Easter 2026: A Guide to Britain’s Most Cherished Spring Holiday

When is Easter 2026?

Easter 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 5th April, marking one of the most significant dates in the Christian calendar. Good Friday falls on 3rd April and Easter Monday on 6th April, creating a long bank holiday weekend for families across the United Kingdom. This is considered a “mid-season” Easter, with perfect timing for beautiful spring-like weather in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Significance of Easter

Easter, also called Resurrection Sunday or Pascha, is one of the most important days in the Christian faith, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead according to the New Testament. Easter represents the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness, symbolising the promise of eternal life and the power of resurrection. The holiday serves as the foundation of Christian belief, bringing families and communities together in celebration of renewal, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

Why Does Easter’s Date Change Each Year?

Easter Sunday always occurs on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, specifically the first Sunday following the full Moon that occurs on or after the March or spring equinox. This system, known as the computus, was established by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. In the Gregorian calendar, Easter is always observed on a Sunday between 22nd March and 25th April. This lunar-based calculation means Easter moves each year, unlike fixed holidays such as Christmas.

Easter Traditions in the United Kingdom

Easter in the UK blends Christian traditions with fun, family-oriented customs, with many people attending church on Good Friday and Easter Sunday to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Chocolate eggs are exchanged as gifts, Easter egg hunts are held in gardens, parks, and community centres, and families often gather for a Sunday roast, sometimes featuring lamb as a traditional Easter meal. Hot cross buns, spiced sweet buns marked with a cross, are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

Planning for Easter 2026

The Easter holidays in 2026 will likely fall between 30th March and 10th April, providing families with ample time for celebrations, travel, and relaxation. Easter 2026 in the UK promises to be a wonderful time for reflection, celebration, and quality time with family and friends, with many people using the long bank holiday weekend and school breaks to travel, unwind, or enjoy traditional Easter festivities.

As spring emerges and nature awakens from winter, Easter 2026 offers Britons an opportunity to embrace renewal and hope whilst honouring centuries-old traditions that continue to unite communities across the nation.