Utah law requires divorcing parents to follow a statutory holiday custody schedule under Utah Code § 81-9-302, which alternates major holidays between parents using an odd/even year rotation system. For children ages 5-18, Thanksgiving runs from Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday at 7:00 p.m., Christmas/Winter Break splits at 7:00 p.m. on December 27, and each parent receives up to four weeks of extended summer parent-time with notice required by May 1. This statutory framework applies unless parents agree to a different schedule in writing or the court orders otherwise.
Key Facts: Utah Holiday Custody Schedule
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Statute | Utah Code § 81-9-302 (effective Sept. 1, 2024) |
| Rotation System | Odd/even year alternation |
| Children Covered | Ages 5-18 (separate schedule for under 5) |
| Thanksgiving Duration | Wednesday 6:00 p.m. to Sunday 7:00 p.m. |
| Christmas Split | 7:00 p.m. on December 27 |
| Summer Extended Time | Up to 4 weeks per parent |
| Summer Notice Deadline | May 1 (odd years: noncustodial; even years: custodial) |
| Filing Fee | $325 (as of March 2026; verify with your local clerk) |
| Residency Requirement | 90 days in Utah and filing county |
| Waiting Period | 30 days (no children) / 90 days (with children) |
How Utah's Odd/Even Year Holiday Rotation Works
Utah divides holidays into two groups that alternate annually between the custodial and noncustodial parent based on whether the calendar year is odd-numbered (2025, 2027) or even-numbered (2026, 2028). Under Utah Code § 81-9-302, the noncustodial parent receives even-year holidays during odd years and odd-year holidays during even years, while the custodial parent receives the opposite allocation. This system ensures both parents have equal access to major holidays over time without requiring annual negotiations.
The rotation applies to children ages 5-18. For children under 5, Utah Code § 81-9-304 establishes shorter holiday visits ranging from 2 hours (children under 5 months) to 8 hours (children 9-18 months) depending on the child's developmental stage.
2026 Holiday Allocation (Even Year)
In 2026, an even-numbered year, the noncustodial parent typically receives:
- Presidents Day: 6:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 p.m. Monday
- Memorial Day: 6:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 p.m. Monday
- Pioneer Day (July 24): 6:00 p.m. July 23 to 7:00 p.m. July 25
- Halloween: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on October 31
- Thanksgiving: 6:00 p.m. Wednesday to 7:00 p.m. Sunday
- Second Half of Christmas/Winter Break: 7:00 p.m. December 27 to 7:00 p.m. the evening before school resumes
The custodial parent in 2026 typically receives:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: 6:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 p.m. Monday
- Spring Break: 6:00 p.m. the day school dismisses to 7:00 p.m. the day before school resumes
- Independence Day (July 4): 6:00 p.m. July 3 to 7:00 p.m. July 5
- Labor Day: 6:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 p.m. Monday
- Fall Break: 6:00 p.m. the day school dismisses to 7:00 p.m. the day before school resumes
- First Half of Christmas/Winter Break: School dismissal to 7:00 p.m. December 27
Christmas and Winter Break Division
Utah law splits Christmas/Winter Break into two equal halves to ensure both parents share this important holiday period. Under Utah Code § 81-9-302, the exchange occurs at 7:00 p.m. on December 27 when school breaks have an even number of days, or at 1:00 p.m. on the midpoint day when school breaks have an odd number of days. The first half includes Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, while the second half includes New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
2026 Winter Break Example
For a school district where winter break runs from December 17, 2026 through January 2, 2027 (16 days total):
- First Half: School dismissal on December 17 through 7:00 p.m. on December 25
- Second Half: 7:00 p.m. on December 25 through 7:00 p.m. on January 2
Because 2026 is an even year, the custodial parent receives the first half (including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), while the noncustodial parent receives the second half (including New Year's Eve and New Year's Day).
Christmas Holiday Custody Schedule Comparison
| Year Type | Parent | First Half (incl. Christmas Eve/Day) | Second Half (incl. New Year's) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Even Year (2026) | Custodial | Receives | Does not receive |
| Even Year (2026) | Noncustodial | Does not receive | Receives |
| Odd Year (2027) | Custodial | Does not receive | Receives |
| Odd Year (2027) | Noncustodial | Receives | Does not receive |
Thanksgiving Custody Schedule in Utah
Thanksgiving parent-time in Utah runs from Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday at 7:00 p.m. under Utah Code § 81-9-302, giving the receiving parent five consecutive nights with the children. In 2026 (an even year), the noncustodial parent receives Thanksgiving. In 2027 (an odd year), the custodial parent receives Thanksgiving.
The extended Thanksgiving period includes any contiguous days off from school, meaning if a school district gives students Monday off after Thanksgiving, that day remains part of the holiday parent-time rather than reverting to the regular schedule. Utah courts consistently hold that holiday parent-time takes precedence over regular weekly or monthly custody schedules.
Spring Break and Fall Break Schedules
Utah alternates Spring Break and Fall Break between parents annually, ensuring each parent receives one major school break per year. Under Utah Code § 81-9-302, these breaks run from 6:00 p.m. on the day school dismisses until 7:00 p.m. on the evening before school resumes.
2026 School Break Allocation
- Spring Break (2026): Custodial parent
- Fall Break (2026): Noncustodial parent
- Spring Break (2027): Noncustodial parent
- Fall Break (2027): Custodial parent
Fall Break in Utah is commonly referred to as UEA Weekend (Utah Education Association), though the statute simply refers to it as Fall Break. This typically falls in October and provides a four-day weekend. Spring Break varies by school district but generally falls in March or April and lasts one week.
Summer Custody Schedule and Extended Parent-Time
Each parent in Utah is entitled to up to four weeks of extended parent-time during summer break under Utah Code § 81-9-302. This summer custody schedule allows both parents uninterrupted vacation time with their children.
Summer Parent-Time Structure
For the noncustodial parent's four weeks:
- Two weeks (may be consecutive) must be uninterrupted parent-time with no visits from the custodial parent
- Two weeks (may be consecutive) may be interrupted by the custodial parent for a weekday visit
The custodial parent is entitled to two weeks of uninterrupted parent-time during summer break.
Notification Requirements
Utah law establishes strict deadlines for summer parent-time notification:
- Odd Years (2025, 2027): Noncustodial parent must notify by May 1; custodial parent must respond by May 15
- Even Years (2026, 2028): Custodial parent must notify by May 1; noncustodial parent must respond by May 15
If a parent fails to provide notification within the required time period, the complying parent may determine the summer schedule for the noncomplying parent. If both parents fail to provide timely notice, the first parent to provide notice may set the schedule for the other parent.
Mother's Day and Father's Day Parent-Time
Mother's Day and Father's Day are the only holidays in Utah that do not alternate. Under Utah Code § 81-9-302, Mother's Day always goes to the mother from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Father's Day always goes to the father from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., regardless of the custody arrangement or which year it is.
These parental holidays take the highest priority in Utah's conflict resolution hierarchy. If Mother's Day or Father's Day conflicts with any other parent-time arrangement, the parental holiday prevails.
Holiday Custody for Children Under 5 Years Old
Utah recognizes that young children have different developmental needs and establishes a modified holiday schedule under Utah Code § 81-9-304 for children under age 5.
Holiday Time by Age Group
| Age Range | Holiday Parent-Time Duration |
|---|---|
| Under 5 months | 2 hours per holiday |
| 5-9 months | 2 hours per holiday |
| 9-12 months | 8 hours per holiday |
| 12-18 months | 8 hours per holiday |
| 18 months - 3 years | Full holiday per schedule |
| 3-5 years | Full holiday per schedule |
Children under 5 do not follow the full Thanksgiving break, Spring Break, or the two-part Christmas rotation that applies to children ages 5-18. Instead, holidays are shorter and more frequent to maintain the child's attachment to both parents while minimizing disruption.
Priority Rules When Schedules Conflict
Utah law establishes a clear hierarchy when parent-time schedules conflict. Under Utah Code § 81-9-302, courts apply this order of precedence:
- Mother's Day or Father's Day (highest priority)
- The child's birthday (unless during uninterrupted summer extended parent-time)
- Any other holiday
- Extended parent-time (summer weeks)
- Regular weekday or weekend parent-time (lowest priority)
Holiday parent-time always overrides the regular weekly or monthly custody schedule. Even if it is your regularly scheduled weekend, the other parent may still receive holiday time if the schedule allocates that holiday to them.
Modifying a Holiday Custody Schedule in Utah
Either parent may petition to modify parent-time when circumstances have changed since the last court order. Under Utah law, the petitioner must show some change in circumstances, though this standard is lower than the substantial and material change required to modify custody.
Modification Process
- File a Petition to Modify with the district court ($130 filing fee as of March 2026; verify with clerk)
- Serve the other parent within 120 days of filing
- Other parent has 21 days (in-state) or 30 days (out-of-state) to respond
- Attend court-ordered mediation (required in most Utah counties)
- If mediation fails, attend a hearing before the judge
Common Reasons for Holiday Schedule Modifications
- Relocation of one parent to a different city or state
- Change in work schedule affecting holiday availability
- Child's age-related needs (transitioning from under-5 to 5-18 schedule)
- Safety concerns or documented violations of the current schedule
- Agreement between both parents to deviate from the statutory default
Enforcing a Holiday Custody Schedule
If a parent refuses to follow the court-ordered holiday custody schedule, the aggrieved parent may file a Motion to Enforce Order (also called a motion for contempt) with the Utah district court. A parent found in contempt for violating the holiday schedule may face:
- Payment of the other parent's attorney fees
- Fines or sanctions
- Make-up time on other holidays
- Jail time for repeated or egregious violations
Utah courts take holiday schedule violations seriously because these violations directly harm the child's relationship with both parents. Documentation of violations, including text messages, emails, and records of missed exchanges, strengthens enforcement actions.
Required Parenting Classes for Divorcing Parents
Utah requires divorcing parents to complete two mandatory classes before finalizing their divorce:
- Divorce Orientation Class: Covers the divorce process and court procedures
- Divorce Education for Parents Class: Focuses on minimizing the impact of divorce on children
Both classes address holiday schedules and provide guidance on reducing conflict during high-stress periods like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Creating a Custom Holiday Schedule
While Utah law provides a default holiday custody schedule, parents may agree to a custom schedule that better fits their family's needs. Custom schedules must be:
- In writing
- Signed by both parents
- Approved by the court (if part of a divorce decree or custody order)
Common customizations include:
- Splitting Christmas Day itself (morning with one parent, afternoon/evening with the other)
- Alternating Thanksgiving and Christmas entirely (one parent gets Thanksgiving, the other gets all of Christmas, then they switch yearly)
- Adding religious holidays not covered by the statute
- Adjusting exchange times based on travel distance between households
A mutual agreement clause allows parents to deviate from the statutory schedule whenever both agree in writing, providing flexibility for special circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard holiday custody schedule in Utah?
Utah uses an odd/even year rotation system under Utah Code § 81-9-302 for children ages 5-18. Major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, and Fall Break alternate annually between the custodial and noncustodial parent. The noncustodial parent receives even-year holidays during odd calendar years and odd-year holidays during even calendar years.
How does Utah divide Christmas custody between parents?
Utah splits Christmas/Winter Break at 7:00 p.m. on December 27 (or 1:00 p.m. on the midpoint day if the break has an odd number of days). The first half includes Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; the second half includes New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. In even years, the custodial parent receives the first half. In odd years, the noncustodial parent receives the first half.
When does Thanksgiving parent-time start and end in Utah?
Thanksgiving parent-time in Utah begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and ends at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday under Utah Code § 81-9-302. This provides five consecutive nights with the children. The holiday alternates annually based on the odd/even year rotation.
How much summer custody time does each parent get in Utah?
Each parent is entitled to up to four weeks of extended parent-time during summer break under Utah law. For the noncustodial parent, two of these weeks must be uninterrupted (no visits from the custodial parent), while two weeks may include a custodial parent's weekday visit. The custodial parent receives two weeks of uninterrupted summer time.
What is the deadline to notify about summer custody in Utah?
In odd years (2025, 2027), the noncustodial parent must provide summer parent-time notice by May 1, and the custodial parent must respond by May 15. In even years (2026, 2028), the custodial parent notifies by May 1, and the noncustodial parent responds by May 15. Failure to provide timely notice allows the complying parent to set the summer schedule.
Do Mother's Day and Father's Day alternate in Utah?
No. Mother's Day always belongs to the mother from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Father's Day always belongs to the father from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. under Utah Code § 81-9-302. These are the only holidays that do not alternate between parents.
What holiday schedule applies to children under 5 in Utah?
Children under 5 follow a modified schedule under Utah Code § 81-9-304 with shorter holiday visits. Children under 12 months receive 2-8 hours per holiday depending on age. Children 18 months to 5 years receive full holiday time but do not follow the complete Thanksgiving break, Spring Break, or two-part Christmas rotation.
What happens if holiday and regular custody schedules conflict?
Utah applies a clear priority order: (1) Mother's Day/Father's Day, (2) child's birthday, (3) other holidays, (4) extended summer parent-time, (5) regular weekday/weekend time. Holiday parent-time always overrides the regular custody schedule. If it is your regular weekend but the other parent has holiday time, the holiday takes precedence.
How can I change my Utah holiday custody schedule?
File a Petition to Modify with the district court ($130 filing fee) showing changed circumstances since the last order. Serve the other parent within 120 days, attend court-ordered mediation, and present your case to a judge if mediation fails. Common modification grounds include relocation, work schedule changes, and child development transitions.
What happens if my co-parent violates the holiday custody schedule?
File a Motion to Enforce Order (contempt motion) with the Utah district court. Penalties for violations include payment of attorney fees, fines, make-up holiday time, and possible jail time for repeated offenses. Document all violations with text messages, emails, and records of missed exchanges before filing.
Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about holiday custody schedules in Utah and does not constitute legal advice. Holiday custody provisions may vary based on your specific court order, which takes precedence over statutory defaults. Filing fees and court procedures are current as of March 2026; verify with your local Utah district court before filing. For advice specific to your situation, consult a Utah family law attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
Written by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. (Florida Bar No. 21022). This guide covers Utah divorce law for educational purposes.