For many families across the United States, Lunar New Year is a major cultural celebration. If you are wondering, is there school on Lunar New Year, the answer depends on your local school district. Most US public schools do not close for this holiday, but a growing number of districts in areas with large Asian American populations now recognize it as an official day off.
Understanding Lunar New Year in US Schools
Lunar New Year is not a federal holiday in the United States. Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, the federal government does not mandate a day off. Public schools follow state and local calendars, which rarely include Lunar New Year as a closure day.
However, this is changing in some communities. In cities like New York, San Francisco, and parts of New Jersey, school boards have voted to add Lunar New Year to the official holiday calendar. These decisions often reflect the cultural makeup of the student body.
When Is Lunar New Year in 2027?
The date of Lunar New Year changes each year because it follows the lunar calendar. In 2027, Lunar New Year falls on Saturday, February 6. Since it is a weekend, most schools would not have been in session anyway. But the official holiday period often includes the preceding Friday or the following Monday depending on district policy.
Which School Districts Close for Lunar New Year?
As of July 2026, several major US school districts have added Lunar New Year as an official holiday. The following table shows examples of districts that currently close for the day.
| School District | State | Status for 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New York City Public Schools | New York | Closed (holiday added in 2023) |
| San Francisco Unified School District | California | Closed (holiday since 2020) |
| Montgomery County Public Schools | Maryland | Closed (holiday added for 2025–26) |
| Los Angeles Unified School District | California | No official closure as of 2026 |
This list is not exhaustive. Many smaller districts in areas with significant Asian populations also close. Always check your local school calendar directly.
What to Do If School Is Open on Lunar New Year
If your child’s school does not close for Lunar New Year, you still have options to celebrate the holiday meaningfully. Many families choose to observe traditions before or after school hours.
Here are some practical ways to honor the holiday when school is in session:
- Prepare a special breakfast before school, such as dumplings or rice cakes, to celebrate the morning together.
- Pack a festive lunch with traditional foods like spring rolls or mandarin oranges.
- Plan an evening celebration with extended family, including red envelope exchanges and fireworks.
- Request a personal day off for your child if your district allows excused absences for cultural observances.
Requesting an Excused Absence
Many school districts permit excused absences for religious or cultural holidays. Lunar New Year qualifies under this category in most places. You will likely need to submit a written note or fill out a form in advance. Check your district’s attendance policy on the official website.
Why Some Schools Are Adding Lunar New Year
Advocacy from parents and community groups has driven the change. When a large percentage of students celebrate the holiday, missing school can mean missing important cultural family events. School boards have responded by updating calendars to be more inclusive.
In districts that have added Lunar New Year, the decision often follows years of petitioning by Asian American parent associations. The holiday is now recognized as a day of cultural significance, similar to how schools close for Rosh Hashanah or Eid al-Fitr.
How to Find Out Your School’s Policy
To know for sure whether your child has school on Lunar New Year, follow these steps:
- Visit your school district’s official website and locate the academic calendar for 2026–2027.
- Look for any reference to Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, or Tet (Vietnamese New Year).
- If the calendar is not yet posted, contact the district office by phone or email.
- Ask your child’s teacher or school principal for confirmation.
Do not rely solely on word of mouth. Calendars can change, and some districts update them late in the summer. Always verify with an official source.
Planning Ahead for 2027
Since Lunar New Year in 2027 falls on a Saturday, the question of school closure may be less urgent for that year. However, some districts may close on Friday, February 5, or Monday, February 8, to allow for a long weekend. Check your district’s calendar for those adjacent dates.
For families who want to travel to celebrate with relatives, planning ahead is essential. Book flights and accommodations early, as Lunar New Year is a peak travel period for many communities. If your child will miss school days, notify the school as early as possible.
In summary, whether there is school on Lunar New Year depends entirely on where you live. Most US schools remain open, but a growing number of districts now close in recognition of the holiday. For 2027, the Saturday date means many children will already be home for the weekend. Always confirm your local calendar and consider requesting an excused absence if needed. With a little planning, your family can enjoy a meaningful celebration regardless of the school schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there school on Lunar New Year in the US?
Most US public schools do not close for Lunar New Year, but some districts in areas with large Asian American populations now recognize it as an official holiday.
What if my child’s school is open on Lunar New Year?
You can celebrate before or after school, or request an excused absence for a cultural observance if your district allows it.
Which states have Lunar New Year as a school holiday?
There is no statewide policy in any US state, but individual districts in New York, California, and Maryland are examples of places that have added the holiday.
Is Lunar New Year a federal holiday?
No, Lunar New Year is not a federal holiday in the United States, so federal offices and most public schools remain open unless a local decision says otherwise.
Will schools be closed for Lunar New Year in 2027?
Lunar New Year in 2027 falls on Saturday, February 6, so most schools will already be closed for the weekend, though some may also close on the adjacent Friday or Monday.
