Which stores will be open or closed on Easter Sunday 2026? Here's the full list

As spring arrives and families across the nation prepare for the upcoming holiday on April 5, 2026, many are wondering about the availability of local retailers and grocery chains. Easter Sunday is a significant cultural and religious event, and while it is not a federal holiday in the United States, it is a day when many of the country's largest retailers choose to close their doors to allow employees to spend time with their families. Whether you are hunting for last-minute plastic eggs, a forgotten ingredient for your Easter brunch, or a chocolate bunny for a surprise basket, knowing which stores are operating is essential for a stress-free holiday. This year, the landscape of retail remains a mix of major closures and reliable open doors, with giants like Walmart and Kroger staying open while competitors like Target and Costco maintain their tradition of closing.

For those looking for a quick answer, most major grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Trader Joe's will be open on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, though some may operate with reduced hours. However, massive retailers such as Target, Costco, Sam's Club, and Aldi will be closed entirely. Most pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens will remain open, though their pharmacy counter hours might differ from the front store hours. Always call your local branch to verify specific timings before heading out.

Major Retailers Closing Their Doors for Easter 2026

The trend of major retailers closing on Easter Sunday has grown stronger over the years. This movement, often cited as a way to give back to employees, means that some of your favorite shopping destinations will be dark on April 5. Target is perhaps the most notable name on this list. For several consecutive years, the bullseye retailer has closed all of its nearly 2,000 stores nationwide to observe the holiday. If you need anything from Target, you will need to complete your shopping by Saturday night.

Warehouse clubs are also famously closed on Easter. Costco and Sam's Club consistently shut down their operations for the holiday. This is part of their broader policy to close on seven major holidays throughout the year, including Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If you were planning a bulk run for Easter dinner supplies, you must do so before Sunday. Similarly, Aldi has a long-standing policy of closing on Easter Sunday, which is consistent across its U.S. locations.

Department stores and home decor outlets also largely follow the closure trend. Macy's, Kohl's, and JCPenney will all be closed this year. This also extends to the TJX family of stores, which includes TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. For home improvement needs, Lowe's will be closed, although its main competitor, Home Depot, typically remains open with limited hours. Specialty stores like Best Buy, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby also join the list of closed businesses for 2026.

Grocery Stores Open for Last-Minute Easter Needs

Fortunately for those who realize they are out of milk or eggs on Sunday morning, many major grocery chains will remain operational. Walmart is the leading retailer that stays open on Easter Sunday. Most Walmart Supercenters will operate under their regular business hours, typically from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., though it is always wise to check if your local store has any local modifications. Walmart provides a wide range of Easter candies, decorations, and food items that can be a lifesaver for last-minute shoppers.

The Kroger family of stores is another reliable option. This includes not just Kroger itself, but also its various regional brands such as Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, and Smith's. While the majority of these stores will be open, some may close their doors a few hours earlier than usual. Pharmacies within these stores might also have shortened schedules, so if you are picking up a prescription, call ahead.

Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are also expected to welcome customers on April 5, 2026. Trader Joe's usually maintains regular hours on Easter, while Whole Foods might have modified hours depending on the location. For example, some Whole Foods locations may close by 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. to allow their staff to enjoy the evening. Other chains like Wegmans, Safeway, and Stop & Shop are also historically open, providing ample opportunities for grocery shopping across the country.

Pharmacy and Convenience Store Availability

Health and wellness needs do not stop for holidays, and luckily, the major pharmacy chains recognize this. CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens are generally open on Easter Sunday. In many cases, 24-hour locations will maintain their round-the-clock service. However, it is important to distinguish between the "front store" (where you buy snacks, gifts, and toiletries) and the "pharmacy counter." While the store might be open all day, the pharmacy staff may have reduced hours or be closed entirely at certain locations.

Convenience stores are perhaps the most reliable of all. 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa will almost certainly be open 24/7. These are excellent spots for emergency items like batteries, basic medicine, or even a last-minute greeting card. If you are traveling on Easter Sunday, these stops will be essential for fuel and refreshments. Additionally, Rite Aid stores typically remain open, though hours can vary significantly by region since the company has undergone various restructuring efforts.

Home Improvement and Specialty Store Schedules

If you are planning to use the holiday for some DIY projects or spring gardening, your options are split. Home Depot is historically open on Easter Sunday, often from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This makes it a go-to destination for mulch, plants, or tools. However, as mentioned earlier, Lowe's will be closed. Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and operated, which means their hours are decided on a store-by-store basis. Some may be open for a few hours, while others may close for the day.

Specialty and hobby stores are a bit harder to find open. IKEA is one of the few large retailers in this category that usually stays open, often with shortened hours such as 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is great for those who want to spend the afternoon browsing furniture. On the other hand, crafting stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby are strictly closed on Easter Sunday. Pet parents can breathe a sigh of relief as Petco and PetSmart are usually open, though they frequently close earlier than their usual Sunday time, often by 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Store Name	Easter Sunday 2026 Status
Walmart	Open (Regular Hours)
Target	Closed
Costco	Closed
Kroger	Open (Hours May Vary)
Trader Joe's	Open (Regular Hours)
Home Depot	Open (8 AM - 6 PM)
Lowe's	Closed
CVS / Walgreens	Open (Pharmacies May Vary)
Aldi	Closed
7-Eleven	Open (24/7)

Restaurant Chains Serving Easter Brunch and Dinner

For many, the best way to celebrate Easter is by letting someone else do the cooking. Most major restaurant chains will be open on April 5, 2026. Fast food favorites like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell are almost always open, though some franchises may choose to close or have limited hours. Starbucks and Dunkin' are also reliable options for your morning caffeine fix, though it is common for them to close earlier in the afternoon on Easter.

If you are looking for a sit-down meal, chains like Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Denny's, and Applebee's are traditionally open and often feature special Easter menus. These locations can get very busy, especially during the brunch hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so making a reservation or using a mobile "join the waitlist" feature is highly recommended. Upscale dining options and local bistros are also likely to be open but will almost certainly require advance planning. In 2026, we expect to see many restaurants offering "Easter to-go" bundles, which became popular in recent years, allowing families to enjoy a professional meal at their own dining table.

Shopping for Easter Outfits and Decor: What to Know

The week leading up to Easter Sunday is typically the busiest time for clothing and decor retailers. If you are searching for a new dress or suit, you should aim to finish your shopping by Saturday, April 4. Because stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Kohl's are closed on the Sunday itself, there will be no chance for day-of clothing emergencies. However, if you really need an item, Walmart remains the only major national brick-and-mortar option open on Sunday that carries a full line of apparel.

Easter decor, such as wreaths, table settings, and egg-dyeing kits, follows a similar pattern. While you can find these items at grocery stores like Kroger or Wegmans on Sunday, the selection will likely be picked over. Craft stores like Michaels are closed, so any specialized DIY supplies must be purchased in advance. It is worth noting that the Monday following Easter is often the best time to find deep discounts—sometimes up to 75% off—on remaining Easter merchandise at stores that were closed on Sunday.

Regional Variations and Local Store Hours

While national trends provide a good baseline, regional differences can play a huge role in what is open. In certain states, like Massachusetts or parts of New Jersey, "Blue Laws" or local traditions might affect Sunday operating hours. For instance, in Massachusetts, while many grocery stores are open, some regional chains like Market Basket have historically closed on Easter Sunday to give their staff a break. Similarly, in the South, some H-E-B locations may close or have very limited hours depending on the specific community.

International retailers operating in the U.S. also have varying policies. For example, Lidl usually closes its U.S. stores on Easter Sunday, following a similar pattern to its competitor Aldi. Meanwhile, BJ's Wholesale Club, which operates primarily on the East Coast, is usually open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a rare warehouse club option for those who have a membership. Regardless of where you live, the best tool at your disposal is a store's official website or mobile app, which will be updated with "Holiday Hours" as April 5 approaches.

Tips for Navigating Holiday Hours and Store Locators

To ensure you aren't met with a locked door, there are several steps you can take. First, use the store locator feature on the retailer's official website. Most major chains update these locators a week or two before a holiday. Second, check Google Maps; while Google tries to update holiday hours, they are sometimes based on historical data rather than current confirmation, so look for the "Confirmed by business X days ago" tag. Third, if you are unsure, a quick phone call is the most reliable method. Most automated phone systems for retail stores will include a holiday hours announcement during the week leading up to Easter.

Another tip is to consider delivery services like Instacart or DoorDash. While these services can deliver from stores that are open (like CVS or certain grocery chains), their available "delivery windows" might be limited due to fewer drivers working on the holiday. If you are relying on a delivery service for your Easter dinner ingredients, try to place your order for Saturday delivery or very early Sunday morning to avoid delays or cancellations.

FAQ Section

Is Target open on Easter 2026?

No, Target will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. This is a consistent policy for the company across all U.S. locations.

Is Walmart open on Easter Sunday 2026?

Yes, Walmart stores are expected to be open during their regular business hours on Easter Sunday. Most locations operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Will mail be delivered on Easter Sunday?

Because Easter falls on a Sunday, the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver regular mail. UPS and FedEx also typically do not have regular delivery services on Easter Sunday, except for their critical or express services.

Are liquor stores open on Easter?

This depends entirely on your state and local laws. Some states prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays or specifically on Easter, while others allow it. Check your local regulations or call your local store.

Is Costco open on Easter 2026?

No, Costco warehouses are closed on Easter Sunday. It is one of the seven holidays where they shut down all U.S. operations.

Conclusion

Planning ahead is the key to a successful and relaxing Easter Sunday in 2026. While the list of closures includes major names like Target, Costco, and Lowe's, there are still plenty of options available for those who need a last-minute item. Walmart, Kroger, and major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens remain your most reliable bets for day-of shopping. By checking local store hours and finishing your major shopping by Saturday, you can focus on what truly matters: spending time with loved ones and enjoying the holiday festivities. Happy Easter!

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