Spring is a big time for travel and shopping in the U.S., so people who plan ahead are already asking, "When is Easter in 2026?" Easter Sunday is on April 5, 2026, so those who want to plan school breaks or religious observances should keep that in mind. This date is much earlier than last year's, which makes the time between New Year's and Lent much shorter.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, holiday-related spending often peaks earlier when Easter lands in early April, impacting everything from travel bookings to the confectionery industry.
If you want to keep track of the liturgical calendar, plan a family reunion, or just want to know when Easter falls in 2026, knowing this mid-spring date is important for getting through the 2026 holiday rush.
When is Easter in 2026?
The journey to Easter Sunday involves several significant milestones on the Christian calendar. Because the easter 2026 date is set for April 5, the entire Lenten season shifts forward. To help you plan your holiday weekend, here is the chronological breakdown of the most important dates leading up to Easter Sunday, 2026:
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Ash Wednesday: February 18, 2026
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Palm Sunday: March 29, 2026
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Good Friday: April 3, 2026
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Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026
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Easter Monday: April 6, 2026
How is the Easter Date Determined Each Year?
Unlike fixed federal holidays like Christmas, Easter Day is a movable feast. The calculation relies on a mix of solar and lunar cycles, a system established centuries ago. To find when Easter day is, theologians and astronomers look for the Paschal Full Moon.
Take a look at the table below for a deeper understanding of why the Easter Day changes each
| Factor | Description |
| The Vernal Equinox | The official start of spring (fixed on March 21 for ecclesiastical purposes). |
| The Full Moon | Easter is held on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the equinox. |
| The Sunday Rule | If the full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter is celebrated the following Sunday to ensure it remains a distinct day of observance. |
Why does the Easter 2026 Date Differ for some?
Most people in the U.S. use the Gregorian calendar, but it's important to note that Orthodox communities use a different one. The Julian calendar is used by the Orthodox Church for religious purposes, which is why their Easter 2026 dates are often different.
In 2026, though, something very unusual happens: both Western and Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on the same day, April 5. This joining of dates only happens every so often, which makes 2026 a special year for Christians around the world to celebrate.
Read more about Types of Calendars in the World here!
Planning for Easter Sunday 2026
In many U.S. school districts, early April is often the same time as spring break, which could mean that vacation rentals and community event spaces are in higher demand than they are during late-April Easter years.
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Easter falls on April 5, 2026, which is a big deal for spring celebrations and religious traditions all over the United States. You can better prepare for the 2026 season if you know how the lunar mechanics work in the calendar. Stay tuned for more news as we learn more about local events and holiday trends.
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