When Is Easter 2026? Western Date, Orthodox Difference, and Planning
Easter Sunday 2026 in the Western Christian tradition is Sunday, April 5, 2026. Easter is a moveable feast — the date changes every year based on lunar and calendar rules, not a fixed slot like Christmas. If you searched "when is easter," "easter 2026 date," or "what day is easter sunday," April 5 is the answer for Catholic, Protestant, and most Anglican churches using the Gregorian calendar.
This guide covers Western Easter 2026, related Holy Week dates, why Orthodox Easter can differ, and how families and churches plan celebrations.
Quick Answer: Easter 2026 (Western)
| Detail | Answer |
| --- | --- |
| Western Easter Sunday | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| Holy Week starts (Palm Sunday) | Sunday, March 29, 2026 |
| Good Friday (Western) | Friday, April 3, 2026 |
| Easter Monday (many countries) | Monday, April 6, 2026 |
| Fixed rule? | No — computed annually |
Easter is a major religious holiday and a public holiday in many countries (though not a U.S. federal holiday — see below).
How Western Easter Is Calculated (Simplified)
Western churches use the Gregorian calendar rule established at the Council of Nicaea (325 CE), refined over centuries:
- Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the March equinox (astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere).
- In practice, churches reference ecclesiastical approximations of equinox and full moon, so the computed date can differ slightly from pure astronomy but follows predictable tables.
Result: Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25 in Western Christianity.
| Year | Western Easter Sunday |
| --- | --- |
| 2025 | April 20 |
| 2026 | April 5 |
| 2027 | March 28 |
Orthodox Easter — Often a Different Date
Eastern Orthodox churches typically use the Julian calendar framework for the Paschal full moon, celebrating Pascha (Easter) on a date that often (not always) falls later than Western Easter.
For 2026, Orthodox Easter (Pascha) is reported as Sunday, April 12, 2026 — one week after Western Easter. When dates diverge, families with mixed traditions should confirm with their parish rather than assuming one global date.
Reasons dates differ:
- Different calendar systems (Gregorian vs. Julian lunar tables)
- Shared goal (Sunday after spring full moon) with different computational inputs
Both Easters move yearly; they coincide some years and split other years.
Is Easter a Public Holiday in the United States?
Not a federal holiday — USPS delivers, federal offices stay open, and stock markets trade on Good Friday unless separately closed by exchange policy (NYSE/Nasdaq close on Good Friday). Many state and local government offices, schools, and businesses do close or shorten hours on Good Friday or Easter Monday depending on region.
Many other countries — including much of Europe, Latin America, and parts of Africa and Oceania — treat Good Friday and/or Easter Monday as public holidays. Travelers should check destination country calendars.
Unlike informal "national days," Easter carries centuries of religious significance and varies in legal status by jurisdiction.
Holy Week 2026 Timeline (Western)
Planning church services, choir rehearsals, and family travel around these dates:
| Day | Date (2026) | Significance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Palm Sunday | March 29 | Start of Holy Week |
| Maundy Thursday | April 2 | Last Supper commemorations |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Crucifixion observance |
| Holy Saturday | April 4 | Vigil preparations |
| Easter Sunday | April 5 | Resurrection celebration |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Public holiday in many nations |
How People Celebrate and Plan for April 5, 2026
Worship and community
- Sunrise services — outdoor gatherings early Easter morning.
- Choir and flower guild prep — lilies, rehearsals, and altar decorations peak in Holy Week.
- Passion plays and processions — especially Good Friday through Easter Sunday.
Secular and family traditions
- Easter egg hunts — parks, churches, and backyards; book community events by March.
- Egg dyeing and baskets — grocery candy aisles peak in late March.
- Brunch reservations — Sunday, April 5 fills quickly; reserve by mid-March in busy cities.
- Spring photos — matching outfits and garden backdrops.
Travel
- Airports busy on the weekend before Easter and Easter Sunday evening returns.
- School spring breaks often align with March–April — overlap raises hotel prices near beaches and theme parks.
Orthodox and ecumenical families
When Western (April 5) and Orthodox (April 12, 2026) differ, some families:
- Celebrate two gatherings — one with each side of the family
- Attend both liturgies if spiritually meaningful
- Share neutral Saturday meals between dates
Confirm local parish bulletins for service times.
FAQ: Common Mix-Ups
Is Easter always in April?
Usually, but not always. It can occur in late March (e.g., March 28 in 2027). 2026 Western Easter is April 5.
Is Orthodox Easter the same in 2026?
No. Western: April 5. Orthodox Pascha: commonly April 12, 2026 — verify with your church.
What is Good Friday 2026?
Friday, April 3, 2026 (Western).
How does Easter relate to Passover?
The Last Supper tradition connects to Passover season in Judaism. Passover dates are independent on the Hebrew calendar — consult Jewish calendars for 2026 seder nights; do not assume they always coincide with Easter weekend.
Is Easter a federal US holiday?
No federal day off, though many institutions adjust schedules culturally.
What about Ash Wednesday and Lent?
Ash Wednesday 2026: February 18 — begins Lent, the 40-day preparation period before Easter (Sundays counted differently in some traditions).
Bottom Line
Western Easter Sunday 2026 is April 5. Good Friday is April 3; Palm Sunday is March 29. Orthodox Easter may fall on April 12, 2026 — confirm locally. Plan worship, travel, and family events around Holy Week, remember Easter is moveable (not October 31–style fixed), and check whether your country treats Good Friday or Easter Monday as a public holiday when booking time off.