The University’s normal business operations will be reduced for the annual winter closure starting Wednesday, Dec. 24 and opening again on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Winter semester classes begin on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
What’s open
During the winter break, some service areas at the University of Guelph remain open with reduced holiday hours. Please check their websites for hours of operation.
- Athletics Centre
- Health and Performance Centre
- Ontario Veterinary Health Sciences Centre, including the Companion Animal and Large Animal Clinics and the Farm Service Clinic
- Emergency referrals only
- Smith Lane Animal Hospital
- Clinic is open:
- Monday, Dec. 29 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 30 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 31 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed all other days during the holiday period
- For after-hours emergencies during the rest of the holiday period, please call 519-823-8830 for instructions on obtaining emergency care
- Clinic is open:
- Animal Health Lab
- The Animal Health Lab will have altered hours from Dec. 21-Jan 1. Please see the schedule for details.
- Agriculture and Food Lab (AFL)
- The AFL will be working with reduced hours and only some sections will be fully staffed during the holidays. Please contact them prior to the holidays to schedule any testing that will need to be completed during the holidays at aflinfo@uoguelph.ca or 519-767-6299.
- The Arboretum
- Grounds are open dawn to dusk, buildings are closed (except for private events)
Three University buildings closed Dec. 19 to Jan. 4
The University Centre, Hagen Aqualab, and Research Innovation will be closed from 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 to Sunday, Jan. 4 at 7 a.m. to facilitate an upgrade of the electrical substation.
Dining on campus
The University Centre will be closed starting Dec. 19, reopening on Jan 4. Brass Taps Pub will close for the break on Dec. 18 and The Lookout: Patio + Grad Lounge will be closed on Dec. 12, both locations reopen on Jan. 6.
All Hospitality Services dining locations will be closed from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2.
Check the Hospitality Services website for information on when your favourite campus dining spots close for the break and when they open again.
Students staying in residence
If you’re staying in residence over the winter break, check your uoguelph.ca email regularly for communications from Student Housing Services.
Residence desk hours over the winter break are detailed on the Student Housing Services
Physical and mental health support
Student Wellness Services will be closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, reopening on Jan 2. Students can access community supports and self-help resources during the closure.
Emergency help
U of G Campus Safety Officers are on duty all day, every day. They may be reached at 519-824-4120, Ext. 52000, in case of emergencies and at Ext. 52245 for non-emergency calls.
Restricted public access Dec. 24 and 25
From 6 a.m. on Dec. 24 to 6 a.m. on Dec. 25, access to roadways leading onto campus property will be closed to the public. Staff working on University business may use the closed section, but the Campus Safety Office may stop members of the public from using the roadways during the closure period.
Transit will still be available on campus during this time (Guelph Transit Holiday services & GO Transit Holiday services).
Have a safe and happy winter break!