As Easter 2026 approaches, communities across the UK and the United States are gearing up for a season brimming with tradition, creativity, and family-friendly fun. From the historic landscapes of North East England to the bustling streets of London and the heartland towns of Wisconsin, this year’s festivities promise something for everyone—whether you’re after a classic egg hunt, a taste of springtime nostalgia, or a deep dive into local heritage.
In County Durham, Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, is set to host a sweeping celebration from April 3 to April 19, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience Easter as it was celebrated across four distinct eras: the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s, and 1950s. According to Cumbria Crack, highlights include The Great Bunny Hunt in The 1900s Town, where families can try to spot all 12 elusive Easter bunnies hidden among vintage shopfronts and cobbled streets. For those with a competitive streak, egg rolling events will take place on Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, promising laughter and a touch of friendly rivalry.
Traditional baking demonstrations will tempt visitors each day of the Easter weekend, with costumed staff preparing Simnel cake, chocolate eggs, and hot cross buns—treats that have graced British tables for generations. The museum’s immersive approach lets guests explore the 1820s Pockerley, the bustling 1900s Town, the gritty 1900s Pit Village, the resilient 1940s Farm, and the vibrant 1950s Town and Spain’s Field Farm. Beamish’s commitment to authenticity and education has not gone unnoticed; the museum was recently named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, a distinction that recognizes outstanding projects and community engagement from autumn 2023 through winter 2024.
Beyond the Easter-specific events, Beamish offers a living history experience year-round. Visitors can take an underground tour of the coal mine in the Pit Village, brave a trip to the period dentist, or pose for a portrait in the Edwardian photographer’s studio (for an extra fee). The 1940s Land Girls and Home Guard bring wartime Britain to life, while the 1950s cinema and toy shop evoke the optimism and innovation of the postwar era. With 838,632 visitors in 2024, Beamish remains the North East’s most popular paid attraction and a beloved destination for families, history buffs, and curious travelers alike.
For those seeking Easter adventures in the capital, London is rolling out a citywide extravaganza from April 3 to April 6. As reported by Time Out London, the city’s Easter calendar is packed with egg hunts, open-air theatre, and springtime outings. Trafalgar Square will once again host The Passion of Jesus on Good Friday, April 3, with two free performances at noon and 3:15 p.m., complete with large screens and British Sign Language interpretation to ensure everyone can share in the story.
On Easter Sunday, Covent Garden comes alive with the London Easter Parade—an exuberant procession of costumes, street performers, and music. Families can also flock to the Camden Market Easter Weekender on April 4 and 5, featuring a Cheeky Meeky Family Rave, bonnet-making, face painting, and a trail of whimsical Easter artworks. Meanwhile, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is offering a special Easter programme, giving fans of Harry Potter the chance to experience magical add-on activities from April 3 to 6.
London’s iconic landmarks are getting in on the fun, too. The Tower of London will host Medieval Mayhem, with roaming storytellers and folk musicians, while the Royal Albert Hall continues its tradition with a Good Friday performance of Handel’s Messiah. For egg hunters, the options are nearly endless: the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace (April 3–6), the Zoonormous Egg Hunt at London Zoo, and the Ham House and Garden Easter Egg Hunt in Richmond (March 28–April 6) are just a few of the highlights. Other venues, like the London Museum of Water & Steam, Hobbledown Heath, and King’s Road in Chelsea, are all offering themed trails and creative activities throughout the school holidays.
The city’s Easter spirit isn’t limited to children. Grown-ups can indulge in unlimited afternoon tea at L’oscar London on Easter Sunday or sample curated chocolate tastings and themed brunches across various venues. The South Bank is hosting a cluster of family-friendly workshops, while the London Easter 10k & Fun Run in Regent’s Park on Easter Monday encourages Londoners to get active in their fanciest bunny ears. Rounding out the festivities, Old Spitalfields Market will stage its Easter Bonnet Parade on April 17—a free creative afternoon for those with a flair for wearable art.
Across the Atlantic, north central Wisconsin is keeping its own Easter traditions alive with a patchwork of community egg hunts, food drives, and family gatherings. According to WSAW, from late March through early April, towns like Amherst, Antigo, Dorchester, Marshfield, Merrill, Mosinee, Polonia, Rhinelander, Rosholt, Schofield, Stevens Point, Three Lakes, Tomahawk, Wausau, Weston, and Nekoosa are all hosting festive events tailored for kids of every age.
On March 28, Marshfield Motor Speedway will kick off the season with its second annual Easter Egg Hunt, offering separate areas for toddlers and older children, along with raffles and photos with the Easter Bunny. That same day, the North Wood County Historical Society’s Bring on Spring Egg Hunt and Food Drive will take place at the historic Governor Upham House, where kids ages 1 to 17 can search for eggs while supporting local food pantries. Trinity Merrill Lutheran Church’s Eggstravaganza features egg hunts every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. and noon, ensuring no one misses out on the fun.
Other highlights include sensory-friendly events, like the Autism Society of Central Wisconsin’s hunt at the Hodag Dome on March 20, and the Stevens Point FFA’s annual egg hunt on March 28, with 3,500 eggs divided by age group. Many hunts, such as those at Bell Tower and Willow Springs Garden, offer crafts, petting zoos, and breakfast with the Easter Bunny, making them true celebrations of community spirit. Several venues, including Polonia Park and Rosholt Fair Park, are collecting non-perishable food items to help neighbors in need—a reminder that Easter is as much about giving as it is about receiving.
As Easter weekend draws near, it’s clear that the holiday remains a cherished time for families to come together, celebrate traditions old and new, and support their local communities. Whether you’re rolling eggs down a Victorian street, donning a homemade bonnet in London, or chasing candy-filled eggs across the Wisconsin countryside, the spirit of Easter 2026 is alive and well—bursting with color, kindness, and a touch of springtime magic.