What are the dates for Good Friday and Easter Monday this year?

In 2025, Good Friday falls on **Friday, April 18**, and Easter Monday is observed on **Monday, April 21** ([https://www.calendar-12.com/holidays/easter/2025](https://www.calendar-12.com/holidays/easter/2025)). These dates shift annually because they are tied to the lunar cycle rather than a fixed date on the Gregorian calendar, a unique scheduling characteristic that influences global travel, retail planning, and liturgical observances.

### Why does the date of Easter change every year?

Unlike holidays such as Christmas, which fall on the same calendar date annually, Easter is a "moveable feast." According to the *Old Farmer's Almanac*, the date of Easter is determined by the first Sunday following the first full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox ([https://www.almanac.com/content/when-is-easter](https://www.almanac.com/content/when-is-easter)). Because this "Paschal full moon" can vary by several weeks, Easter Sunday can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25, which consequently dictates the timing of Good Friday and Easter Monday each year ([https://www.providencejournal.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2025/02/12/when-is-easter-2025-why-late-this-year-ash-wednesday-lent/78408167007/](https://www.providencejournal.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2025/02/12/when-is-easter-2025-why-late-this-year-ash-wednesday-lent/78408167007/)).

### How is the Easter holiday period historically defined?

The Easter season is a sequence of religious observances rather than a single day. The period begins with the 40-day season of Lent, concludes with Holy Week, and culminates in Easter Sunday. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus, occurring on the Friday immediately preceding Easter, while Easter Monday serves as the day following the celebration of the resurrection ([https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2025/04/15/easter-sunday-good-friday-holy-week-2025-dates-meanings-thursday-saturday-palm/83080596007/](https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2025/04/15/easter-sunday-good-friday-holy-week-2025-dates-meanings-thursday-saturday-palm/83080596007/)). While the religious significance remains the core of the observance, the extended weekend is widely recognized as a public holiday in many countries, impacting school schedules and government operations.

### What is the economic impact of the Easter weekend?

The variance in Easter’s date can have a notable impact on consumer behavior and economic indicators. A "late Easter"—like in 2025—often correlates with increased retail spending on spring-themed goods, travel, and hospitality, as warmer weather historically encourages higher consumer mobility. Industry analysts observe that retail chains often adjust their inventory cycles and marketing strategies based on the proximity of Easter to the start of the spring season, as the holiday serves as a significant bellwether for first-quarter consumer confidence ([https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/easter](https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/easter)).

### Key Takeaways
* **2025 Schedule:** Good Friday is April 18; Easter Sunday is April 20; Easter Monday is April 21.
* **Lunar Dependence:** Easter’s date is linked to the Paschal full moon after the spring equinox, making it a "moveable feast."
* **Broad Significance:** Beyond its religious roots, the holiday period functions as a major data point for retail, travel, and seasonal planning.
* **Forecasting:** Because the dates move annually, industries ranging from education to global logistics must rely on multi-year calendar projections to manage operational workflows.

Understanding the mechanics behind these dates is essential for anyone involved in long-term scheduling or market analysis. While the calendar may fluctuate, the importance of these dates as markers for seasonal shifts and economic activity remains consistent. As we look toward future years, stakeholders should continue to consult ecclesiastical and astronomical calendars to navigate the complexities of this evolving holiday schedule.

## References
* [Calendar-12: Easter 2025 Dates](https://www.calendar-12.com/holidays/easter/2025)
* [The Old Farmer's Almanac: When is Easter?](https://www.almanac.com/content/when-is-easter)
* [Providence Journal: When is Easter 2025?](https://www.providencejournal.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2025/02/12/when-is-easter-2025-why-late-this-year-ash-wednesday-lent/78408167007/)
* [Austin American-Statesman: Holy Week 2025 Dates](https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2025/04/15/easter-sunday-good-friday-holy-week-2025-dates-meanings-thursday-saturday-palm/83080596007/)
* [National Retail Federation: Easter Consumer Trends](https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/easter)