No, today is not Easter — Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, which is tomorrow. Today, April 4, is Holy Saturday, the final day of Holy Week. If you're scrambling to pick up last-minute groceries, check store hours, or just want to know what Easter is all about, here's everything you need to know before the holiday arrives.
When Is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday in 2026 falls on April 5. This year's Holy Week began on March 29 and concludes today, April 4 (Holy Saturday). Good Friday was observed on April 3. If you follow the Eastern Orthodox tradition, mark your calendar for April 12, 2026 — that's when Orthodox Easter is celebrated.
Easter's date changes every year because it's calculated using a lunar calendar formula: it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox. That's why Easter can land anywhere between March 22 and April 25.
Who Celebrates Easter — and How?
Easter is one of the most widely observed holidays in the United States. According to an April 2 poll by the Napolitan News Service, 65% of American voters plan to celebrate Easter in 2026. The breakdown shows a mix of motivations:
- 34% celebrate Easter as a religious holiday
- 16% celebrate it as both religious and secular
- 13% celebrate it as a purely secular holiday
Whether you're attending a church service, hosting a family brunch, or letting the kids loose on an egg hunt, Easter means something different to nearly everyone who observes it.
What Is Easter, and Why Is It Celebrated?
At its core, Easter is a Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believed to have occurred three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday. It is considered the most important event in the Christian liturgical calendar — even more so than Christmas.
But many of Easter's most recognizable traditions — colored eggs, the Easter Bunny, springtime themes — have roots that stretch back further than Christianity. Historians trace these symbols to pre-Christian pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, which were gradually absorbed into Easter traditions as Christianity spread across Europe.
The Easter Bunny itself has a particularly interesting origin: the tradition likely arrived in America with German immigrants in the 1700s, who brought the story of "Osterhase," a hare that delivered colored eggs to well-behaved children. The custom spread widely and became a staple of American Easter celebrations.
Easter Food Traditions Worth Knowing
Easter is one of the biggest food holidays of the year, and the table spreads reflect both religious history and regional culture. Here are some classics worth preparing:
- Ham — The most traditional Easter main course in the US. A glazed Easter glazed ham is a centerpiece at many family tables.
- Deviled eggs — A perfect use for all those hard-boiled Easter eggs. A good deviled egg platter makes serving easy.
- Hot cross buns — A spiced, slightly sweet bun with a cross on top, traditionally eaten on Good Friday but enjoyed throughout the Easter weekend.
- Easter bread — Many cultures bake special braided loaves with dyed eggs tucked inside. An Easter bread mold can help you get the shape just right.
- Lamb — In many European and Middle Eastern traditions, roast lamb is the Easter main course, symbolizing Christ as the "Lamb of God."
- Easter candy — From Cadbury Creme Eggs to Peeps marshmallow chicks and Robin Eggs candy, Easter baskets are a sugar lover's dream.
If you're hosting Easter brunch tomorrow, consider picking up a Easter brunch serving set or a spring Easter tablecloth to set a festive table.
Which Grocery Stores Are Open on Easter Sunday?
If you're reading this today and realize you're missing key ingredients for tomorrow's meal, act fast. Several major grocery chains adjust their hours or close entirely on Easter Sunday:
Stores Closed on Easter Sunday
- Costco — Closed
- Sam's Club — Closed
- Aldi — Closed
- Publix — Closed
Stores Open on Easter Sunday
- Walmart — Open (hours may vary)
- Kroger — Open
- Trader Joe's — Open
- Meijer — Open
- Food Lion — Open
- Lidl — Open
- Whole Foods — Open, but many locations will close earlier than usual
Bottom line: Don't wait until Sunday morning to grab your Easter dinner ingredients. If your go-to store is Costco, Aldi, or Publix, you'll need to shop today — or order for delivery.
Is Easter a Federal Holiday?
Easter is not a federal holiday in the United States. That means banks, post offices, and government offices are not required to close. Similarly, Good Friday is also not a federal holiday, though some states and private employers observe it. Easter Monday is likewise not a federal holiday, so expect businesses to return to normal operations on April 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is today, April 4, Easter?
No. April 4, 2026 is Holy Saturday — the day before Easter. Easter Sunday is tomorrow, April 5, 2026.
What day is Easter 2026?
Easter 2026 is on Sunday, April 5. Orthodox Easter falls one week later on April 12, 2026.
Why does Easter fall on a different date each year?
Easter is calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox (around March 20). This lunar-based formula means Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.
What are traditional Easter foods?
Classic Easter foods include glazed ham, lamb, deviled eggs, hot cross buns, and Easter bread. Sweet treats like Cadbury Mini Eggs, chocolate Easter bunnies, and jelly beans are also holiday staples.
