Understanding New Jersey’s Standard Holiday Schedule

When parents cannot agree on holiday parenting time, New Jersey family courts implement a standardized “Court’s Holiday Parenting Schedule” to ensure fair and predictable arrangements. This comprehensive schedule covers major holidays, school breaks, and special days throughout the year, alternating parenting time between mothers and fathers based on whether the calendar year is even or odd.

I have seen different versions of the schedule handed out by different Courts throughout the State. Each version is only slightly different; the general terms are always the same. The version attached below is just one example of the Court’s Holiday Schedule.

New Jersey Holiday Parenting Schedule Example

How the Alternating Year System Works

The New Jersey Holiday Schedule operates on an even/odd year rotation system. Each holiday is assigned to either the mother or father for even-numbered years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.) and automatically alternates to the other parent for odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, 2029, etc.).

Important principle: Holiday parenting time takes priority over and supersedes the regular weekly parenting schedule. This means if a holiday falls during what would normally be your co-parent’s parenting time, but the holiday schedule assigns that holiday to you, you receive custody for that specific period.

Complete Breakdown of the Standard Holiday Schedule

Winter Holidays

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day The transition between years is carefully structured to allow both parents meaningful time:

• New Year’s Eve (assigned to one parent in even years): December 31st at 6:00 p.m. through January 1st at 12:00 noon
• New Year’s Day (assigned to the other parent in even years): January 1st at 12:00 noon through 7:00 p.m.

Example: If Mother has New Year’s Eve in 2026 (even year), she has custody from December 31, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. until January 1, 2027 at noon. Father then has New Year’s Day from noon until 7:00 p.m. In 2027 (odd year), this arrangement reverses.
Martin Luther King Day

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the Monday holiday
• Alternates annually between parents
• Provides a three-day weekend with the child

President’s Day

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the Monday holiday
• Alternates annually (opposite parent from Martin Luther King Day)
• Another three-day weekend opportunity

Spring Holidays

Good Friday and Easter Weekend The Easter holiday is divided into two distinct periods:

• Good Friday through Easter Saturday: 9:00 a.m. Friday until 6:00 p.m. Saturday (assigned to one parent in even years)
• Easter Saturday through Sunday: 6:00 p.m. Saturday until 6:00 p.m. Sunday (assigned to the other parent in even years)

This division ensures both parents can participate in Easter celebrations with their children, whether attending Good Friday services or Easter Sunday activities.

Summer Holidays

Memorial Day

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the Monday holiday
• Alternates annually between parents
• Often marks the unofficial start of summer activities

Independence Day (July 4th)

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Alternates annually (opposite parent from Memorial Day)
• Includes popular summer celebrations, fireworks, and barbecues

Labor Day

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the Monday holiday
• Alternates annually (same parent as Memorial Day)
• Marks the end of summer vacation

Columbus Day

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the Monday holiday
• Alternates annually (opposite parent from Labor Day)
• Note: Some schools now observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead

Fall and Winter Holidays

Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is divided to allow extended time with each parent:

• Thanksgiving Eve through Thanksgiving Day afternoon: Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. until Thursday at 4:00 p.m. (assigned to one parent in even years)
• Thanksgiving Day afternoon through Friday: Thursday at 4:00 p.m. until Friday at 6:00 p.m. (assigned to the other parent in even years)

This arrangement allows one parent to have Thanksgiving dinner and overnight, while the other parent has extended time on Thanksgiving Day and the following day.
Christmas Christmas is carefully divided to ensure both parents share in holiday celebrations:

• Christmas Eve through Christmas morning: December 24th at 5:00 p.m. until December 25th at 12:00 noon (assigned to one parent in even years)
• Christmas Day afternoon: December 25th at 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. (assigned to the other parent in even years)

This split allows one parent to celebrate Christmas Eve traditions and Christmas morning gift opening, while the other parent has Christmas Day dinner and afternoon.

Special Days Beyond Standard Holidays

Child’s Birthday

The non-residential custodial parent (the parent who doesn’t have regular custody that day) receives special parenting time on the child’s birthday:

• School days: From the end of the school day until 6:00 p.m.
• Non-school days: From 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m.

This provision ensures the non-custodial parent can celebrate their child’s birthday with a party, special meal, or activity regardless of the regular parenting schedule.

Halloween

The non-residential custodial parent receives:

• Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on October 31st

This brief period allows the non-custodial parent to participate in trick-or-treating, costume activities, or Halloween celebrations with their child.

Mother’s Day

Mother receives parenting time:

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May)
• Applies every year, regardless of regular schedule

Father’s Day

Father receives parenting time:

• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Father’s Day (third Sunday in June)
• Applies every year, regardless of regular schedule

Mother’s Birthday

Mother receives parenting time:

• School days: From the end of the school day until 7:00 p.m.
• Non-school days: From 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m.
• Applies every year

Father’s Birthday

Father receives parenting time:

• School days: From the end of the school day until 7:00 p.m.
• Non-school days: From 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m.
• Applies every year

Religious and Cultural Holidays

The standard schedule acknowledges that families may observe holidays beyond the default list based on their heritage, culture, and religious traditions. The court notes that the following holidays can be incorporated into parenting schedules:

• Jewish Holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Passover
• Islamic Holidays: Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha
• Kwanzaa: December 26 – January 1
• Other Religious Observances: Specific to your family’s faith traditions

Important Note: These holidays are NOT automatically included in the schedule unless:

1. Specifically ordered by the court in your custody order, OR
2. Agreed upon in writing by both parents

If your family observes these or other cultural/religious holidays, discuss with your attorney how to incorporate them into your parenting plan.

Practical Examples: How the Schedule Works

Example 1: Year 2026 (Even Year) Holiday Schedule

Let’s say in your custody order, Father is designated for even-year holidays on the left column:

• New Year’s Day 2026: Father has January 1st, 12:00 noon – 7:00 p.m.
• President’s Day 2026: Father has the holiday
• Good Friday – Easter Saturday 2026: Father has Friday 9:00 a.m. – Saturday 6:00 p.m.
• Memorial Day 2026: Father has the holiday
• Labor Day 2026: Father has the holiday
• Thanksgiving 2026: Father has Thursday 4:00 p.m. – Friday 6:00 p.m.
• Christmas Eve 2026: Father has December 24th 5:00 p.m. – December 25th noon

Meanwhile, Mother would have:

• New Year’s Eve 2026: December 31st 6:00 p.m. – January 1st noon
• Martin Luther King Day 2026
• Easter Saturday – Sunday 2026: Saturday 6:00 p.m. – Sunday 6:00 p.m.
• July 4th, 2026
• Columbus Day 2026
• Thanksgiving 2026: Wednesday 6:00 p.m. – Thursday 4:00 p.m.
• Christmas Day 2026: December 25th noon – 7:00 p.m.

Example 2: Schedule Override Scenario

Suppose Father’s regular parenting time is every other weekend, Friday through Sunday. Thanksgiving 2026 falls on his regular weekend. However, according to the holiday schedule (even year), Mother has Thanksgiving Eve through Thanksgiving Day at 4:00 p.m., and Father has Thanksgiving Day 4:00 p.m. through Friday at 6:00 p.m.
Result: The holiday schedule overrides the regular weekend schedule. Mother gets the child Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon, even though it’s “Father’s weekend.” Father then receives Thursday afternoon through Friday evening as specified in the holiday schedule.

Modifying the Standard Schedule

When Parents Reach Their Own Agreements

The court encourages parents to cooperate and create arrangements that work best for their family. You can modify the standard schedule by:
Short-term swaps:

• Trading holidays (“I’ll take July 4th this year if you take Labor Day”)
• Adjusting times for family events or travel
• Splitting holidays differently (e.g., alternating Christmas Day morning/afternoon)

Long-term modifications:

• Creating custom schedules for religious observances
• Adjusting for work schedules or military deployment
• Accommodating long-distance parenting situations

Best Practices for Modifications:

1. Put it in writing: Use email, text, or co-parenting apps to document agreements
2. Be specific: Include exact dates, times, and exchange locations
3. Plan ahead: Give reasonable notice (30+ days when possible)
4. File with the court: For permanent changes, modify your custody order officially

NJ Holiday Parenting Schedule Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if a holiday falls during my regular parenting time?

A: The holiday schedule takes priority. If the holiday is assigned to your co-parent according to the even/odd year rotation, they receive custody during that holiday period, even if it’s your regular parenting time.

Q: Can we create our own holiday schedule?

A: Yes. Parents can always agree to a different arrangement. For enforceability, put your agreement in writing and consider filing it with the court as a modification to your custody order.

Q: How much advance notice do I need to give for holiday plans?

A: While the schedule establishes custody periods, provide reasonable notice (typically 30-60 days) about specific plans, especially travel. Your custody order may specify exact notice requirements.

Q: What if my co-parent is consistently late for holiday exchanges?

A: Document each late pickup or drop-off with dates, times, and any communication. If it becomes a pattern, consult your attorney regarding enforcement options or the request of a schedule modification.

Q: Can I take my child out of state during my holiday parenting time?

A: Review your specific custody order. Many require advance written notice and/or consent for out-of-state travel. Never assume you can travel without checking your order first.

Q: What happens if a holiday falls on different dates each year?

A: Holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, Rosh Hashanah, and others move annually based on the calendar. The schedule provisions apply regardless of the specific date they fall on each year.

Q: How do school breaks coordinate with the holiday schedule?

A: Winter break, spring break, and summer vacation are typically addressed separately in your custody order. The holiday provisions overlay these extended breaks when applicable.

Q: Can I withhold child support if my ex denies me holiday parenting time?

A: No. Never withhold child support in response to parenting time violations. These are separate issues, and withholding support can harm your legal position. Address parenting time violations through proper legal channels.

Q: I have a new spouse who celebrates different holidays. Can we adjust the schedule?

A: Your relationship with a new spouse doesn’t automatically change the court order. However, if both biological parents agree, you can modify the schedule to accommodate blended family situations.

Get Legal Help with Your NJ Holiday Parenting Schedule

Navigating holiday parenting time doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you need help creating a customized schedule, enforcing your existing arrangement, or resolving disputes with your co-parent, Bronzino Law Firm provides experienced legal representation for parents in Ocean County and Monmouth County.
Contact Bronzino Law Firm today for a consultation about your holiday parenting schedule. Call (732) 812-3102.