Easter is here and whether you’re gathering with friends and family at home or heading out into town, knowing what is open on Easter can be helpful. Some stores and restaurants close for the holiday, which falls on April 21, 2019. Don’t waste time heading to a location that is not open on Easter. Here’s a look at which businesses will open this Sunday.
Retail Stores
Many large retail chain stores are open on Easter, including popular options like Walmart. If you are wondering if your favorite store will be open, here is a list of locations that open their doors on Easter:
- Bed, Bath & Beyond
- BJs Wholesale Club
- Dollar Tree
- DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
- Half Price Books
- Home Depot
- Kmart
- Lowe’s
- Old Navy
- Petco
- Sears
- Walmart
The most notable exceptions are Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club, all of which close for the holiday. However, they aren’t the only ones.
Here is a list of stores that are usually closed for Easter:
- Best Buy
- Burlington
- Costco
- JCPenney
- Macy’s
- Marshalls
- Michaels
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- TJ Maxx
Some other stores, like Hobby Lobby, never open on Sundays, so they will be closed on Easter as well.
Grocery Stores
Aside from Publix, most major grocery stores are open on Easter. Local independent grocers may or may not open, so it is wise to call ahead and confirm before you head out to shop.
Drug Stores and Pharmacies
Major chain drug stores and pharmacies are usually open on Easter. However, they may use a holiday schedule, reducing the number of hours they will be open. If you need to head to the drug store, check the chain’s website or contact your store to confirm when they are open.
Restaurants
Most restaurants are open on Easter, and some even offer special Easter brunch and dinner menus. If you plan to attend one of the special events, it may be wise to call ahead and make a reservation. Popular restaurants may fill up quick on Easter Sunday, so they might not be able to accommodate walk-ins, or the wait might be long.
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
Gas stations and convenience stores are usually open on Easter. However, employees may only be available for a limited number of hours. If you just need gas, pay-at-the-pump options are generally available 24/7. If you need to head inside for snacks or to pay for gas in cash, you may want to check with your preferred station ahead of the holiday to confirm they will be open when you intend to arrive.
U.S. Stock Markets
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, and the bond market (SIFMA) are closed on all Sundays, including Easter.
Banks and Credit Unions
Banks and credit unions are closed on Easter, mainly because the majority of locations do not operate on Sundays.
Public Libraries
Many public libraries are closed every Sunday, so they will also be closed on Easter. However, some locations that typically operate on Sunday may be open and might even host special events.
If you are considering going to the library on Sunday, check with your nearest location before you head out the door to confirm if your library is open or closed.
K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Public and private K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities, usually do not hold classes on Sundays, and most offices are not open on weekends. As a result, the majority will be closed on Easter.
However, for schools with dorms, many basic services like cafeterias and student centers may be open to support students living on campus.
Garbage Services
If your garbage is usually picked up on Sunday, your service may or may not be rescheduled for Easter. Check with your service provider ahead of the holiday to see if your pickup has been moved.
Local dumps also may or may not be open. This depends on whether your landfill typically offers Sunday service and if the operating business chooses to close. Before driving over, call your local dump to confirm they are open.
National Parks
The National Park Service (NPS), the agency that operates national parks, is closed on Easter. However, many park locations are open 365 days a year, so you can still visit the parks. Just keep in mind that there won’t be many (if any) rangers or employees on site that day.
April 20, the Saturday before Easter, is even a free entrance day. If you are gathering with family and friends ahead of the holiday, this may be a great and affordable opportunity to head to your nearest national park.
Federal Government
Aside from public safety and security organizations, most federal agencies close on all Sundays, including Easter.
State and Local Government
State and local government agencies, aside from those who focus on public safety and security, rarely operate on Sundays, so they will be closed on Easter.
Mail and Delivery Services
US post offices are closed on Sunday usually, so they will not be open on Easter. UPS and FedEx are also closed on Sunday, aside from a few specialty services.
When in Doubt, Call to Confirm
If you have a specific destination in mind this Easter, calling to confirm that the store or restaurant will be open is a smart move. This is especially true for small businesses, as they can set their own schedule and it may deviate from other retailers or restaurants nearby.
What are your plans for Easter Sunday? Tell us about them in the comments below.