Easter Sunday 2026 in the United Kingdom

Easter Sunday is one of the most important Christian holidays. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizes hope, renewal, and new life. In the UK, people celebrate by attending church services, organizing Easter egg hunts, and sharing meals with family and friends.

When Is Easter Sunday?

Easter is a movable feast, meaning it does not have a fixed date on the calendar. It is observed on the first Sunday following the first Full Moon that occurs on or after the Church’s designated date for the spring equinox.

To calculate the Easter date, the Church designates March 21 as the official spring equinox date, even though the actual astronomical equinox may take place on March 19, 20, or 21, depending on the year.

This dating system was formalized at the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE to ensure consistency in the global observance of Easter.

Because the lunar cycle doesn’t align perfectly with the solar calendar, Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25.

Learn more about calculating the Easter date

Is Easter Sunday a Bank Holiday?

Although Easter Sunday is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom, it is a day off for most people because it falls on a Sunday. In the UK, it is common to use the term bank holiday to refer to all public holidays.

Two of the other days of the Holy Week—Good Friday and Easter Monday—are bank holidays in most parts of the UK, although Easter Monday is not observed as a bank holiday in Scotland. In contrast, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Holy Saturday are not bank holidays.

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Easter Sunday in the UK: What’s Open, What’s Closed?

Although Easter Sunday is not a designated bank holiday, it significantly affects public life:

• In England and Wales, large shops over 280 square metres must close by law.
• In Scotland, there are no trading restrictions, so most stores remain open.
• In Northern Ireland, large shops are also typically closed. This is because Northern Ireland’s Sunday trading laws largely align with those of England and Wales.

Smaller shops, convenience stores, and petrol stations may open, but their hours of operation may vary.

Public transport often runs on a reduced or Sunday schedule. In some areas of the UK, there may be no public transport at all on Easter Sunday.

How Is Easter Sunday Celebrated in the UK?

Easter in the UK combines religious customs with secular traditions.

• Church services: Many people attend special Sunday services celebrating Christ’s resurrection.
• Easter egg hunts: Popular among children, often held in gardens or parks.
• Easter meals: Traditional foods include roast lamb, Simnel cake, and hot cross buns.
• Easter bonnets: Decorated hats are worn, especially by children, in parades or school events.
• Royal traditions: Members of the British Royal Family typically attend church on Easter Sunday. The monarch also takes part in the Maundy Thursday ceremony, distributing Maundy money in a centuries-old Holy Week custom.
• Local events: Egg rolling competitions, Easter fairs, and themed charity fun runs are part of the wider celebration in many communities.

Symbols of Easter in the UK

Easter holds deep meaning for many and is rich with symbolism. Common UK Easter symbols include:

• Easter eggs: Represent new life and rebirth. In Christian tradition, the egg can also symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus.
• The Easter Bunny: A folklore figure known for delivering eggs, the Easter Bunny is believed to have evolved from ancient fertility symbols, as rabbits are associated with abundance and new life.
• Hot cross buns: Spiced buns with a cross, traditionally eaten on Good Friday but common throughout Easter weekend.
• Spring flowers: Daffodils and lilies are common decorations in homes and churches.
• Yellow: The color yellow is associated with secular Easter celebrations, commonly seen in daffodils, chicks, and spring-themed decorations, symbolising renewal and cheer.
• Gold: This color represents light, joy, and resurrection. In many churches, particularly the Church of England, gold is used in vestments and Easter decorations.
• The cross: At the heart of Easter symbolism, reminding Christians of Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection. It is the main symbol of faith and victory over death.

About Easter Sunday in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.