Easter is celebrated as the foremost sacred occasion by Christians, with the Easter season in the UK encompassing the 40-day period of Lent and Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday, also referred to as Resurrection Sunday.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 29 Mar | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 1 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland | |
| 2025 | 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland | |
| 2026 | 3 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 6 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland | |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years’ dates. | ||||
Easter in the UK is celebrated with a public holiday on Good Friday and Easter Monday, except in Scotland.
The date of Easter varies annually, determined by the Christian Ecclesiastical Calendar, falling on the Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
This places Easter Sunday anywhere between March 22 and April 25.
As one of Christianity’s oldest traditions, Easter commemorates the final week of Jesus’ life, his crucifixion, and subsequent resurrection, symbolising new life and forming the pinnacle of the Christian year.
Despite its Christian designation, Easter’s origins are entwined with the customs of pre-Christian paganism in the UK.
It is thought to be named after “Eostre,” the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring.
Good Friday is traditionally marked by eating hot cross buns, where the cross symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice. These buns are often enjoyed as a warm breakfast item.
Fish is commonly consumed on Good Friday, reflecting the day’s solemnity, though some choose fasting to honor Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
A key Easter tradition in the UK is the exchange of Easter eggs on Sunday.
These chocolate eggs, sometimes filled and wrapped in shiny paper, are modern counterparts to the originally gifted painted bird eggs, symbolizing new life and spring’s arrival.
Egg painting remains a popular activity for children, rooted in ancient pagan customs.
With Easter weekend being the year’s first holiday period with spring weather, it prompts numerous outdoor events and travel plans.
To enjoy these activities and secure the best travel and accommodation rates, it’s advisable to plan well ahead.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 10 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland | |
| 2022 | 15 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 18 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland | |
| 2021 | 2 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 5 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland | |
| 2020 | 10 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 13 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland | |
| 2019 | 19 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 22 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland | |
| 2018 | 30 Mar | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 2 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland | |
| 2017 | 14 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 17 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | National except Scotland |
Easter FAQs
Easter is a moveable feast, meaning it is not fixed to a specific date on the Gregorian or Julian calendars. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible.
Traditional Easter foods vary by region, but some common ones include lamb, ham, hot cross buns, and Easter eggs.
The date of Easter varies between Western Christianity and Eastern Christianity due to differences in the use of the Julian and Gregorian calendars.
Popular Easter traditions include attending church services, decorating Easter eggs, participating in egg hunts, and sharing festive meals with family and friends.
The Easter bunny is a symbol of Easter that has its origins in German folklore and was introduced to America by German immigrants in the 1700s.
Yes, many people celebrate Easter with non-religious traditions such as egg decorating, egg rolling, and giving Easter baskets filled with candy and toys.
The egg is a symbol of new life and fertility, which has been associated with pagan spring festivals and later adopted into Christian Easter celebrations as a symbol of the resurrection.
The Easter Vigil is a traditional Christian liturgy that takes place on the evening before Easter Sunday, marking the end of the Lenten season and the beginning of the Easter season.
Kid-friendly activities for Easter include egg decorating, egg hunts, making Easter crafts, and participating in games such as egg rolling.
The Easter parade is a cultural event that has its origins in the Christian tradition of attending church on Easter Sunday, with participants often wearing their best clothes and hats.
