School holidays in Belgium in 2024–2025

If you have children in school, you’ll need to note down those school holiday dates as soon as possible so that you can plan activities and childcare arrangements ahead. In Belgium, school holidays typically cross over with public holidays (e.g., Christmas and Easter). There are also seasonal breaks, including several weeks off in the summer.

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The International School of Brussels

Looking for a leading international education in the Belgian capital? The International School of Brussels (ISB) provides an encouraging learning community for students from preschool to grade 12. The school offers a number of learning opportunities, including the IB Diploma program and US High School Diploma. See how the ISB could give your child the best start in life.

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An overview of school holidays in Belgium

Belgium is split into three different language-speaking communities:

• Dutch-speaking Flanders
• French-speaking Wallonia
• German-speaking eastern Wallonia

The Dutch-speaking and German-speaking communities share the same school holidays, however, the French-speaking community has different dates.

Belgian schools typically have five holidays across the year, including during Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. There are also a few individual days off, such as Whit Monday and Armistice Day.

International schools in Belgium generally follow the same school holiday dates as other schools, although summer holidays in some international schools start and end one to two weeks earlier than the general holiday dates.

Education

International schools in Belgium

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When are Belgium’s school holidays in 2024–2025?

All dates are subject to change.

Other important dates in 2024–2025

The additional holiday dates for the 2024–2025 school year are:

When are Belgium’s school holidays in 2025–2026?

All dates are subject to change.

Other important dates in 2025–2026

Depending on your area, some schools may be closed for local celebrations. For example, some schools will give children the day off for being part of a language community.

The additional holiday dates for the 2025–2026 school year are:

When are the public holidays in Belgium?

Some important public holidays and celebrations usually fall on school holidays, such as Labor Day in May and National Day in July.

You can learn more about these holidays (and dates) by reading our article on public holidays in Belgium.

Education

Public holidays in Belgium

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Tips for expat parents in Belgium

Childcare during school holidays

If you are working during school holidays, you may need to make childcare arrangements. You have several options:

• Flanders – daycare for school children: You can choose between family daycare (gezinsopvang in Dutch), which is usually a maximum of eight children looked after at the home of a certified childminder; or group reception (groepsopvang in Dutch), which is a larger building with several childcare providers. Information can be found on the Kind & Gezin website.
• Wallonia – Holiday centers (Centres de Vacances): You can search for suitable activities and centers on the website for ONE. Another useful resource is La Ligue des Familles, a membership organization that offers a range of holiday activities and opportunities for children aged 3 and above.

Prices and availability for activities vary, so it’s advisable to make inquiries at the earliest opportunity and find out if any discounts are available. Ask your child’s school to see if any school-related provisions exist.

Fun vacation camps in Belgium

There are a number of such camps in Belgium, including language schools, sports camps and adventure camps that are popular with expat children.