Good news for Malaysian parents, students and teachers! The much-awaited year-end school holidays are almost here, giving families a wonderful opportunity to take a break, enjoy quality time together and make the most of the festive season. With the December school holidays approaching, parents can finally start planning family holidays, shopping trips, educational outings and exciting activities for their children.
According to the 2026/2027 academic calendar from the Ministry of Education Malaysia (Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia or KPM), the year-end school holidays will officially begin on 4 December 2026 for Group A schools and 5 December 2026 for Group B schools. Both groups will enjoy their holidays until 3 January 2027, with schools scheduled to reopen nationwide on Monday, 4 January 2027.
This extended holiday period is particularly exciting because it includes Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Day and the usual year-end shopping season. Families who have been waiting for an opportunity to travel or spend more time with their children can now begin organising their plans.
However, parents should take note that the starting dates are different depending on their state. Here is a useful breakdown of the Malaysia school holiday schedule for 2026/2027.
Malaysia Year-End School Holidays 2026/2027: Full Schedule
The Ministry of Education divides Malaysian schools into two groups for the academic calendar. This means parents should check which group their children’s schools belong to before making travel arrangements or booking accommodation.
Group A – Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu
Students attending schools in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will enjoy an earlier start to their year-end holidays.
- Last day of school: Thursday, 3 December 2026.
- First day of school holidays: Friday, 4 December 2026.
- Last day of school holidays: Sunday, 3 January 2027.
- Schools reopen: Monday, 4 January 2027.
Group B – Other States in Malaysia
For students studying in the remaining states and federal territories, the year-end school holidays will begin one day later.
- Last day of school: Friday, 4 December 2026.
- First day of school holidays: Saturday, 5 December 2026.
- Last day of school holidays: Sunday, 3 January 2027.
- Schools reopen: Monday, 4 January 2027.
The good news is that both groups share the same school reopening date. Regardless of whether children attend Group A or Group B schools, parents can plan their family activities around the common holiday ending on 3 January 2027.
Which States Are Included in Group A and Group B?
Not sure which school holiday schedule applies to your state? Here is a simple guide to help parents identify the correct group.
Group A States:
- Kedah
- Kelantan
- Terengganu
Group B States and Federal Territories:
- Johor
- Melaka
- Negeri Sembilan
- Pahang
- Perak
- Perlis
- Penang
- Sabah
- Sarawak
- Selangor
- Kuala Lumpur
- Labuan
- Putrajaya
If your children attend schools in Kedah, Kelantan or Terengganu, remember that their holidays begin on 4 December 2026. For families living in other states and federal territories, the break starts on 5 December 2026.
It is always a good idea to double-check the applicable calendar with your children’s schools, particularly if they follow a special academic arrangement.
Important Dates to Remember During the 2026/2027 School Holidays
Besides the official school holiday dates, there are several important celebrations and public holidays that families may want to include in their December and January plans.
Here are the key dates worth marking on your calendar:
- 4 December 2026 (Friday): First day of the year-end school holidays for Group A.
- 5 December 2026 (Saturday): First day of the year-end school holidays for Group B.
- 25 December 2026 (Friday): Christmas Day.
- 1 January 2027 (Friday): New Year’s Day.
- 3 January 2027 (Sunday): Final day of the year-end school holidays.
- 4 January 2027 (Monday): Schools reopen nationwide.
With Christmas and New Year’s Day falling within the school holiday period, families have plenty of opportunities to enjoy festive celebrations, visit shopping malls and arrange short getaways.
Parents who are planning to travel during Christmas and New Year should consider making reservations early. Popular tourist destinations and family-friendly hotels can become particularly busy during this period.
6 Things Parents Can Enjoy and Plan During the December School Holidays
The year-end school holidays are more than just a break from homework and classroom activities. They are also a great opportunity for parents to create meaningful memories with their children without having to worry about the usual school timetable.
Here are six ideas worth considering.
1. Plan a Family Holiday or Short Getaway
One of the best ways to enjoy the school holidays is by arranging a family trip. Malaysia has plenty of destinations suitable for families, whether they prefer relaxing seaside holidays, cool highland weather or exploring historical attractions.
Popular choices include Penang, Melaka, Johor, Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands. Families can compare accommodation prices, transport costs and attraction packages before deciding where to go.
For those travelling with younger children, it is worth choosing destinations with convenient facilities, family-friendly attractions and activities suitable for different age groups.
2. Enjoy Year-End Shopping Promotions
December is also an exciting month for bargain hunters. Many shopping centres, retailers and online stores typically organise year-end sales, clearance promotions and festive shopping campaigns.
Parents can look out for discounts on clothing, children’s products, electronics, household essentials and gifts. Shopping during promotional periods can help families save money, especially when purchasing several items at once.
Remember to compare prices before buying and check the promotional terms to make sure the discounts offer genuine savings.
3. Bring Children to Educational Attractions
School holidays do not necessarily mean children need to stop learning. Parents can make their free time more meaningful by visiting museums, science centres, exhibitions and interactive learning attractions.
These places provide opportunities for children to discover new interests, explore science and technology, learn about history and experience activities outside their usual classroom environment.
It is a good way to combine entertainment with learning while allowing children to enjoy something different from their everyday routine.
4. Explore Theme Parks and Outdoor Activities
For families who enjoy outdoor adventures, the December break is a good time to explore theme parks, water parks, nature attractions and recreational destinations.
Parents can arrange a day trip to enjoy rides, swimming activities, nature walks or other family-friendly experiences. Children can spend their energy exploring new surroundings while parents get an opportunity to relax and enjoy some quality family time.
Before visiting, check the attraction’s operating hours, ticket prices and any advance booking requirements.
5. Enjoy Christmas Decorations and Festive Celebrations
Christmas is one of the highlights of December, and many shopping malls across Malaysia decorate their premises with beautiful festive displays, Christmas trees and seasonal installations.
Families can bring their children to enjoy the decorations, take photographs and participate in selected festive activities. Some shopping centres may also organise Christmas performances, special appearances and promotional events.
It can be an enjoyable outing even for families who simply want to experience the festive atmosphere without spending too much money.
6. Start Back-to-School Shopping Early
Although the school holidays are a time for relaxation, parents should not leave everything until the final few days before schools reopen.
The December break is an excellent opportunity to start preparing for the new school term. Look out for promotions on school uniforms, shoes, school bags, stationery, water bottles, lunch boxes and other essential supplies.
Buying these items during year-end promotions may help parents manage their household expenses more comfortably.
It is also a good idea to check which school supplies can still be reused from the previous academic year. This simple step can prevent unnecessary spending.
Why Parents Should Start Planning the School Holidays Early
With several weeks available for family activities, it can be tempting to leave holiday planning until December arrives. However, preparing early can make a big difference, especially for families travelling with children.
First, early planning gives parents more time to compare accommodation rates, transport options and attraction packages. This can help them avoid last-minute bookings that may cost considerably more.
Second, parents can organise their spending by setting aside a budget for travel, shopping, meals and entertainment. Not every holiday activity needs to be expensive. Sometimes, a simple picnic, a visit to a public park or a family movie night at home can be just as enjoyable.
Most importantly, parents should also remember to leave some time for children to rest. After a busy academic year, children deserve an opportunity to relax, spend time with their families and prepare themselves mentally for the next school term.
Official Information and Useful Links
For the latest announcements, academic calendar updates and any changes to the school holiday arrangements, parents are encouraged to refer to the official Ministry of Education Malaysia website.
Here are the useful references:
- Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM): https://www.moe.gov.my/
- 2026 Academic Calendar and School Holiday Information: https://www.moe.gov.my/
- Original reference and additional school holiday information: https://www.winrayland.com/2026/11/cuti-sekolah.html
Parents should always refer to the official KPM announcements and check with their respective schools for the latest information before finalising their plans.
Final Reminder: Malaysia Schools Reopen on 4 January 2027
The 2026/2027 year-end school holidays are a great opportunity for Malaysian families to slow down, enjoy festive celebrations and spend more meaningful time together.
To recap, Group A schools in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will begin their holidays on 4 December 2026, while Group B schools in the other states and federal territories will start on 5 December 2026.
Both groups will enjoy their break until 3 January 2027, with schools reopening nationwide on Monday, 4 January 2027.
Parents, mark these dates on your calendar and start preparing for the upcoming school holidays! Whether it is a family getaway, a shopping trip, an educational adventure or simply spending more time at home, there are plenty of ways to make the December break memorable.
Do not forget to book accommodation early, compare travel prices and take advantage of year-end shopping promotions. With a little preparation, families can enjoy a wonderful school holiday without putting too much pressure on their budget.
Promotional/Event Details
Event: Malaysia Year-End School Holidays 2026/2027
Date:
- Group A: 4 December 2026 (Friday) – 3 January 2027 (Sunday).
- Group B: 5 December 2026 (Saturday) – 3 January 2027 (Sunday).
- Schools reopen: 4 January 2027 (Monday).
Time: Not applicable (official school holiday period).
Venue: Nationwide, Malaysia.
Participating States:
- Group A: Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
- Group B: Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
Organiser: Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM).
Official Website: https://www.moe.gov.my/
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