Easter Sunday

Easter2026

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

until spring comes alive

When Is Easter 2026?

Easter 2026 falls on April 5, 2026. Unlike fixed holidays, Easter Sunday moves each year because it follows a lunar calculation—it's always the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox. This ancient method, established at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, means Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

Our live countdown timer above shows exactly how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds remain until Easter Sunday 2026. Bookmark this page to check back anytime as the big day approaches.

Easter Traditions Around the World

Easter is celebrated with rich traditions across the globe. In the United States, children eagerly hunt for colorful Easter eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny, while families gather for Sunday brunch and spring festivities. Germany lights Easter bonfires (Osterfeuer) to welcome the season and ward off winter. In Greece, the midnight Resurrection service on Holy Saturday culminates in fireworks and feasting on lamb. Sweden celebrates with Påskkärringar—children dress as Easter witches and go door to door exchanging drawings for candy.

Many cultures share the tradition of decorating eggs—from the intricate wax-resist pysanky of Ukraine to the simple dyed eggs of American households. Egg rolling competitions, like the famous White House Easter Egg Roll held since 1878, symbolize the rolling away of the stone from the tomb and remain a beloved springtime tradition.

The Meaning of Easter

For Christians worldwide, Easter is the most important holiday of the liturgical year, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The season begins with the 40 days of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection, and builds through Holy Week—from Palm Sunday through Good Friday to the joy of Easter Sunday morning.

Beyond its religious roots, Easter has become a universal celebration of renewal and new beginnings. Its timing in spring connects it deeply to themes of rebirth: flowers blooming, days growing longer, and the natural world awakening after winter. It's a time for families to come together, share meals, and celebrate the promise of brighter days ahead.

Planning Your Easter Celebration

With 0 daysto go, there's plenty of time to plan the perfect Easter celebration. Whether you're organizing an Easter egg hunt for the kids, preparing a traditional Easter dinner with roast lamb and hot cross buns, or planning a spring getaway, our live countdown helps you keep track of every moment.

Popular Easter activities include dyeing and decorating eggs with the family, attending sunrise church services, baking traditional treats like Simnel cake and Easter bread, setting up Easter baskets filled with chocolate eggs, jelly beans, and springtime gifts, and enjoying the first warm days of the season outdoors. Many communities also host Easter parades, bonnet competitions, and special services throughout Holy Week.

Holy Week: The Days Leading to Easter

The week before Easter Sunday is known as Holy Week, and each day holds special significance. Palm Sundaymarks Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper. Good Friday is a day of solemn reflection on the crucifixion. Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and vigil. Finally, Easter Sundaycelebrates the resurrection—the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the reason for the season's joy.

Whether you observe these days through church services, family traditions, or quiet personal reflection, Holy Week offers a meaningful journey from solemnity to celebration that makes Easter morning all the more special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Easter change dates every year?

Easter is a moveable feast determined by a lunisolar calendar. It falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox (March 21). This calculation, called the computus, means Easter can occur on any date between March 22 and April 25.

What is the difference between Easter and Orthodox Easter?

Western churches (Catholic, Protestant) use the Gregorian calendar for Easter calculations, while Eastern Orthodox churches use the older Julian calendar. This means Orthodox Easter often falls on a different date—sometimes the same weekend, but usually one to five weeks later.

Why are eggs associated with Easter?

Eggs have symbolized new life and rebirth across cultures for thousands of years. During Lent, Christians historically abstained from eating eggs, so they would decorate and save them. On Easter Sunday, these eggs were eaten in celebration, eventually evolving into the tradition of Easter egg hunts and chocolate eggs we know today.

Where did the Easter Bunny come from?

The Easter Bunny tradition originated in 17th-century Germany, where children would make nests for Osterhase (the Easter Hare) to fill with colored eggs. German immigrants brought the custom to America in the 1700s, where it evolved into the basket-bearing Easter Bunny loved by children today.

How many days until Easter 2026?

There are currently 0 days until Easter Sunday 2026 on April 5, 2026. Use our live countdown timer above for an exact count including hours, minutes, and seconds.

Download our app to count down to all your special moments