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
While Easter is 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.
What is Easter? What does Easter celebrate?
Easter is one of the most significant holidays in Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to Christian teachings, Jesus was crucified, died and was buried, and rose from the dead on the third day — Easter Sunday.
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Read more: When is Easter? Dates, meanings behind Holy Week 2026
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 such as 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?
Because Easter falls on a Sunday, most banks will be closed, as they typically are on Sundays. Most will reopen on Monday.
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Capital One branches and cafes are expected to remain open with normal hours.
Is mail delivered on Easter?
Standard mail, including packages, will not be delivered on Easter Sunday.
Wolf von Dewitz/Picture Alliance via Getty Images
No. The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver regular mail on Sundays, including Easter.
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Priority Mail Express will still be delivered, as it operates year-round.
Are UPS and FedEx open on Easter?
Most UPS and FedEx services will be suspended on Easter Sunday, with no standard pickups or deliveries.
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Urgent services — including UPS Express Critical and FedEx Custom Critical — will still operate.
Some independent locations may open with limited hours.