Introduction
After the green celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day 2026, the next major event on the calendar is Easter 2026. Whether you are planning a family brunch, looking for school holiday dates, or wondering if the stock market is open, we have the answers.
In this guide, we cover the confirmed date for Easter Sunday, Good Friday trading hours, and a complete list of which major retailers (like Target and Walmart) will keep their doors open.
When is Easter 2026?
Unlike Christmas, Easter changes dates every year based on the lunar calendar (specifically, the first Sunday after the first full moon of Spring).
- Good Friday: Friday, April 3, 2026
- Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 5, 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, April 6, 2026
Why is it so late? In 2026, the “Paschal Full Moon” does not appear until early April, which pushes the holiday deeper into spring than usual. This means warmer weather for egg hunts!
Is Easter a Federal Holiday in the USA?
This is a common confusion.
- Status: NO. Easter Sunday is a religious holiday, not a US Federal Holiday.
- Mail Delivery: The USPS does not deliver on Sundays regardless of the holiday.
- Banks: Most banks are already closed on Sundays.
- Schools: Public schools do not close specifically for Easter, but many districts schedule their “Spring Break” to align with this week.
Check our full US Holidays 2026 Calendar to see which days are actually federal holidays.
Is the Stock Market Open on Good Friday 2026?
If you are an investor, mark your calendar now.
- Status: CLOSED.
- Details: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026, in observance of Good Friday.
- Bond Markets: Usually close early (around 2:00 PM EST) on the Thursday before (April 2).
- When does it reopen? Normal trading resumes on Monday, April 6.
Shopping Guide: What Stores Are Open on Easter Sunday 2026?
If you need last-minute eggs or groceries, be careful—many major retailers close for the full day to give employees time with their families.
🚫 Stores CLOSED on Easter Sunday
Do not drive to these locations; they will be dark.
- Target (Confirmed closed)
- Costco (Always closed on major holidays)
- Sam’s Club
- TJ Maxx / Marshalls / HomeGoods
- Macy’s
- Aldi
✅ Stores OPEN on Easter Sunday
- Walmart: Most Supercenters observe normal hours, but check your local listing.
- Kroger: Most locations open.
- Whole Foods: Generally open with modified hours.
- CVS / Walgreens: 24-hour locations remain open for pharmacy needs.
- Home Depot: Usually open, but hours may vary.
FAQ: Quick Answers
Is the Post Office open on Good Friday? Yes. Since Good Friday is not a federal holiday, the USPS will deliver mail and post offices will be open on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Do we get Monday off for Easter? In the USA, “Easter Monday” is not a standard public holiday. However, it is a major bank holiday in the UK, Canada, and many European countries.
Conclusion
Mark April 5, 2026 on your calendar. While you can’t trade stocks on Friday or shop at Target on Sunday, the weekend is perfect for family gatherings.