What date is Easter Sunday this year?
In 2025, Easter Sunday falls on April 20. The date varies annually based on the first full moon after the spring equinox, shifting the entire Holy Week cycle.
Sylvie Vance
Easter Sunday falls on April 20, 2025 (https://www.today.com/life/holidays/when-is-easter-2025-rcna195823). This date marks the culmination of the Christian Holy Week, a period of significant religious observance and cultural tradition that shifts annually based on complex astronomical calculations rather than a fixed date on the Gregorian calendar.
### Why does the date of Easter change every year?
Unlike fixed holidays such as Christmas, the date of Easter is determined by a lunisolar calendar. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the Paschal full moon—the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox (https://www.coshoctontribune.com/story/news/2025/03/21/when-is-easter-2025-here-are-the-dates-to-know-for-lent-this-year/82590715007/). Because this astronomical event can occur on different days within a month, the date of Easter Sunday can range anywhere between March 22 and April 25 in any given year (https://www.coshoctontribune.com/story/news/2025/03/21/when-is-easter-2025-here-are-the-dates-to-know-for-lent-this-year/82590715007/).
### How are the dates for Holy Week determined?
Holy Week is structured around the date of Easter Sunday, serving as a period of reflection and celebration leading up to the resurrection. Because the date of Easter varies, the entire liturgical calendar shifts accordingly. For instance, Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, is set 46 days before Easter. In 2025, Palm Sunday falls on April 13, and Good Friday occurs on April 18, leading directly into Easter Sunday on April 20 (https://www.coshoctontribune.com/story/news/2025/03/21/when-is-easter-2025-here-are-the-dates-to-know-for-lent-this-year/82590715007/). This interconnected timing ensures that the religious observances maintain their relative distance from one another year over year.
### Do all Christians celebrate Easter on the same day?
While many Western and Orthodox Christians observe Easter on the same date in 2025—April 20—this is not always the case (https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2025/04/12/easter-sunday-2025s-dates-holy-week-dates/83046266007/). Historically, Eastern Orthodox churches often use the Julian calendar to calculate the date of the Paschal full moon, whereas Western churches generally use the Gregorian calendar. These differing methodologies can sometimes result in the holiday falling on different dates, though cycles exist where the two calendars align, as they do in 2025 (https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2025/04/12/easter-sunday-2025s-dates-holy-week-dates/83046266007/).
### Key Takeaways
* **Fixed Timing:** Easter Sunday 2025 is April 20.
* **The Lunar Factor:** The date is calculated based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
* **Annual Variability:** Because of the reliance on lunar cycles, the date fluctuates annually between March 22 and April 25.
* **Liturgical Impact:** The shifting date of Easter dictates the timing of the entire Christian liturgical season, including Lent, Palm Sunday, and Good Friday.
Understanding the "why" behind these shifts offers insight into the intersection of ancient astronomical observation and modern religious practice. As we look ahead, the date for Easter Sunday in 2026 is already determined to be April 5, highlighting how this cycle of variability continues to shape our calendars long into the future (https://www.coshoctontribune.com/story/news/2025/03/21/when-is-easter-2025-here-are-the-dates-to-know-for-lent-this-year/82590715007/).
The complexity of these calculations serves as a reminder of how deeply historical and astronomical traditions remain woven into the fabric of contemporary society. Whether you are planning seasonal travel, retail operations, or personal observances, recognizing the mechanics of this date ensures you are aligned with the broader rhythm of the calendar. How do these shifting holiday dates impact your seasonal planning?
## References
* [When is Easter 2025? Why the holiday falls late this year - TODAY](https://www.today.com/life/holidays/when-is-easter-2025-rcna195823)
* [When is Easter 2025? Here are the dates to know for Lent this year - Coshocton Tribune](https://www.coshoctontribune.com/story/news/2025/03/21/when-is-easter-2025-here-are-the-dates-to-know-for-lent-this-year/82590715007/)
* [Easter Sunday 2025's dates: The when, why of Holy Week - AZ Central](https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2025/04/12/easter-sunday-2025s-dates-holy-week-dates/83046266007/)
