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ToggleAs 2025 draws to a close, December presents a perfect opportunity to take advantage of long weekends. With the holiday season in full swing, December is a month filled with festivities, family gatherings, and moments of reflection. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply taking a well deserved break, the long weekends in December 2025 offer ample opportunities to recharge before the new year. Here’s how you can make the most of these extended breaks.
United States:
Christmas Weekend (December 20–25, 2025):
In 2025, Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25, creating an excellent opportunity for a long festive break. By taking Friday, December 26 off, you can enjoy a six day weekend from Saturday, December 20, to Thursday, December 25 or even extend it through Friday for extra rest and celebration. It’s the perfect time to travel, relax, and spend quality moments with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve Long Weekend (December 31, 2025 – January 4, 2026):
New Year’s Eve falls on Wednesday, December 31, and New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026. By taking Friday, January 2 off, you can create a five day weekend from Wednesday, December 31, through Sunday, January 4. This extended break offers a great chance to recharge, travel, or welcome the new year in style.
Canada:
Christmas Weekend (December 20–25, 2025):
Canadians can look forward to a festive long weekend in 2025, with Christmas Day falling on Thursday, December 25. By taking Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, off, you can enjoy a six day break from Saturday, December 20, to Thursday, December 25 perfect for spending time with loved ones or traveling during the holidays.
Boxing Day Weekend (December 26–28, 2025):
Boxing Day falls on Friday, December 26. With the weekend immediately following, Canadians can enjoy a built in three day weekend from Friday, December 26, to Sunday, December 28 an ideal time for post holiday relaxation or shopping the famous Boxing Day sales.
United Kingdom:
Christmas and Boxing Day (December 24–28, 2025):
In 2025, Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25, and Boxing Day on Friday, December 26. By taking Wednesday, December 24, off, Canadians can enjoy a five-day festive break from Wednesday, December 24, to Sunday, December 28 perfect for celebrating, relaxing, and spending quality time with loved ones.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (December 31, 2025 – January 4, 2026):
New Year’s Eve falls on Wednesday, December 31, and New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026. By taking Friday, January 2, off, you can extend the celebrations into a five day weekend from Wednesday, December 31, to Sunday, January 4. It’s the ideal time to welcome the new year with travel, reflection, or rest before heading back to work.
Australia:
Christmas Weekend (December 20–25, 2025):
In 2025, Australians can look forward to an extended Christmas break. Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25, so by taking Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, off, you can enjoy a six-day weekend from Saturday, December 20, to Thursday, December 25. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the festive season, travel, or relax with family and friends.
Boxing Day Weekend (December 26–28, 2025):
Boxing Day falls on Friday, December 26, in 2025, creating a natural long weekend that runs from Friday, December 26, to Sunday, December 28. Australians can take advantage of this time for post-Christmas rest, shopping, or summer getaways.
New Zealand:
Christmas and Boxing Day (December 25–28, 2025):
In 2025, New Zealanders can look forward to a relaxing long weekend as Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25, and Boxing Day on Friday, December 26. With the weekend following right after, this creates a four day break from Thursday, December 25, to Sunday, December 28 the perfect time to celebrate, unwind, and enjoy the summer holidays with friends and family.
Germany and Other European Countries:
Christmas Weekend (December 20–25, 2025):
In 2025, Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25, in many European countries, including Germany, France, and Italy. By taking Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, off, Europeans can enjoy a six-day holiday from Saturday, December 20, to Thursday, December 25 an ideal time for festive gatherings, travel, or simply relaxing during the winter season.
Second Christmas Day (December 26–28, 2025):
Several European countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark, also observe December 26 as a public holiday. With the weekend following right after, this creates a natural three day break from Friday, December 26, to Sunday, December 28 perfect for continuing the celebrations or enjoying a peaceful post Christmas rest.
South Africa:
Christmas Weekend (December 20–25, 2025):
In 2025, Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25, giving South Africans the perfect chance for an extended festive break. By taking Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, off, you can enjoy a six-day weekend from Saturday, December 20, to Thursday, December 25 ideal for celebrating with family, traveling, or simply relaxing during the summer holidays.
Day of Goodwill Weekend (December 26–28, 2025):
The Day of Goodwill, observed on Friday, December 26, provides South Africans with a ready-made long weekend from Friday, December 26, to Sunday, December 28. It’s a great time to unwind after Christmas festivities, enjoy outdoor activities, or spend time with loved ones before the new year begins.
Japan:
Emperor’s Birthday (December 20–22, 2025):
In 2025, Japan celebrates the Emperor’s Birthday on Monday, December 22, creating a long weekend from Saturday, December 20, to Monday, December 22. This public holiday offers a wonderful opportunity for rest, travel, or attending festive national events that honor the Emperor.
Christmas Weekend (December 20–25, 2025):
While Christmas is not an official public holiday in Japan, many people still enjoy the festive atmosphere. By taking Tuesday, December 23, and Wednesday, December 24, off, you can create a six day break from Saturday, December 20, to Thursday, December 25 perfect for travel, leisure, or spending time with loved ones during the winter season.
Mexico:
Emperor’s Birthday (December 20–22, 2025):
Japan will celebrate the Emperor’s Birthday on Monday, December 22, 2025, giving citizens a three day weekend from Saturday, December 20, to Monday, December 22. This holiday is an important national occasion that marks the Emperor’s official birthday and offers a chance to relax or take short winter trips.
Christmas Weekend (December 20–25, 2025):
Although Christmas isn’t an official public holiday in Japan, many people enjoy the festive mood through decorations, special meals, and romantic traditions. By taking Tuesday, December 23, and Wednesday, December 24, off, you can enjoy a six day break from Saturday, December 20, to Thursday, December 25 perfect for travel, celebrations, or spending quality time with loved ones.
India:
Christmas Weekend (December 20–25, 2025):
In India, Christmas is a public holiday in several states, particularly those with large Christian communities. In 2025, Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25. By taking Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, off, you can enjoy a six day weekend from Saturday, December 20, to Thursday, December 25 a perfect opportunity to celebrate, travel, or relax with family and friends.
Southeast Asia:
Christmas Weekend (December 20–25, 2025):
In countries where Christmas is observed as a public holiday, such as the Philippines and Singapore, employees can enjoy an extended festive break in 2025. With Christmas Day falling on Thursday, December 25, taking Monday, December 22, and Tuesday, December 23, off creates a six-day weekend from Saturday, December 20, to Thursday, December 25. It’s the perfect time to celebrate, travel, or spend quality moments with loved ones.
China and Vietnam:
New Year’s Eve Long Weekend (December 31, 2025 – January 4, 2026):
While Christmas is not widely celebrated in some countries across Asia, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day offer the perfect chance for a long weekend. In 2025, New Year’s Eve falls on Wednesday, December 31, and New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026. By taking Friday, January 2, off, you can enjoy a five day weekend from Wednesday, December 31, to Sunday, January 4 an ideal way to relax, travel, or welcome the new year refreshed and recharged.
Note:
The long weekends mentioned in the article are centered around official holidays, which vary depending on the country:
- Christmas Day (December 25th): Official holiday in many countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and much of Europe.
- Boxing Day (December 26th): Official holiday in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (December 31st and January 1st): New Year’s Day is an official holiday worldwide. New Year’s Eve is commonly celebrated but is not always an official holiday, though some businesses may close early.
- Emperor’s Birthday (December 23rd): Official holiday in Japan.
- Day of Goodwill (December 26th): Official holiday in South Africa.
In some countries, additional holidays or the option to take time off around these dates may create long weekends, but whether or not they are official holidays depends on the specific country and its regulations.
Planning Tips for December 2025 Long Weekends
To fully enjoy the long weekends in December 2025, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Here are some helpful tips to make sure your holidays go smoothly and stress free:
Book Early:
December is one of the busiest travel months of the year, so it’s essential to book your flights, accommodations, and activities well in advance. Early planning not only helps you secure better rates but also guarantees availability during peak holiday periods.
Budget Wisely:
The festive season can quickly become expensive with the costs of travel, gifts, and celebrations. Set a clear budget for your long weekend plans and look out for seasonal discounts on flights and hotels to make the most of your money.
Pack Smart:
If you’re traveling during the holidays, pack efficiently to avoid last minute stress. Include weather appropriate clothing especially if you’re heading somewhere cold and remember to pack gifts or festive items if you’ll be spending time with family and friends.
Prioritize Relaxation:
Amid the hustle of the holiday season, remember to slow down and recharge. Whether it’s enjoying a spa day, curling up with a good book, or simply sleeping in, make sure your break includes some true rest and relaxation.
Stay Flexible:
Holiday crowds and unpredictable weather can sometimes affect your plans. Keep a flexible attitude and have a backup plan in case of changes or delays. Embracing spontaneity can help you maintain the festive spirit no matter what comes your way.
FAQ: Work Life Balance During Long Weekends in December 2025
How can I ensure a healthy work life balance during the long weekends in December?
To maintain a healthy work life balance, plan your time off in advance. Set clear boundaries by informing colleagues and clients of your availability, avoid checking work emails during the break, and dedicate time to activities that help you relax and recharge. This approach will help you fully enjoy the long weekends without work related stress.
What should I do if I have to work during one of the long weekends?
If work commitments require you to be available during a long weekend, try to manage your workload efficiently. Prioritize urgent tasks, delegate where possible, and set specific hours for work so that you can still enjoy some downtime. If possible, negotiate a compensatory day off later to make up for the lost time.
How can I prepare my team for my absence during a long weekend?
Before taking time off, ensure that your team is well prepared for your absence. Delegate responsibilities, provide detailed instructions for ongoing projects, and designate a point of contact for any urgent matters. Communicating your plans in advance helps avoid disruptions and ensures smooth operations while you’re away.
How can I manage stress if I feel overwhelmed before the holidays?
The lead up to the holidays can be stressful due to end of year deadlines and personal obligations. To manage stress, prioritize your tasks, break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps, and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. It’s also important to seek support from colleagues or a manager if needed.
What strategies can I use to make a smooth transition back to work after the long weekend?
Returning to work after a long weekend can be challenging. To ease the transition, start by reviewing your to do list, prioritizing tasks, and catching up on emails gradually. It might also help to schedule lighter tasks on your first day back to give yourself time to adjust.
Is it advisable to check work emails during the long weekends?
While it’s generally best to disconnect completely during long weekends, some professionals may feel more comfortable staying partially connected. If you choose to check emails, set specific times for this (e.g., once in the morning) to prevent work from encroaching on your time off. Otherwise, consider setting an out of office reply to manage expectations.
How can I use long weekends to improve my professional skills?
Long weekends offer a great opportunity to engage in self improvement without the usual workday pressures. You can use this time to read industry related books, take online courses, or reflect on your career goals. Just ensure you balance this with relaxation to avoid burnout.
How can remote workers manage work life balance during long weekends?
For remote workers, separating work from personal time can be more challenging. To manage this during long weekends, create a physical separation by not working in your usual workspace, and turn off work notifications. It’s important to establish a routine that clearly marks the beginning and end of your work hours, even during holidays.
What are some tips for maximizing productivity before a long weekend?
To maximize productivity before a long weekend, prioritize your tasks and focus on completing high impact projects. Avoid starting new projects that you can’t finish before your break, and tie up any loose ends. This approach will help you leave work with peace of mind, knowing that critical tasks are under control.
Should I discuss my long weekend plans with my manager or team?
Yes, it’s a good idea to inform your manager and team about your long weekend plans, especially if you’re taking additional days off around public holidays. This allows for better coordination within the team and ensures that everyone is aware of who will be available during the holiday period.
Conclusion
December 2025 offers numerous long weekends across the globe, providing the perfect opportunity for travel, relaxation, and celebration. Whether you’re planning to spend time with family, embark on a holiday adventure, or simply enjoy some downtime, these extended breaks are ideal for ending the year on a high note. Be sure to plan ahead to make the most of these long weekends and embrace the festive spirit!
