Easter is just around the corner, falling on Sunday, April 20, 2025, and many are preparing for the holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This significant day marks the end of the 40-day Lent season, a time when Christians engage in prayer, fasting, and charity. With Good Friday on April 18, the Easter weekend presents a mix of closures and operations across various sectors, including banks, grocery stores, and retail outlets.
While Easter Sunday is not a federal holiday in the United States, it is widely recognized, and many businesses adjust their hours accordingly. Good Friday, observed as the day Christ was crucified, will see most banks operating as usual, but the stock markets will be closed.
For those wondering about banking services, most major banks will be open on Good Friday. According to USA TODAY, banks such as Wells Fargo, PNC, Truist, CitiBank, and JPMorgan Chase will maintain regular operating hours. However, branches of Bank of America will close on Easter Sunday, as will most other national banks, including those mentioned above. Capital One, on the other hand, will operate as usual on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
As for mail services, there will be no delivery on Easter Sunday, with post offices closed. UPS and FedEx will also suspend most of their services on Easter, although UPS Express Critical service will remain available. All three carriers will operate normally on Good Friday.
The stock markets, including the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, will close on Good Friday and will not reopen until Monday, April 21. The bond market will also close early on Thursday, April 17, at 2 p.m. ET, and remain closed through Good Friday.
In Cincinnati, the city will continue its regular waste removal schedule on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday, as these days are not recognized as holidays for waste management services.
When it comes to grocery stores, shoppers should be aware of varying hours. On Easter Sunday, many retailers will be closed, including Aldi, Costco, Sam's Club, Target, TJ Maxx, and Lowe's. However, some stores will be open. For instance, Jungle Jim's will welcome customers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Meijer will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most Kroger stores will also be open, while Trader Joe's, Walmart, and PetCo will maintain regular hours. Whole Foods will have most of its locations open, but hours may vary, so checking local listings is advised.
In addition to grocery stores, various retail outlets will also adjust their hours for the holiday. Target, Macy's, Kohl's, and JCPenney will be closed on Easter Sunday, while Home Depot will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nordstrom will have varying hours depending on the location, and Ikea will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PetSmart will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
As the holiday approaches, many are also curious about what services will be available in Toronto during the Easter weekend. Good Friday is a statutory holiday in Ontario, meaning most businesses, including schools and government offices, will be closed. However, Easter Monday is not a statutory holiday, though it is recognized by the federal government.
In Toronto, grocery stores will have limited hours on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. For example, Aisle 24, a cashier-less grocery chain, will remain open 24/7, while Costco will close its warehouses on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Most Loblaws and Metro locations will also be closed, though some will have modified hours. Walmart will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, except for the Rexdale store, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
Liquor stores, such as LCBO and The Beer Store, will also be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. However, Wine Rack stores will be open on Good Friday, with some closures on Easter Sunday.
Shopping malls in Toronto will similarly observe holiday hours. The Toronto Eaton Centre will be open throughout the weekend, with Good Friday hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Easter Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. However, Scarborough Town Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, reopening on Easter Monday.
For those looking for recreational activities, many attractions will remain open. The CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, and the Toronto Zoo will operate on regular schedules, providing options for families looking to celebrate the holiday.
As Easter approaches, understanding what's open and closed can help families plan their holiday activities effectively. Whether attending church services, enjoying time with family, or shopping for last-minute essentials, knowing the operational hours of local businesses can make the weekend smoother.
In summary, the Easter weekend is a blend of closures and operations across various sectors. While many businesses will close on Easter Sunday, others will remain open, allowing families to enjoy the holiday while accommodating their shopping needs. As always, it's best to check specific store hours before heading out to avoid any inconveniences.
