What Stores Are Open on Easter 2026? Full Hours Guide

It's Easter Sunday 2026, and if you're scrambling to pick up last-minute groceries, a forgotten ingredient for your holiday ham, or just a bag of chocolate eggs for the kids' baskets — you're not alone. Every year, millions of shoppers find themselves wondering which stores are actually open on Easter. This year, with Easter falling on Sunday, April 5, 2026, the question is more urgent than ever. Here's a complete, up-to-the-minute guide to what's open, what's closed, and how to make the most of your Easter Sunday shopping and cooking.

Which Major Retailers Are Open on Easter Sunday 2026?

The good news: several major retailers are keeping their doors open today, though many are running on reduced hours. Before you make the drive, here's what you need to know, according to AOL's store hours roundup:

• Walmart: Open today from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. — your best bet for a wide selection of groceries, Easter candy, and last-minute meal supplies.
• Home Depot: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for any garden, outdoor cooking, or spring project needs.
• CVS: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — great for picking up candy, greeting cards, or over-the-counter items.
• Walgreens: Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. — one of the longest holiday windows available today.
• ShopRite: Open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for full grocery shopping.

Fast food and coffee lovers can also rejoice: both McDonald's and Starbucks are open on Easter Sunday, though individual location hours may vary. Call ahead or check the app to confirm your nearest store.

Which Stores Are Closed on Easter 2026?

Not every retailer is open for business today. Several major chains observe Easter as a full holiday closure:

• Target: Closed all day on Easter Sunday 2026.
• Costco: Closed today and will reopen on Monday, April 6 during normal business hours. According to Today.com's Costco Easter guide, the warehouse giant has a long-standing tradition of closing on major holidays.
• Aldi: Closed on Easter Sunday. If you planned to grab Aldi's budget-friendly Easter staples, you'll need to wait until Monday.

The general rule of thumb: big-box discount retailers and warehouse clubs tend to close, while pharmacies, some supermarkets, and fast food chains stay open. Always verify with your local store, as hours can vary by region.

Grocery Stores Open on Easter 2026: A Food Shopper's Guide

If you're in the middle of preparing your Easter feast and just realized you're missing something critical — whether it's a spiral cut ham, lamb roast, or even a bag of Cadbury Mini Eggs — your grocery options today depend heavily on your region.

According to Today.com's full grocery store Easter hours list, ShopRite stands out as one of the most accessible options, operating a full 14-hour window from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Walmart Supercenter locations with full grocery departments are your widest-open option today.

For those in New Jersey and the broader tri-state area, NJ.com has a comprehensive regional breakdown of which local chains are operating and at what hours — highly recommended if you're in that area.

Pro tip: even if a store is "open," Easter Sunday inventory for fresh items like Easter dinner ham or fresh spring vegetables may be depleted from pre-holiday shopping rushes. Go early if you can.

Last-Minute Easter Meal Ideas Using What's Available Today

So you need to cook Easter dinner and your options are limited to what Walmart, ShopRite, or a local open grocery carries today. Here are quick, crowd-pleasing ideas that rely on easily available ingredients:

• Glazed Ham: A pre-cooked pre-cooked glazed ham needs only an oven and a simple glaze of brown sugar and honey. Most stores stock these year-round, and they're nearly foolproof.
• Deviled Eggs: A classic Easter appetizer that requires only eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and paprika. All shelf-stable items you can grab today.
• Roasted Asparagus: Spring's most iconic vegetable, simply roasted with olive oil and salt. Asparagus is typically well-stocked in early April.
• Hot Cross Buns: If you can find them, grab a pack of hot cross buns from the bakery section — a traditional Easter bread with centuries of history behind it.
• Scalloped Potatoes: A scalloped potatoes mix or a bag of russets with cream and cheese creates a rich, comforting side dish without much effort.

Don't forget dessert. A simple carrot cake mix is a seasonally perfect Easter treat, and most stores carry them in the baking aisle.

Why Does Easter Fall on Different Dates Each Year?

If you've ever wondered why Easter seems to bounce around the calendar, you're not alone. Easter is a "moveable feast," calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21 (the ecclesiastical spring equinox). This means it can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

For reference:

• Easter 2025: April 20, 2025
• Easter 2026: April 5, 2026 (today)
• Easter 2027: March 28, 2027

The day before Easter — April 4, 2026 — is Holy Saturday, also known as The Great Sabbath. It's traditionally the final day of the Holy Week observance, and the day most people do their last-minute Easter grocery runs. If you missed the Saturday rush, today is your last chance before many stores return to normal Monday hours.

Easter in New York City: The 2026 Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival

Beyond shopping and cooking, Easter Sunday in New York City brings one of the country's most beloved public traditions. The NYC Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival steps off today along Fifth Avenue, drawing thousands of participants in elaborate, creative Easter bonnets and spring finery. According to MSN's event guide, the parade is a free, open-to-the-public celebration with no formal route or ticketing — just show up and enjoy the spectacle. It's a perfect post-brunch activity if you're celebrating in the city today.

Frequently Asked Questions: Easter 2026 Store Hours

Is Walmart open on Easter Sunday 2026?

Yes. Walmart is open on Easter Sunday 2026 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., making it one of the most accessible options for last-minute grocery and general shopping needs.

Is Target open on Easter 2026?

No. Target is closed on Easter Sunday 2026. If you need Target items, you'll need to wait until Monday, April 6, when normal store hours resume.

Is Costco open on Easter Sunday?

No. Costco is closed on Easter Sunday and will reopen on Monday, April 6, 2026. Costco consistently closes for major holidays including Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

What grocery stores are open on Easter Sunday 2026?

ShopRite is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Walmart Supercenter locations with grocery departments are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Many regional chains are also operating on reduced hours — check your local store's website or call ahead to confirm.

Are pharmacies open on Easter 2026?

Yes. CVS is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Walgreens is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Easter Sunday. These are great options for picking up last-minute Easter candy, cards, or medications.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Easter Sunday 2026

Easter 2026 is here, and whether you're doing a last-minute grocery run or putting the finishing touches on a big family feast, knowing which stores are open can save you a stressful wasted trip. Walmart and Walgreens offer the broadest hours today, while Target, Costco, and Aldi are all closed until Monday. ShopRite and CVS round out your mid-day options.

For your meal, focus on store-available staples: a glazed ham, deviled eggs, roasted asparagus, and a carrot cake make a complete and festive Easter table without requiring specialty shopping. And if all else fails, McDonald's and Starbucks are open — because no holiday is complete without coffee.

However you're celebrating, Happy Easter 2026.