Easter 2026: Dates, Traditions & Holidays Worldwide
When is Easter 2026 and how is it celebrated across different countries
5 min
When Is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 falls on April 5. Good Friday is April 3 and Easter Monday is April 6, giving most Europeans a 4-day weekend from Friday to Monday without using any annual leave.
Easter is a moveable feast — its date changes every year because it is calculated based on the lunar calendar. It always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. In 2026, this places Easter in early April, making it one of the earlier Easters possible.
For Orthodox Christians, Easter 2026 falls on April 19, two weeks after Western Easter. This is relevant for travelers to Greece, Romania, Serbia, and other countries with large Orthodox populations.
Easter Traditions by Country
What's Open and Closed at Easter
Easter closures vary significantly across Europe. Good Friday is a public holiday in most of Northern Europe (UK, Germany, Scandinavia) but not in France, Italy, or Spain where it is a regular workday. Easter Monday is a public holiday in nearly all European countries.
Supermarkets and shops are generally closed on Easter Sunday throughout Europe. In Germany and Austria, shops are also closed on Good Friday. In the UK, large stores may open with reduced hours on Easter Sunday. Restaurants in tourist areas typically remain open, though many family-run establishments close for the entire weekend.
Public transport runs on reduced Sunday/holiday schedules throughout the Easter weekend. Museums and attractions often stay open but may have modified hours — always check in advance.
Easter Monday — A Second Holiday
Easter Monday is a public holiday in most European countries, including Italy, Germany, France, the UK, Austria, Poland, and many others. It is not, however, a public holiday in Spain (except in Catalonia and the Basque Country) or Portugal.
In Italy, Easter Monday is called "Pasquetta" (Little Easter) and is traditionally spent outdoors with family and friends, often with a picnic in the countryside. In Germany, it is a quiet continuation of the Easter celebrations. In the UK, it marks the end of the four-day bank holiday weekend and is often associated with spring fairs and events.
For travelers, Easter Monday means another day of holiday closures in most countries, so plan your shopping and services accordingly. However, tourist attractions and restaurants in major cities are typically open.