When is Easter? A Guide to the 2026 Dates and Traditions
London, 28 March 2026 – With the spring bank holidays fast approaching, many across the UK are planning for the Easter weekend. This year, Easter Sunday falls on 5 April 2026, with Good Friday on 3 April and Easter Monday on 6 April. The date, which changes annually based on a complex lunar calculation, dictates a series of public and financial changes, from benefit payment schedules to traffic management plans.
Key Dates for Easter 2026
The Easter period is marked by two bank holidays and significant events in the Christian calendar. Here are the essential dates for your diary:
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (Bank Holiday)
- Easter Sunday: Sunday, 5 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026 (Bank Holiday)
These dates trigger adjustments to government payment schedules and local council services.
Bank Holiday Service Changes
The upcoming bank holidays will affect several public services. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HMRC have confirmed that benefit payments due on Friday, 3 April or Monday, 6 April will be paid early, on Thursday, 2 April 2026. This applies to Universal Credit, State Pension, and other benefits. Many local councils, including Three Rivers District Council, have also announced changes to waste and recycling collection dates over the holiday weekend.
In Kent, the Highways Agency has confirmed the return of the M20 Operation Brock contraflow system will commence ahead of the Easter break to manage holiday traffic.
How is the Date of Easter Determined?
Easter is a “moveable feast,” with its date calculated using a lunisolar calendar. The rule, established by the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, states that Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon (the Paschal Full Moon) that occurs on or after the vernal equinox (fixed as 21 March). This means Easter can occur on any Sunday between 22 March and 25 April.
Key Facts About Easter
Based on historical and ecclesiastical rules, the celebration of Easter is governed by the following constants:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Basis | First Sunday after the Paschal full moon on or after 21 March. |
| Earliest Possible Date | 22 March |
| Latest Possible Date | 25 April |
| Historical Settlement | The Synod of Whitby (664 CE) aligned English practice with Roman calculation methods. |
Easter Traditions and Celebrations
Easter remains a significant cultural and religious holiday. Surveys indicate Easter spending is expected to rise, with popular activities including family meals, church services, and Easter egg hunts. Traditions are evolving, with adults increasingly participating in activities like building their own Easter baskets. Confectionery continues to play a central role, with 92% of Americans celebrating including chocolate and candy in their festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the date of Easter change every year?
Easter is based on the lunar calendar. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox (21 March). Because the lunar cycle doesn’t match the solar year perfectly, the date shifts annually.
Will my benefits be paid early for Easter?
Yes. If you are due a payment from the DWP or HMRC on Good Friday (3 April) or Easter Monday (6 April) 2026, you will receive it on the preceding working day, Thursday, 2 April 2026.
What are the UK bank holidays for Easter 2026?
The bank holidays are Good Friday, 3 April 2026, and Easter Monday, 6 April 2026.