Egg hunt participants wait in line to get an easter basket after participating in Huston-Tillotson University’s Free Community Easter Egg Hunt, April 16, 2022 in Austin. The egg hunt, divided by age group, featured eggs filled with candy and coins as well as redeemable prize certificates, scholarships and school supplies.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
Easter Sunday is here. While it’s not an official public holiday, many businesses and services will be closed or operate with reduced hours.
Whether you need groceries or plan to run errands, here’s what to know before heading out on Easter Sunday.
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When is Easter 2026?
Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. This year, the spring equinox was March 20 and Easter is April 5.
Read more: Easter 2026 is here — What to know about the holiday’s meaning, history and dates
What is Easter? What does Easter celebrate?
Easter is considered a significant holiday for Christians, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to Christian teachings, Christ was arrested, tried and sentenced to death by crucifixion. Christians believe he died on the cross on Good Friday, was buried in a tomb and rose from the dead three days later on Easter Sunday.
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Is Easter a federal holiday?
No, Easter is not a federal holiday. It is always observed on a Sunday, when most federal offices are already closed. Christmas Day is the only federal holiday with a religious basis.
What is Easter Monday?
Easter Monday falls on April 6, 2026, and continues religious observances. It is a public holiday in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom, but not in the United States.
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Which stores are open on Easter Sunday?
The following stores are expected to be open, though hours may vary by location:
7-Eleven
Academy Sports & Outdoors
Barnes & Noble
Big Lots
CVS Pharmacy
Dollar General
The Home Depot
IKEA
Kroger
Petco
PetSmart
Sprouts Farmers Market
Trader Joe’s
Walgreens
Walmart
Whole Foods Market
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Hours may be reduced; check with your local store.
Which stores are closed on Easter Sunday?
H-E-B stores will be closed on Easter Sunday.
Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman
These retailers are expected to be closed:
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Aldi
Best Buy
Costco
Dick’s Sporting Goods
H-E-B
Hobby Lobby
HomeGoods
JCPenney
Kohl’s
Lowe’s
Macy’s
Marshalls
Michaels
Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack
Office Depot/OfficeMax
Sam’s Club
Staples
Target
T.J. Maxx
Some locations or services may operate with limited hours.
Are banks open on Easter Sunday, Easter Monday?
Because Easter falls on a Sunday, most banks will be closed, as they typically are on Sundays. Most will reopen on Easter Monday under normal operations.
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Capital One branches and cafes are expected to remain open with normal hours on Easter Sunday.
Is mail delivered on Easter Sunday, Easter Monday?
Standard mail, including packages, will not be delivered on Easter Sunday.
Wolf von Dewitz/Picture Alliance via Getty Images
The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver regular mail on Sundays, including Easter Sunday. Priority Mail Express will still be delivered, as it operates year-round.
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All USPS operations will continue as usual on Easter Monday, since it’s not a federal holiday.
Are UPS and FedEx open on Easter Sunday, Easter Monday?
Most UPS and FedEx services will be suspended on Easter Sunday, with no standard pickups or deliveries. Urgent services — including UPS Express Critical and FedEx Custom Critical — will still operate. Some independent locations may open with limited hours.
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Both UPS and FedEx will resume normal operations on Easter Monday.