Your Complete Guide to Easter Sunday 2025 Store Hours and Closures
Planning Your Easter Shopping: What You Need to Know
As Easter Sunday approaches and families across America prepare for one of the year’s most cherished holidays, many people find themselves scrambling for last-minute essentials. Whether you’ve forgotten the chocolate bunnies for the egg hunt, need extra ingredients for your holiday feast, or simply want to grab a quick bite to eat while spending time with loved ones, knowing which stores will be open can save you from disappointment. This year, Easter falls on Sunday, April 20, and while many retailers observe the holiday by closing their doors to give employees time with their families, plenty of stores and restaurants will remain open to serve customers. However, it’s important to note that hours may be reduced at many locations, and individual store policies can vary significantly depending on where you live. The best approach is to plan ahead and confirm your local store’s hours before making the trip, especially if you’re counting on picking up something essential for your Easter celebration.
Major Retailers Keeping Their Doors Open
Several major retail chains have confirmed they’ll be operating on Easter Sunday, making them reliable options for any last-minute shopping needs. CVS pharmacies will be open across the country, which is particularly helpful if you need to fill a prescription or pick up health essentials during the holiday. Dollar General stores will also welcome shoppers, offering an affordable option for everything from candy and decorations to groceries and household items. Home improvement enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Home Depot will be open for business, though it’s worth calling ahead to verify your local store’s hours. Grocery shopping won’t be a problem either, as several major supermarket chains plan to operate on Easter Sunday. Food Lion, Kroger, and Stop & Shop will all be open, though Stop & Shop has announced that their pharmacy departments will be closed for the holiday. Even the Swedish furniture giant IKEA will be welcoming customers who want to browse their showrooms or pick up that missing piece for their home. Walgreens pharmacies will be available for prescription needs and convenience shopping, while Walmart stores will maintain their typically extended hours. Whole Foods will also be open, but shoppers should be aware that stores will close earlier than usual—either at 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. depending on the specific location—so don’t leave your shopping until the last minute.
Where to Grab a Bite on Easter Sunday
If cooking isn’t on your Easter agenda or you’re looking for a convenient meal option while traveling or visiting family, numerous restaurant chains will be serving customers throughout the day. Applebee’s, the neighborhood grill and bar chain, will have select locations open, though availability will vary by area, so calling ahead is recommended. Pizza lovers can count on Domino’s to satisfy their cravings, as the delivery-focused chain typically maintains operations on major holidays. Dunkin’ will be brewing coffee and serving breakfast items at many locations, perfect for an early morning pick-me-up before Easter festivities begin. IHOP, known for its pancakes and all-day breakfast offerings, will be open at participating locations, making it a family-friendly option for those who want to enjoy Easter brunch without the cooking and cleanup. The golden arches of McDonald’s will be glowing at locations nationwide, offering their full menu of burgers, fries, and breakfast items depending on the time of day. Subway sandwich shops will be ready to build custom subs for hungry customers, while Taco Bell will be serving its Mexican-inspired menu for those craving something different from traditional Easter fare. These dining options provide flexibility for families with varying tastes and schedules during the holiday.
Major Closures to Be Aware Of
While many stores will be open, several major retailers have chosen to observe Easter Sunday by closing their doors entirely, giving their employees the opportunity to spend the holiday with their families. Budget-conscious shoppers should note that ALDI, the popular discount grocery chain, will be closed on Easter Sunday, so any shopping at this chain will need to be completed on Saturday. Costco warehouses will also be closed, meaning members will need to plan their bulk shopping trips accordingly. Home goods enthusiasts won’t be able to visit HomeGoods, Homesense, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, or Sierra stores, as all these retailers under the TJX Companies umbrella will be closed for the holiday. Major department stores including JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom will be shuttered, though Nordstrom has noted that a few select locations in California, Florida, and New York will remain open—so it’s worth checking if you’re near one of these stores. Home improvement competitor Lowe’s will be closed, unlike its rival Home Depot. The arts and crafts chain Michaels will also be closed, so any Easter craft projects will need supplies purchased in advance. Target, one of America’s favorite one-stop shopping destinations, will not be open on Easter Sunday. Interestingly, while most Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods locations will be open, their stores in Portland, Maine, will be closed, highlighting how regional differences can affect store hours even within the same chain.
Financial Services and Shipping Updates
For those tracking investments or planning to make financial moves, it’s important to know that the stock market was closed on Good Friday, April 18, and will resume normal trading operations on Monday, April 21. This closure is standard practice for major holidays, giving financial professionals time off and allowing markets to reset. When it comes to shipping and mail services, the situation varies by carrier, so understanding each company’s Easter policy is essential if you’re expecting deliveries or need to send packages. The United States Postal Service will maintain full operations on Easter Sunday, with retail locations open and mail delivery continuing as usual. This is particularly helpful for anyone who needs to mail important documents or packages during the holiday weekend. FedEx will offer partial services with some limitations. Their retail locations will be open but with modified hours, so you should call ahead to confirm timing. Shipping services will be restricted to FedEx Custom Critical and FedEx Logistics, meaning standard ground and express services will not be available. UPS has taken a different approach, with all services completely closed on Easter Sunday in observance of the holiday. If you have time-sensitive shipments planned, you’ll need to arrange them for Saturday or wait until Monday when full operations resume.
Making the Most of Your Easter Holiday
With this comprehensive guide to Easter Sunday store hours and closures, you can plan your holiday more effectively and avoid any disappointing trips to closed stores. The key takeaway is that while many major retailers and restaurants will be open to serve customers, hours are often reduced, and policies can vary significantly by location. Before heading out, take a few minutes to call your local store or check their website for specific hours in your area. This simple step can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary driving. For those hosting Easter gatherings, Saturday shopping is your safest bet to ensure you have everything you need, as the selection of open stores narrows considerably on Sunday itself. If you do find yourself needing something on Easter day, focus on the major chains like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, which typically maintain consistent holiday hours. Remember that many grocery stores will be open but might close earlier than usual, so morning or early afternoon shopping is advisable. Most importantly, whether you’re cooking at home or dining out, hunting for eggs or simply relaxing with family, the spirit of Easter is about togetherness and celebration. With a little advance planning using this guide, you can focus less on logistics and more on creating meaningful memories with the people you love during this special holiday.
