WASHINGTON — Easter Sunday, the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, falls on April 20 this year.
The religious holiday arrives nearly a month later than it did last year. In 2024, Easter was on March 31.
Why is Easter so late this year?
The reason the date moves around each year is because the holiday is determined by moon cycles. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal moon, or the first moon following the spring equinox.
April 20 is one of the latest possible dates that Easter can fall on as it can never occur before March 22 or later than April 25.
Astronomically speaking, the spring equinox falls between March 21 and 22. In order to avoid confusion, the Catholic Church abides by a fixed date of March 20, known as the ecclesiastical equinox.
Interestingly, the “ecclesiastical full moon” used to determine Easter isn’t necessarily the same as the actual full moon we see in the sky. The church uses traditional tables to calculate these dates, which don’t always align perfectly with astronomical events.
What stores will be closed on Easter?
Still need to fill your Easter baskets, get ready for an egg hunt or need last-minute ingredients for Sunday breakfast? There are some options available for folks who realize they still need things Easter morning.
Some grocery stores, pharmacies and other businesses may be closed all day Sunday, but others may be operating with reduced hours.
Here’s a full list of what major businesses are planning to close or remain open April 20, 2025. Be sure to confirm store hours at locations near you as they may vary.
These grocery stores, warehouse stores, pharmacies and other businesses will close all locations all day Sunday, April 20:
- Aldi
- Cava
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle
- Costco
- H-E-B
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Natural Grocers
- Publix
- Sam’s Club
- Target
What’s open on Easter?
Some of these stores will be open on Easter for reduced hours, but individual locations may be closed. Check with individual locations for specific store and pharmacy hours.
- 7-Eleven
- Albertson’s (Including Safeway)
- Burger King
- CVS
- Cracker Barrel
- Dollar General
- Domino’s
- Dunkin’
- Family Dollar
- Food Lion
- Giant Eagle
- Golden Corral
- Home Depot
- IHOP
- Kroger
- Lidl
- McDonald’s
- Meijer
- Rite Aid
- Starbucks
- Taco Bell
- Trader Joe’s
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Wegman’s
- Wendy’s
- Whole Foods
Most national food chains will be open Easter but may operate with adjusted hours.