The UGA Holiday Calendar 2025-2026 outlines key paid holidays and academic breaks that affect students, faculty, and staff.
The University of Georgia observes 13 paid holidays annually, and these dates are in the official UGA Holiday Calendar maintained by Human Resources.
These holidays ensure students and faculty have adequate time for rest, travel, and preparation.
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UGA Holiday Schedules 2025-2026
Academic holidays differ from paid holidays, as they specifically indicate “no classes” days rather than complete office closures.
Students should consult the UGA Holiday Calendar alongside the UGA Academic Calendar 2025-2026 to confirm all class-free days and academic closures at UGA.
Labor Day – Monday, September 1, 2025
Labor Day marks the first University of Georgia holiday schedule observance of the Fall 2025 semester, providing essential downtime as students and faculty settle into the new academic year.
The UGA Holiday Calendar 2025 designates this federal holiday as a complete campus closure, affecting all UGA administrative offices, closed holidays, and non-essential operations throughout Athens.
This UGA-paid holiday observance honors American workers while giving the university community time to adjust to fall semester demands and participate in traditional Labor Day activities with family and friends.
The UGA campus operations during holidays follow established protocols, with dining facilities and recreational centers operating on modified schedules while most student services maintain holiday hours.
Many students use this UGA holiday break date opportunity to explore Athens, complete coursework, or visit family before the semester intensifies.
UGA Fall Break – Friday, October 31, 2025
Fall Break provides a mid-semester respite within the UGA Holiday Calendar with no classes scheduled on Friday, October 31, 2025, though this is not designated as a UGA-paid holiday for employees.
This University of Georgia holiday schedule break allows students essential time for rest, academic catch-up, and Halloween celebrations while faculty use the extended weekend for grading and course preparation.
The UGA campus operations during holidays maintain normal staffing levels while students enjoy the three-day weekend break from academic responsibilities.
All UGA residence halls remain open during Fall Break, ensuring students have convenient access to their housing without disruption to their living arrangements.
Planning around UGA holiday breaks during fall break helps students manage mid-semester stress and complete major assignments before the final push toward Thanksgiving and finals.
UGA student services holiday hours operate normally, while campus activities may include special Halloween programming and events throughout Athens.
This strategic break placement in the UGA academic calendar holidays helps maintain student wellness and academic performance during the demanding fall semester.
UGA Thanksgiving Break – November 25-28, 2025
Thanksgiving Break represents the most significant UGA Holiday Calendar observance of the fall semester, with the last day of classes on Tuesday, November 25, followed by no classes Wednesday through Friday (November 26-28).
Most UGA residence halls close on Wednesday, November 26, at 10:00 AM EST and reopen Sunday, November 30, at noon EST, though Brown, ECV, Payne, Reed, and UV halls remain open for students who cannot travel home.
Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day) and Friday, November 28 (Day After Thanksgiving) are official UGA paid holidays for employees, with classes resuming Monday, December 1, 2025.
Planning around UGA holiday breaks becomes crucial during this extended period, as many out-of-state students coordinate travel while local community members prepare for family gatherings and celebrations.
Students staying on campus during the break can remain in the designated open residence halls while accessing reduced campus services and dining options.
The UGA academic calendar holidays impact provides essential recovery time before the final weeks of classes and the December 4-10 final examinations period.
UGA Winter Break – December 11, 2025 – January 11, 2026
UGA Winter Break 2025 is from Thursday, December 11, 2025, to Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The University of Georgia Winter Break encompasses the most extensive UGA Holiday Calendar closure period, including Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas Day (December 25), New Year’s Eve (December 31), and New Year’s Day (January 1) as consecutive UGA paid holidays.
Most UGA residence halls close Saturday, December 13, at noon EST, with UV closing Sunday, December 14, at noon EST, and all halls reopening Friday, January 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST. Brown, ECV, Payne, Reed, and UV halls remain open during winter break for students who cannot travel home, while spring semester classes begin January 12, 2026.
The UGA campus operations during holidays maintain only emergency services, creating a peaceful environment perfect for contemplation, family connection, and year-end reflection.
The UGA academic holidays 2025 winter break schedule accommodates students who travel home for extended family time while supporting staff and faculty who need adequate rest after intensive fall semester responsibilities.
UGA student services holiday hours operate minimally during this period, with most campus facilities closed except for essential safety and security operations.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Day holds special significance within the UGA Holiday Calendar as both a federal holiday observance and an opportunity for meaningful community engagement around social justice themes.
The University of Georgia holiday schedule designation on Monday, January 19, 2026, occurs during early spring semester weeks when students and faculty can participate in commemorative programming and service learning opportunities.
This UGA observed holidays inclusion reflects institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice principles that Dr. King championed throughout his civil rights leadership.
The UGA academic calendar holiday observance often features special programming that connects Dr. King’s legacy with contemporary social issues and community service opportunities.
Many departments organize volunteer activities through Athens community partnerships, embodying service-learning principles while fulfilling UGA community holiday closures through meaningful engagement.
Students frequently participate in organized projects that satisfy both academic requirements and community needs while honoring Dr. King’s philosophy of service and social justice advocacy.
Spring Break – March 9-13, 2026
UGA Spring Break 2026 provides a crucial mid-semester break within the UGA Holiday Calendar, with the last day of classes on Friday, March 6, followed by no classes Monday through Friday (March 9-13), and classes resuming Monday, March 16, 2026.
This University of Georgia holiday schedule break allows students essential time for rest, travel, and academic catch-up while faculty use the period for research, grading, and course preparation.
UGA student services holiday hours accommodate students remaining on campus while most campus activities pause for the break period.
Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2026
Memorial Day concludes the UGA Holiday Calendar spring semester period while honoring military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for American freedoms.
This UGA paid holiday observance on Monday, May 25, 2026, provides solemn recognition of fallen heroes while marking the unofficial beginning of summer operations and activities.
The University of Georgia holiday observance policy acknowledges both the federal holiday’s serious purpose and its practical role as a transition point between intensive spring semester activities and more relaxed summer programming.
UGA campus operations during holidays on Memorial Day reflect the university’s strong connections to military service members, veterans, and their families within the broader campus community.
The UGA holiday break schedule allows community members to participate in local Memorial Day ceremonies, visit military cemeteries, or engage in personal reflection about military sacrifice and service.
Many students and employees use this UGA academic holiday opportunity to begin summer activities while maintaining appropriate awareness of the holiday’s solemn purpose and meaning.
Juneteenth – Friday, June 19, 2026
Juneteenth represents the newest addition to the UGA Holiday Calendar, celebrating African American freedom and achievements while acknowledging the end of slavery in the United States.
The University of Georgia holiday schedule observance on Friday, June 19, 2026, occurs during the summer session when campus operations are reduced but educational opportunities continue for students enrolled in summer coursework.
This UGA official holiday list inclusion demonstrates institutional commitment to recognizing all aspects of American history while celebrating African American contributions to higher education and society.
The UGA academic holiday extension into summer provides opportunities for focused educational programming, cultural celebrations, and community engagement that honor African American heritage.
Summer session students and faculty often participate in special lectures, cultural events, or service learning projects connecting historical understanding with contemporary social justice issues.
The UGA holiday observance during summer allows for intimate, focused programming while respecting this important milestone in American civil rights history and ongoing struggles for equality.
Independence Day – Friday, July 4, 2026
Independence Day concludes the UGA Holiday Calendar summer period while celebrating American democratic principles and freedoms on Friday, July 4, 2026.
This UGA campus closure holiday observance provides employees and summer session students time to participate in patriotic celebrations, family gatherings, and personal reflection on American freedoms and civic responsibilities.
The University of Georgia’s holiday policy recognizes both the federal holidays’ patriotic significance and their practical role as a summer break opportunity during ongoing educational programming.
UGA’s Independence Day holiday recognizes fundamental democratic values that support public higher education and academic freedom principles.
Faculty, staff, and students often participate in local Fourth of July festivities throughout Athens and surrounding Georgia communities, strengthening connections between the university and broader state society.
The UGA student services holiday hours accommodate those remaining on campus while most operations close completely for the holiday, providing midpoint relief during summer session activities.
UGA Paid Holidays 2025-2026
UGA observes 13 paid holidays per calendar year, with several falling during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms as outlined in the UGA Holiday Calendar.
These official UGA paid holidays affect campus operations, payroll processing, and student services availability.
Fall 2025 Paid Holidays
- Labor Day – Monday, September 1, 2025
- Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Day After Thanksgiving – Friday, November 28, 2025
- Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, 2025 (observed)
- Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 2025
- New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, December 31, 2025 (observed)
Spring 2026 Paid Holidays
- New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2026
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, January 19, 2026
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2026
Summer 2026 Paid Holidays
- Juneteenth – Friday, June 19, 2026
- Independence Day – Friday, July 4, 2026
When official holidays fall on weekends, the UGA Holiday Calendar may shift observance to the nearest weekday.
Always verify the exact UGA holiday dates 2025–2026 through the official UGA HR holiday schedule, as observation adjustments ensure employees receive proper holiday benefits while maintaining essential campus operations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the UGA Holiday Calendar
How many paid holidays does UGA observe in the 2025-2026 academic year?
UGA observes 13 paid holidays each calendar year. For the 2025-2026 academic year, key paid holidays in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 appear in the UGA Holiday Calendar available on the Human Resources website.
Where can I find the official UGA Holiday Calendar for 2025-2026?
The UGA Holiday Calendar is available on the UGA Human Resources “Paid Holidays” page in both PDF and web formats. Academic closures for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 appear on the Registrar’s Academic Calendars page with detailed semester information.
Do classes always pause on paid holidays?
Many paid holidays coincide with academic closures, but students should confirm via the Registrar’s 2025-2026 Academic Calendar. Consult the UGA Holiday Calendar to determine which holidays result in “no classes” days versus administrative closures only.
What if a holiday falls on a weekend?
UGA typically observes holidays on the nearest weekday when the actual holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday. The UGA Holiday Calendar reflects such adjustments, ensuring employees receive appropriate holiday benefits while maintaining campus operations.
