Blog
Home » Holidays UK » Easter Day

Easter Day

Easter is a holiday that represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian beliefs. For those who aren't religious, it may be a celebration of the season or just time to spend with family members. It falls the day before Easter Monday, and follows Good Friday.

Upcoming Dates For Easter

Easter is held on the first Sunday following the full moon. Or, it can be celebrated after the March equinox. The date for Easter varies, depending on the moon. So, here are the upcoming dates so you can make plans for your family:

  • Sunday, April 16, 2017
  • Sunday, April 1, 2018
  • Sunday, April 21, 2019
  • Sunday, April 12, 2020
  • Sunday, April 4, 2021
  • Sunday, April 17, 2022
  • Sunday, April 9, 2023
  • Sunday, March 31, 2024
  • Sunday, April 20, 2025

Where Is Easter Considered a Holiday?

Easter is considered a holiday everywhere in the United Kingdom. All non-essential businesses and organizations will be closed and public transportation may be unavailable. In England and Wales, all stores are closed. In Scotland, the stores are allowed to be open. Check with your local holiday schedule before planning your Easter weekend.

Festivities & Events During Easter

It is traditional that Easter be held with church sermons and close family. Although there are many people who don't celebrate Easter as a religious holiday, merely taking time to spend with those they love. In the United Kingdom, chocolate and confectioneries are a big part of the Easter activities. Little children will do a scavenger hunt for the eggs, or receive them in a gift exchange of sorts. Children are told of the Easter bunny, who left behind delicious chocolate treats for them to search out. Often, children will attempt to find the bunny as well. Of course, there are festivals and parades in certain areas. In Battersea Park (London) there is a big Easter day parade. Families will gather in the streets to watch the parade. In other areas, businesses may have scavenger hunts for the children - this is a great marketing tactic.

A Brief History About Easter

Although the celebration is largely Christian in current times, it's believed to be a celebration of Pagan traditions. Easter is reliant on the equinox for the date of celebration.