Here’s the thing—and brace yourself, because it’s a bit bonkers: Easter is tied to the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. I know, right? Someone in the 4th century really wanted to make sure we’d never be able to plan a bank holiday weekend without a spreadsheet. In 2026, that first full moon after the equinox happens on April 2nd, which nudges Easter Sunday to the 5th.
So, Good Friday is April 3rd and Easter Monday is April 6th. Mark those dates now, because your annual “Wait, is it a long weekend?” panic will be over by the time you finish reading this paragraph. You’re welcome.
What does this mean for your plans?
If you’re anything like me, you’re already mentally booking time off work for a mini-break. An April 5th Easter means you’re looking at decent spring weather—hopefully—and not the damp, grey misery of a late March outing. The daffodils should be out, the lambs will be frolicking (cliche, but true), and your local pub might even have its beer garden open.
But let’s be real: the real question is when can you buy the chocolate? Supermarkets will start stacking their shelves with Mini Eggs and Creme Eggs around January 2nd, because capitalism doesn’t care about your lent. By the time March rolls around, you’ll be sick of seeing them, but come April 5th, you’ll still buy a giant bunny “for the kids.” Sure, Deb. Sure.
Calendar 2026 UK - bimCal.uk 🇬🇧
