Easter Sunday 2026 falls on April 5 — and if you've been wondering why the holiday feels like it moves around the calendar every year, you're not alone. Easter is one of the most searched dates in the weeks leading up to spring, and with 2026's date landing on a long weekend, millions of Americans and families worldwide are already planning celebrations, travel, and church services.
Here's everything you need to know about Easter 2026: the date, the reasoning behind how it's calculated, what's open and closed, and how to observe the holiday whether you're religious, cultural, or just in it for the egg hunts.
When Is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 is April 5, 2026. The full Easter weekend runs:
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026
- Holy Saturday: April 4, 2026
- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026
- Easter Monday: April 6, 2026 (federal holiday in Canada, UK, Australia; not in the US)
For Americans, Easter Sunday is not a federal holiday — but it's one of the most widely observed religious and cultural holidays of the year, with roughly 80% of Americans participating in some form of Easter tradition.
Why Does Easter's Date Change Every Year?
Easter is a moveable feast, which means it doesn't fall on a fixed date like Christmas. The date is calculated using a formula that dates back to the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.
The rule: Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (March 21).
- The spring equinox is fixed at March 21 for this calculation
- Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25
- In 2025, Easter was April 20 — a late one
- In 2026, Easter is April 5 — closer to the middle of the range
- In 2027, Easter moves to March 28 — an early spring date
This lunar-based calendar system is why Easter sometimes feels early (late March) and other times surprisingly late (mid-to-late April). The Eastern Orthodox church uses a different calculation method and often celebrates Easter on a different date — in 2026, Orthodox Easter falls on April 12, one week after Western Easter.
What's Open and Closed on Easter Sunday?
Easter Sunday isn't a federal holiday in the US, but many businesses — especially retail stores — adjust their hours or close entirely. Here's a general breakdown:
If you're planning any errands over Easter weekend, Saturday April 4 is your best bet for full-service availability. Good Friday (April 3) sees some closures in certain states, particularly those with strong religious observance like Pennsylvania, Texas, and New Jersey.
Easter Traditions in 2026
Whether you celebrate religiously or secularly, Easter 2026 comes with a full roster of traditions that millions look forward to every spring.
Easter Egg Hunts
Egg hunts remain one of America's most beloved Easter activities. The White House Easter Egg Roll — a tradition dating back to 1878 — is scheduled to take place on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House.
Locally, many parks, churches, and community centers host egg hunts in the days leading up to Easter Sunday. Plastic eggs filled with candy or small prizes are hidden across lawns for children to find — and yes, it's just as fun as it's always been.
Easter Baskets
The Easter basket tradition involves filling a wicker or decorated basket with Easter grass, chocolate eggs, Peeps, small toys, and spring-themed candy. The Easter Bunny is said to deliver these baskets overnight on Holy Saturday — similar to how Santa Claus fills stockings on Christmas Eve.
Church Services
For Christian families, Easter Sunday is the most important day in the liturgical calendar — the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many churches hold special sunrise services at dawn on Easter Sunday, in addition to regular morning services. If you plan to attend, arrive early — churches often see their largest attendance of the year on Easter.
Easter Brunch
Easter brunch has become a major culinary tradition in the US. Many restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus featuring spring staples like lamb, ham, deviled eggs, quiche, hot cross buns, and carrot cake. If you're planning to go out, make your reservation now — popular spots fill up weeks in advance for Easter Sunday.
Easter Candy Guide: What to Buy (and Skip)
- Cadbury Creme Eggs — the undisputed Easter icon, available only in spring
- Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs — shaped like eggs and contain more PB than the regular cups
- Peeps — polarizing but enduring; best when slightly stale
- Lindt Gold Bunny — premium chocolate, great as a gift
- Hollow chocolate bunnies — disappointing chocolate-to-air ratio
- Cheap jelly beans — most taste like wax; splurge for Jelly Belly
- Marshmallow eggs — overly sweet with little chocolate payoff
Easter 2026 vs Recent Years
Where to Celebrate Easter Weekend 2026
If you're looking for a getaway over Easter weekend, April is one of the best months to travel in the US. Here are some popular options:
Washington, D.C. — Catch cherry blossoms (peak usually late March to mid-April) and the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday.
New Orleans — Jazz Fest preparations and spring festivals make the city electric in early April.
New York City — The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue is a classic NYC tradition, free to attend, happening Easter Sunday morning.
National Parks — Easter weekend is a popular time to visit Yellowstone, Zion, and Shenandoah as spring wildlife emerges.
The Bottom Line
Easter 2026 is Sunday, April 5 — a mid-spring date that gives most of the country a good shot at warm, sunny weather for egg hunts and outdoor celebrations. Whether you're observing religiously, spending time with family, or just looking forward to a three-day weekend (Easter Monday is observed in many countries), Easter weekend 2026 is shaping up to be a good one.
Mark your calendar, book that Easter brunch reservation now, and stock up on Cadbury eggs before they disappear from store shelves after the holiday.
