When is Easter: Dates, Observances and Travel Tips for the 2026 Season
As spring approaches, calendars and communities across the United States are already planning for Easter. For 2026, Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026 (ET). That date shapes religious services, school breaks and holiday travel plans in the weeks surrounding it.
Why the date moves and how 2026 was set
Easter is a movable feast: it doesn’t have a fixed calendar date like Christmas. The holiday is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the March equinox (approximated as March 21). That means Easter can fall as early as March 22 and as late as April 25. For 2026, the timing of the ecclesiastical full moon placed Easter on Sunday, April 5 (ET).
The method used to determine Easter’s date is rooted in centuries of ecclesiastical calculations and continues to govern liturgical planning worldwide. While civil calendars use astronomical events, churches use an ecclesiastical approximation for consistency in observance.
What the April 5 date means for services, schools and travel
With Easter on April 5 (ET), Holy Week begins the preceding Sunday, with Palm Sunday observed on March 29. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday fall on April 2 and April 3 respectively, leading into Holy Saturday on April 4 and Easter Sunday on April 5. Many congregations will schedule vigils and sunrise services in the early morning hours of April 5; organizers typically set times between 6: 00–7: 30 a. m. ET, so check local listings for exact start times.
Schools and universities often coordinate spring breaks around Easter, which may lead to heavier-than-usual travel from late March through the first full week of April. Airlines and highways typically see increased demand starting the Thursday and Friday before Easter and again on the Monday after. Travelers should expect busier terminals and higher fares, with peak windows often concentrated between April 2–6 (ET).
Retailers and restaurants also adjust hours and staffing for the holiday period. Grocery stores ramp up inventory for traditional meals, while many businesses close or maintain reduced hours on Easter Sunday itself. If you’re planning family gatherings, catering or brunch reservations, book as early as possible to avoid sold-out services.
Practical tips for celebrating and planning
- Check local church calendars for service details and special events: many communities host sunrise services, Easter egg hunts and charity drives over the weekend. Times are normally listed in Eastern Time for events in the Eastern U. S., so confirm time zones if you’re traveling across regions.
- For travel: consider booking flights and hotels well in advance. If your schedule is flexible, shifting trips a day earlier or later can sometimes reduce costs and congestion.
- For families: plan holiday meals and activities sooner rather than later. Supermarket delivery windows and popular dining reservations fill quickly in the days before Easter.
- For employers and employees: expect variable business closures. Confirm workplace expectations and PTO guidelines if you’ll be taking time off around April 5 (ET).
Easter remains both a major religious observance and a cultural milestone that affects schools, businesses and travel patterns. With the 2026 date now clear, communities can finalize event schedules, travelers can lock plans, and families can begin preparations for the holiday weekend.
