independence Day holiday observation affects Berkeley’s summer session schedule and campus operations. While the actual holiday falls on July 4, the university observes it on July 3, 2026.
Students can enjoy various Bay Area July 4th celebrations, including fireworks displays visible from many campus vantage points.
Summer session students should note modified class schedules and facility hours around this holiday.
Berkeley’s location offers easy access to numerous Independence Day celebrations throughout the Bay Area.
The holiday weekend often features special events at the Lawrence Hall of Science and other campus venues.
How UC Berkeley Campus Services Change During Holidays
Understanding service modifications helps you plan effectively:
Libraries: Close completely during Academic and Administrative Holidays. The Doe Memorial Library maintains the most restrictive schedule, with graduate students losing access to research materials during extended breaks.
Dining Services: Residence hall dining rooms close during all holidays. Student union cafes and restaurants follow reduced schedules. Meal plan credits don’t accumulate during closures.
Health Services: The Tang Center provides emergency care only during holidays, maintaining crisis counseling during winter break. Routine appointments are rescheduled around major holidays.
Transportation: Bear Transit operates limited routes during shorter breaks. Parking enforcement continues during most holidays except the extended winter closure.
UC Berkeley Holidays FAQs
When does UC Berkeley winter break start in 2025?
UC Berkeley winter break includes Christmas Holiday on December 24-25, 2025, and New Year’s Holiday on December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026.
These are Academic and Administrative Holidays when campus offices close. The exact winter break dates for UC Berkeley holidays 2025-2026 also include Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19, 2026.
Berkeley students should check with housing services for specific residence hall closure dates during winter recess.
What federal holidays does UC Berkeley observe during 2025-2026?
UC Berkeley observes all major federal holidays during the UC Berkeley holidays 2025-2026:
Labor Day (September 1),
Veterans Day (November 11),
Thanksgiving (November 26-28),
Christmas (December 24-25),
New Year’s (December 31-January 1),
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19),
Presidents’ Day (February 16),
César Chávez Day (March 27),
Memorial Day (May 25),
Juneteenth (June 19),
and Independence Day Observed (July 3).
All are designated Academic and Administrative Holidays with campus closures.
Are Berkeley libraries open during holiday breaks?
Berkeley library hours are significantly reduced during UC Berkeley holidays 2025-2026. During Academic and Administrative Holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving, most libraries close completely.
Limited hours may be available during spring recess (March 23-26, 2026). Berkeley students should check individual library websites for specific holiday schedules, as some specialized libraries maintain different hours during the University of California, Berkeley closure periods.
How do UC Berkeley holidays 2025-2026 affect registration deadlines?
Berkeley academic deadlines are carefully scheduled around UC Berkeley holidays 2025-2026 to avoid conflicts with Academic and Administrative Holidays.
Registration, add/drop, and withdrawal deadlines account for campus closures during Thanksgiving, winter break, Presidents’ Day, and spring recess.
Berkeley students receive advance notice through official University of California, Berkeley communications about any deadline adjustments related to holiday schedules.
Can international students stay on campus during UC Berkeley holidays 2025-2026?
International Berkeley students can typically remain in campus housing during most UC Berkeley holidays 2025-2026, though policies vary by residence hall and holiday period.
During extended breaks like winter recess (December 24 – January 1) and UCB spring recess 2026 (March 23-27), additional housing fees may apply.
Berkeley Housing Services provides detailed information about meal plan adjustments and support services available during the University of California, Berkeley’s Academic and Administrative Holidays.
When do classes resume after major holidays at UC Berkeley?
Classes resume the business day following each UC Berkeley holiday 2025-2026 period. After Thanksgiving break (November 27-28), classes resume on Monday, December 1. Following winter break, the spring semester begins after Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19, 2026).
After spring recess (March 23-27), classes resume on Monday, March 30. Berkeley students should confirm their class schedules and any special requirements before each semester resumes following the University of California, Berkeley holiday periods.
