Indiana courts use the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines to establish holiday custody schedules, with holidays alternating between parents based on even and odd years. In 2026 (an even-numbered year), the custodial parent has priority for Thanksgiving, Easter, and spring break, while the noncustodial parent receives the first half of winter break (ending at noon on December 25). The Guidelines specify exact times for each holiday: Thanksgiving runs from Wednesday at 6:00 PM through Sunday at 6:00 PM, Christmas break splits at noon on December 25, and summer vacation divides equally between parents with an April 1 notification deadline.
Key Facts: Indiana Holiday Custody Schedule
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Governing Rules | Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (Effective March 1, 2013, amended October 5, 2021) |
| Filing Fee | $157-$185 (as of March 2026; verify with your local clerk) |
| Waiting Period | 60 days minimum after filing |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months state, 3 months county |
| Holiday Priority | Holidays override regular parenting time |
| Scheduling Control | School district calendar determines break dates |
| Summer Notice Deadline | April 1 annually |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution |
How Indiana Holiday Custody Schedules Work
The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines establish minimum parenting time standards that apply when parents cannot reach their own agreement, serving as the court's default framework under Ind. Code § 31-17-4-1. Holiday parenting time supersedes all regular parenting time arrangements, meaning if a parent loses their regular weekend due to a holiday, that time is forfeited rather than made up. School district calendars control all break dates for school-aged children, and for children not yet enrolled in school, the calendar of the district where the child primarily resides applies.
The alternating year system assigns holidays based on whether the current year is even or odd. In even-numbered years (2026, 2028, 2030), the custodial parent receives Easter, Thanksgiving, and spring break, while the noncustodial parent receives the first half of winter break. These assignments reverse in odd-numbered years (2027, 2029, 2031). This predictable rotation allows both parents to plan family gatherings years in advance.
Christmas and Winter Break Schedule in Indiana
Indiana divides winter break into two equal halves, with the dividing point occurring at 12:00 noon on December 25. In 2026, the noncustodial parent receives the first half (from school dismissal until noon on Christmas Day), while the custodial parent receives the second half (from noon on Christmas Day until school resumes). This arrangement reverses in 2027.
When Christmas Day does not fall within a parent's half of winter break, that parent receives visitation from noon until 9:00 PM on Christmas Day. This provision ensures both parents share some Christmas time with the child regardless of which half they received.
Winter Break Timeline for 2026
| Period | Dates | Parent (2026) | Exchange Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Half | School dismissal to Dec 25 | Noncustodial Parent | 12:00 PM Dec 25 |
| Christmas Day (if not in your half) | December 25 | Both parents share | 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Second Half | Dec 25 to school resumes | Custodial Parent | 12:00 PM Dec 25 |
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are not treated as separate holidays under the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. These dates fall within whichever parent's half of winter break includes them, providing no independent exchange requirement.
Thanksgiving Parenting Time in Indiana
Thanksgiving weekend spans from Wednesday at 6:00 PM through Sunday at 6:00 PM, creating a four-day period under the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. In 2026, the custodial parent has Thanksgiving because it is an even-numbered year. In 2027, the noncustodial parent will have Thanksgiving.
The extended Thanksgiving period recognizes that many Indiana families celebrate with gatherings on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday rather than just Thursday. This four-day allocation allows the parent with custody to travel with the child for out-of-state family visits without rushing back for an early exchange.
Summer Vacation Division in Indiana
Summer vacation parenting time divides equally between both parents, with the noncustodial parent selecting their preferred weeks first. The noncustodial parent must notify the custodial parent of their selection by April 1 each year. If no notice is given by April 1, the custodial parent makes the selection and notifies the other parent of the schedule.
Summer parenting time may be taken as one consecutive block or split into two segments. Many Indiana families choose split segments to allow both parents to enjoy early summer activities (graduation parties, camps) and late summer activities (back-to-school preparation, family vacations).
Summer Schedule Planning Requirements
| Deadline | Action Required | Consequence of Missing |
|---|---|---|
| April 1 | Noncustodial parent submits summer schedule | Custodial parent selects instead |
| 30 days before | Travel notification if leaving state for more than 48 hours | Court may restrict travel |
| 7 days before | Exchange location/time confirmation | Default to residence |
Easter and Spring Break in Indiana
Easter parenting time runs from Friday at 6:00 PM until Sunday at 6:00 PM. In even-numbered years (2026), the custodial parent has Easter; in odd-numbered years (2027), the noncustodial parent has Easter.
Spring break begins at 6:00 PM on the last day of school before the break and ends at 6:00 PM on the last day before school resumes. Spring break follows the same even/odd year alternation as Easter, meaning the custodial parent has spring break in 2026 and the noncustodial parent has spring break in 2027.
When Easter falls during spring break, the spring break schedule takes priority. The parent who has spring break retains the child throughout, including Easter Sunday.
Mother's Day and Father's Day
Mother's Day and Father's Day do not alternate—each parent always has the child on their respective holiday regardless of the regular schedule. The child stays with the mother from Friday at 6:00 PM through Sunday at 6:00 PM for Mother's Day weekend, and with the father during the same timeframe for Father's Day weekend.
These holidays override all other parenting time, including regular weekends and summer schedules. A father who would otherwise have the child on Mother's Day weekend must return the child to the mother by Friday at 6:00 PM.
Memorial Day and Labor Day
Both Memorial Day and Labor Day provide three-day weekend parenting time from Friday at 6:00 PM through Monday at 6:00 PM. These holidays alternate annually between parents on the even/odd year schedule.
In 2026 (even year), the custodial parent has both Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. In 2027 (odd year), the noncustodial parent receives both holiday weekends.
Fourth of July Parenting Time
Fourth of July parenting time runs from 6:00 PM on July 3 through 6:00 PM on July 5, providing one parent with the entire two-day holiday period. This holiday alternates annually: the custodial parent has July 4th in even years (2026), the noncustodial parent in odd years (2027).
This schedule ensures one parent can enjoy fireworks celebrations, parades, and community events with the child without mid-holiday exchanges.
Fall Break and Halloween
Fall break parenting time begins at 6:00 PM on the child's last day of school before fall break and ends at 6:00 PM on the last day before school resumes. Like spring break, fall break alternates on the even/odd year system.
Halloween parenting time allows the noncustodial parent (in even years like 2026, this is the custodial parent) to have the child from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, or until trick-or-treating concludes in that parent's community. If the parent lives in a community where trick-or-treating ends at 8:00 PM, the parenting time ends at 8:00 PM.
Child's Birthday Parenting Time
In even-numbered years (2026), the noncustodial parent has the child on their birthday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. On school days, this time adjusts to 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In odd-numbered years, the custodial parent has the child on their birthday.
If the child's birthday falls during a holiday that takes priority (such as during winter break or Thanksgiving), the holiday schedule controls, and no separate birthday exchange occurs.
Parent's Birthday Parenting Time
Every year (not alternating), each parent has the child from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on that parent's birthday, or from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM if the birthday falls on a school day. If the parent's birthday falls within a holiday period assigned to the other parent, the holiday schedule takes priority.
Complete Holiday Alternation Schedule
| Holiday | 2026 (Even Year) | 2027 (Odd Year) | Exchange Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Break First Half | Noncustodial | Custodial | School dismissal to noon Dec 25 |
| Winter Break Second Half | Custodial | Noncustodial | Noon Dec 25 to school resumes |
| Thanksgiving | Custodial | Noncustodial | Wed 6 PM to Sun 6 PM |
| Easter | Custodial | Noncustodial | Fri 6 PM to Sun 6 PM |
| Spring Break | Custodial | Noncustodial | Last school day 6 PM to day before school 6 PM |
| Fall Break | Custodial | Noncustodial | Last school day 6 PM to day before school 6 PM |
| Memorial Day | Custodial | Noncustodial | Fri 6 PM to Mon 6 PM |
| Labor Day | Custodial | Noncustodial | Fri 6 PM to Mon 6 PM |
| July 4th | Custodial | Noncustodial | July 3 6 PM to July 5 6 PM |
| Halloween | Noncustodial | Custodial | 6 PM to 9 PM |
| Child's Birthday | Noncustodial | Custodial | 9 AM-9 PM or 5-8 PM school days |
| Mother's Day | Always Mother | Always Mother | Fri 6 PM to Sun 6 PM |
| Father's Day | Always Father | Always Father | Fri 6 PM to Sun 6 PM |
Modifying Indiana Holiday Custody Schedules
Courts may modify holiday parenting time when doing so serves the child's best interests under Ind. Code § 31-17-2-21. The parent seeking modification must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances since the original order, such as relocation, work schedule changes, or the child's evolving needs.
Parents can agree to modify holiday schedules without court intervention. Many Indiana families create custom arrangements that better suit their religious observances, extended family traditions, or work schedules. Written agreements signed by both parents carry significant weight if disputes later arise.
Best Interest Factors Under Ind. Code § 31-17-2-8
Indiana courts consider these factors when modifying custody or parenting time:
- Age and sex of the child
- Wishes of the child's parents
- Wishes of the child (given more weight if the child is at least 14)
- Child's relationship with parents, siblings, and significant others
- Child's adjustment to home, school, and community
- Mental and physical health of all individuals
- Evidence of domestic violence patterns
- Evidence of de facto custodian arrangements
Orders Issued Before March 1, 2013
The current Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines took effect on March 1, 2013, with amendments on October 5, 2021. Orders issued before March 1, 2013, do not automatically incorporate the current Guidelines. Parents with older orders must file a petition to modify if they want the updated holiday schedule to apply.
The pre-2013 Guidelines contained different holiday allocations and exchange times. If your order predates 2013 and does not specify which version applies, consult with a family law attorney to determine your rights.
Relocation and Holiday Schedules
Under Indiana law, a parent planning to relocate must provide written notice by registered or certified mail at least 30 days before moving if the move will last more than 60 days, pursuant to Ind. Code § 31-17-2.2. Relocation often requires modification of holiday schedules to account for increased travel time and expense.
Courts may adjust holiday custody schedules when one parent relocates out of state. Common modifications include:
- Allocating entire winter break to the long-distance parent instead of splitting
- Providing the distant parent with extended summer time
- Adjusting exchange locations to reduce driving burden
- Allowing virtual visitation during holidays not spent with the distant parent
Enforcement of Holiday Parenting Time
A parent denied court-ordered holiday parenting time may file an application for injunction under Ind. Code § 31-17-4-4. Courts take enforcement seriously: interference with custody or visitation may constitute a crime. The court may award make-up time, attorney's fees, and other remedies.
Documentation strengthens enforcement actions. Keep records of:
- Texts and emails confirming or denying exchanges
- Photographs with timestamps at exchange locations
- Witness statements from family members present during denied exchanges
- Calendar entries showing missed parenting time
Indiana Parenting Time Calendar Tool
The Indiana Courts provide a free Parenting Time Calendar tool that automatically calculates holiday schedules based on your custody arrangement. Parents enter their order information and the tool generates a visual calendar showing which parent has the child on each date.
This official tool accounts for the even/odd year alternation and helps prevent disputes by providing objective scheduling information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a holiday falls on a regular parenting weekend in Indiana?
Holiday parenting time always supersedes regular parenting time under the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines. If Thanksgiving falls during the noncustodial parent's regular weekend but the custodial parent has Thanksgiving that year, the custodial parent keeps the child from Wednesday at 6:00 PM through Sunday at 6:00 PM. The noncustodial parent does not receive make-up time for the lost weekend.
Can parents agree to a different holiday schedule than the Guidelines specify?
Yes, parents may create custom holiday arrangements that better fit their family's needs. Indiana courts encourage parents to reach their own agreements rather than defaulting to the Guidelines. Custom arrangements should be documented in writing and signed by both parents. If incorporated into a court order, they become legally binding.
How is Christmas divided in Indiana in 2026?
In 2026 (an even-numbered year), the noncustodial parent receives the first half of winter break from school dismissal until noon on December 25. The custodial parent receives the second half from noon on December 25 until school resumes. If Christmas Day does not fall within a parent's half, that parent receives visitation from noon to 9:00 PM on December 25.
What if one parent violates the holiday custody schedule?
The aggrieved parent may file for enforcement under Ind. Code § 31-17-4-4, seeking an injunction to enforce parenting time. Courts may order make-up time, hold the violating parent in contempt, award attorney's fees, and modify future custody arrangements. Repeated violations demonstrate unwillingness to co-parent, which courts weigh heavily in modification proceedings.
Do holiday schedules apply to infants and toddlers?
Yes, with modifications. Section III of the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provides adjusted schedules for children under age three, recognizing that very young children may need shorter, more frequent contact with the noncustodial parent. Holiday durations may be reduced, and overnight parenting time may be limited depending on the child's developmental needs.
How do I handle religious holidays not listed in the Guidelines?
The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines address major secular holidays but not all religious observances. Parents should negotiate religious holiday time in their parenting agreement. If parents cannot agree, the court will determine religious holiday allocation based on the child's best interests, considering each family's religious practices and the child's historical observances.
What school calendar controls if parents live in different districts?
The school district calendar of the district where the child attends school controls holiday dates. If the child is not yet enrolled in school, the calendar of the district where the child primarily resides applies. Parents living in different districts must coordinate based on the controlling calendar, not their own district's schedule.
Can a 14-year-old choose which parent to spend holidays with in Indiana?
A child's wishes receive greater consideration once the child turns 14 under Ind. Code § 31-17-2-8, but the child does not have absolute choice. Courts consider the child's preference as one factor among many, including the child's maturity, reasons for the preference, and whether the preference reflects the child's genuine wishes or parental influence.
How far in advance must summer schedule selections be made?
The noncustodial parent must notify the custodial parent of their summer schedule selection by April 1 each year. Failure to provide timely notice transfers selection rights to the custodial parent. Written notice is recommended to create documentation of compliance with the deadline.
Do the Guidelines apply if parents have 50/50 custody?
The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines establish minimum parenting time for noncustodial parents but do not prevent equal parenting arrangements. Parents with 50/50 physical custody should have holiday provisions specifically addressed in their parenting plan. Without specific holiday terms, the Guidelines' alternation framework provides a reasonable structure for equal custody arrangements.