As Easter Sunday dawns on April 5, 2026, millions of Americans are preparing for family gatherings, festive meals, and cherished traditions. But for anyone hoping to make a last-minute dash to the store for forgotten eggs or a missing ingredient, knowing which businesses are open and which are shuttered is crucial. Across the United States, Easter brings a patchwork of retail hours, with some major chains embracing the holiday spirit by closing their doors, while others remain open to serve their communities.
For many, the question of the day is simple: Is my favorite store open? According to 9to5Toys, Walmart has once again positioned itself as a reliable option, opening bright and early at 6 a.m. and staying open until 11 p.m. at most locations. This consistency provides a lifeline for those in need of last-minute groceries or party supplies. "Walmart is open on Easter Sunday this year," the outlet reports, offering a reassuring note for procrastinators everywhere.
But Walmart is the exception, not the rule. A slew of major retailers and grocery stores are closed for the holiday. Target, Best Buy, and Costco are all taking the day off, with Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale joining them in keeping their warehouse doors shut. Grocery favorites like Aldi and Publix are also closed, meaning shoppers in search of specialty items or bulk goods will need to plan ahead. As USA TODAY notes, "Publix locations in Florida and other states will not be open on Easter Sunday, which is Sunday, April 5. Of all the holidays throughout the year, Publix stores are closed only three days: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter." Even Publix liquor stores and pharmacies are observing the closure.
Home improvement stores are a mixed bag this year. Home Depot is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at most locations, offering a window for any last-minute DIY emergencies. Lowe's, on the other hand, is closed for the day, as are several other big-name retailers including Macy's, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Kohl's, TJ Maxx, Marshall's, HomeGoods, and Dick's Sporting Goods.
For those who rely on grocery chains beyond Walmart, there’s a bit of good news. According to Newsweek and the Courier Journal, Trader Joe’s is open for business on Easter Sunday, with most locations operating from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.—except for the Portland, Maine, location, which is closed. Whole Foods, Sprouts, Winn-Dixie, Shoprite, Wegmans, Acme, BJ’s Wholesale (with some exceptions), Weis Markets, Stop & Shop, Lidl, and Foodtown are also open, though hours may vary by location. As always, it’s recommended to check with your local store before heading out, as some may be running on reduced holiday schedules.
Pharmacies are mostly open for those who need them. CVS is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Walgreens welcomes customers from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dollar General and Family Dollar are also open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing additional options for last-minute essentials.
The restaurant scene on Easter Sunday is a tale of two worlds. Fast-food chains and casual dining spots such as Starbucks, Dunkin', McDonald's, Chili's, The Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden, Wendy's, Applebee's, Burger King, Taco Bell, Panera Bread, Popeyes, Subway, Jersey Mike's, Friendly's, IHOP, KFC, White Castle, Red Lobster, Wawa, QuickChek, and 7-Eleven are open, though hours can vary widely by location. Meanwhile, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and Raising Cane’s are closed for the day, with Chick-fil-A observing its traditional Sunday closure. For those craving a burrito or chicken sandwich, patience is required until Monday.
Beyond retail and dining, other sectors are also impacted. According to CNN, Easter is not an official federal holiday, but because it always falls on a Sunday, federal offices are already closed. The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail, except for Priority Mail Express. Most UPS and FedEx deliveries are halted, with the only exceptions being UPS Express Critical and FedEx Custom Critical. The physical locations of these shipping organizations are also closed or have modified hours. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are closed, resuming regular trading on Monday, April 6. Schools, as expected, are closed for the weekend, with many on spring break.
For those in need of a last-minute grocery run, here’s a quick rundown of what's open on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026: Walmart (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), Shoprite (6 a.m. to 8 p.m., hours vary), Acme (most open, closing as early as 6 p.m.), Wegmans (regular hours), Whole Foods (most open, closing early at 6 p.m.), Trader Joe's (regular hours), BJ's Wholesale Club (most open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Weis Markets (most closing at 5 p.m.), Stop & Shop (typically 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Lidl (regular hours), CVS (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Walgreens (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.), Dollar General / Family Dollar (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
On the flip side, here are the big names closed for Easter Sunday: Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Aldi, Dollar Tree, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Best Buy, Five Below, Burlington, Ulta, Sephora, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Petco, Michaels, Macy’s, Hobby Lobby, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack. Most of these stores will reopen on Monday, April 6.
For those who celebrate Easter, the closures are meant to give employees time with their families and to honor the significance of the day. As Newsweek reports, "Many grocery stores and retailers close or have reduced hours on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, to allow employees to spend time with their families." But for non-celebrants or anyone caught off guard by the closures, the day can bring unexpected challenges.
Planning ahead is the name of the game. With so many major retailers closed, consumers are advised to finish their shopping by Saturday evening to avoid last-minute scrambles or disappointment. Open stores may see heavier crowds, limited stock, or shortened hours, so a proactive approach is wise. As one Newsweek article put it, "For those celebrating Easter, planning ahead could be the difference between a smooth holiday meal and a last‑minute scramble."
In a country where holiday schedules are anything but uniform, Easter Sunday 2026 is a reminder that a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re gathering with family, attending church, or simply enjoying a quiet Sunday, knowing which doors are open—and which are closed—can make all the difference.