Easter in Europe isn’t just one experience.
In some places, it’s quiet, candlelit, and deeply traditional. In others, it spills into the streets – crowds, rituals, entire cities moving to a rhythm you don’t see the rest of the year.
The surprising part? These completely different versions of Easter can exist just hours apart. And another interesting element: across Europe, Easter isn’t always celebrated at the same time.
Yes: where you go and when changes everything.
ID 178555311 ©Notistia | Dreamstime.com
When is Easter celebrated in Europe
If you’re planning an Easter trip to Europe in 2026, it’s important to know that Easter is celebrated on different dates depending on the Christian tradition. There are 2 times when Easter is celebrated in Europe.
Yes, 2 Easters – if you’d want.
That’s because we have the Catholic Easter and the Orthodox Easter.
Sometimes the Catholic Easter and Orthodox one are in the same day (and this year, 2025), while in other occasions – as in 2018 and 2019 – there are only one week apart – like in 2026 when we have:
- Catholic Easter: April 5, 2026
- Orthodox Easter: April 12, 2026
There were years though when there was even a month in between. It has to do with the different method used to set the Easter date – Gauss formula – and different church calendar: the Orthodox Church uses the Julian Calendar, while the others use the Gregorian calendar.
In the end, what is important to know, is that when deciding where to spend Easter in Europe you should first research the specific date for the country you plan on visiting on your Easter trip.
For instance, as Romania is an Orthodox country, we celebrate it on a different date than Italy – a Catholic country.
This means travelers can sometimes experience two different Easter celebrations in Europe, especially in countries with both traditions. Planning ahead allows you to visit Easter markets, attend church celebrations, and enjoy unique local customs depending on the destination.
You can even take an Easter road trip and experience different religions and Easter traditions if you plan ahead. Because Catholic and Orthodox churches use different calendars, Easter dates in Europe can vary significantly from year to year, which is important to know when planning an Easter trip.
| Year | Catholic Easter | Orthodox Easter |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 5 | April 12 |
| 2027 | March 28 | May 2 |
| 2028 | April 16 | April 16 |
| 2029 | April 1 | April 8 |
Best Easter Destinations in Europe: Where to Celebrate Easter
If you are looking for great Easter travel destinations in Europe, use the recommendations below when planning your Easter holiday. Whether it’s an Easter weekend city break or a longer Easter vacation, here are some wonderful places to choose from, depending on your preferences.
Easter in Rome: One of the Best Easter Destinations in Europe
A great list of the best places to spend Easter in Europe simply has to include Italy – and especially Rome. As it’s spring in Rome the weather is a bit warmer.
Easter in Rome is a special moment to discover the city – as the churches have their special ceremonies for Mundy Thursday, Good Friday, as on Easter Sunday. The local food is a great addition to this special period.
Visit all the amazing Rome attractions – this Rome travel guide with the best things to do in Rome will help you plan your visit.
Italy – Florence and the exploding cart:)
Yes. There is a cart that “explodes” in Florence on Easter Sunday. This folk tradition in Florence is called The Scoppio del Carro (“Explosion of the Cart”). So, if you want to experience an interesting Easter tradition, then plan your trip to Florence now.
Easter in France – Paris
Paris is an amazing city and April is a good month to visit. A bit colder and rainier for my taste, but less crowds and beautiful flowers and amazing views all the way. Create your Paris bucket list and add to it some church celebrations and special events in the city.
Notre Dame de Paris has special events during the Holy Week, starting on Palm Sunday, continuing on Holy Thursday, Holy Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. Sacre-Coeur awaits visitors during the Holy Week (starting Thursday) with special masses as well.
Spending Easter in the City of Light will be an amazing experience as, apart from the religious events, you can also do some shopping – numerous places have special offers.
Moreover, Easter in Paris is a great occasion to visit the city – and you can create an itinerary for one day in Paris if you are on a citybreak in Paris. Most Paris attractions are open – so your trip to Paris will be complete!
France – Colmar
ID 371123531 | Colmar Easter ©Alexander Liess | Dreamstime.com
If you want to enjoy the beautiful architecture of Colmar and see the wonderfully designed houses and enjoy a Easter market in France, then head to Colmar. Here you have Easter and spring markets in Place Des Dominicains and Place De L’ancienne Douane (from 10am To 7pm – free entrance).
Colmar is also known for hosting one of the most picturesque Easter markets in Europe, where visitors can explore charming stalls surrounded by the town’s colorful half-timbered houses.
Easter in Romania – Bucharest
It may not be one of the most famous Easter destinations in Europe, but it can be a surprising one. Romanians celebrate Orthodox Easter – so take that into account when planning your Easter in Romania.
There is an Easter Market in Bucharest – it opens on Palm Sunday and lasts until Easter Sunday – in Herastrau Park (now called King Michael Park). Apart from this big Easter fair, there Easter atmosphere can be seen everywhere – in malls, other parks, shops…
Romania – countryside
If you want to experience all the beautiful Romanian Easter traditions, then choose a pension in the countryside, either in Moldova or Transylvania. From amazing food to lovely church ceremonies and the warmth of the locals, you’ll have it all. Natural. Different. Less commercial. Special. To remember.
You can choose to stay at a monastery (cheaper accommodation, great food) and you’ll feel the warmth of the holidays. In the countryside you can experience the true spirit of Easter.
Easter in Vienna: One of the Best Easter Markets in Europe
You know I love Vienna – and the city loves Easter. There are several Easter Markets in Vienna, each with its charm.
Perhaps the most famous one – and easier to see – is the Easter market in front of Schönbrunn Palace (read this guide to visiting Schonnbrun Palace).
There is another Easter Market in the Old Town – Old Viennese Easter market on Freyung. It’s here that “the biggest tower of eggs in Europe is built with around 40,000 painted Easter eggs.“ Vienna is a truly amazing city!
Easter in Prague – One of the Most Famous Easter Markets in Europe
Prague is widely considered one of the best Easter destinations in Europe, especially thanks to its famous Easter markets.
The Prague Easter Markets take place in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where dozens of wooden stalls sell traditional Czech crafts, painted eggs, wooden toys, and seasonal food.
Visitors can also enjoy folk music performances, traditional dances, and beautifully decorated Easter trees filled with colorful eggs. Combined with Prague’s stunning medieval architecture, these markets create one of the most magical Easter experiences in Europe.
Easter in Kraków – Traditional Polish Easter Celebrations
Kraków is another wonderful destination for experiencing Easter traditions in Europe. The city’s beautiful historic center and lively atmosphere make it a fantastic place for a spring trip. If you are planning to visit, this Krakow travel guide will help you discover the best attractions, food, and tips for exploring the city.
The city hosts a beautiful Easter market in the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), where visitors can discover handmade decorations, traditional Polish Easter food, and intricately decorated eggs known as pisanki.
The historic setting of Kraków’s old town, combined with its festive atmosphere, makes it one of the most charming places to celebrate Easter in Central Europe.
Easter in Seville: Semana Santa Celebrations in Spain
The Easter Week in Sevilla is a great time to be here. Semana Santa is celebrated throughout the country, but, if you visit Seville during Easter you’ll be able to enjoy the Easter celebrations that take place. During the Holy Week in Seville you’ll see the procession of pasos, wooden sculptures depicting different scenes or characters related to Easter.
Read this comprehensive guide to Seville to discover what else to see and do in Seville on your trip.
Easter in Germany – Berlin
Easter in Germany is a time to discover great local food and to admire pretty decorated eggs hanged during Easter time. If you want to spend Easter in Berlin, then you should know that you’ll be able to enjoy a few events: the 49th Spring Festival at Kurt-Schumacher-Damm (March 29th to April 21st – a carnival with 60 rides), the Knights’ Festival from 20 to 22 April (all things knights :D), the Easter market on Alexanderplatz and the Easter market on Kurfürstendamm.
If you want to explore the city, I recommend you this comprehensive guide to Berlin!
Easter in Portugal – Lisbon
If you plan to visit Lisbon for Easter, then you should know that you won’t be dissapointed. There are numerous attractions in Lisbon as you can see in this guide, but you can also attend the Easter Mass and enjoy the gastronomic Easter delights.
Don’t forget about the splendid Lisbon Castle nor about visiting Belem, Lisbon for a complete experience.
Tips for Planning an Easter Trip in Europe
- Book accommodation early in popular cities like Rome and Vienna
- Check the Easter date used in your destination (Catholic vs Orthodox)
- Expect some shops to close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday
- Reserve restaurants early in major tourist cities
- Look for Easter markets and seasonal festivals
Easter Traditions in Europe
Easter traditions in Europe vary widely from country to country. In Spain, Semana Santa processions fill the streets with centuries-old religious traditions. In Florence, the famous Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) takes place on Easter Sunday. In Austria and Germany, Easter markets display thousands of decorated eggs, while in Romania traditional Orthodox ceremonies and festive meals bring families together.
As you can see, there are many incredible Easter destinations in Europe, each offering its own Easter traditions, celebrations, and spring atmosphere. Whether you want to experience historic religious ceremonies in Rome and Seville, explore charming Easter markets in Vienna and Colmar, or discover authentic Orthodox traditions in Romania, spending Easter in Europe can be a memorable travel experience. With careful planning, you can even combine multiple destinations and experience the rich diversity of European Easter traditions.
One thing is clear: there are numerous Easter celebrations in Europe you can’t miss, so you have plenty of ideas for years to come!
Why Spend Easter in Europe?
Spending Easter in Europe offers a unique opportunity to experience centuries-old traditions, religious ceremonies, colorful markets, and festive spring celebrations. From famous events like Semana Santa in Seville to the charming Easter markets in Vienna and Prague, Europe offers some of the most memorable Easter travel experiences in the world.
FAQ: Easter in Europe – Traditions, Dates, and Best Destinations
What are the best Easter destinations in Europe?
Some of the best Easter destinations in Europe include Rome, Florence, Vienna, Seville, Paris, and Bucharest. These cities offer memorable Easter experiences such as historic religious ceremonies, colorful Easter markets, traditional food, and unique local customs. Many travelers choose these destinations to experience authentic Easter traditions in Europe.
What are the best Easter markets in Europe?
Several European cities host beautiful Easter markets in Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, and France. Some of the most famous Easter markets can be found in Vienna, Colmar, and Berlin, where visitors can see decorated eggs, handmade crafts, seasonal food, and traditional spring celebrations.
When is Orthodox Easter celebrated in Europe?
Orthodox Easter usually falls on a different date than Catholic Easter because Orthodox churches follow the Julian calendar, while most Western churches use the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on April 12, one week after Catholic Easter on April 5.
Where are the best Easter markets in Europe?
Some of the best Easter markets in Europe can be found in Vienna, Colmar, and Berlin, where historic squares host spring markets filled with decorated eggs, traditional crafts, seasonal food, and festive Easter decorations.
Is Easter a good time to visit Europe?
Yes, Easter is a wonderful time to visit Europe. Spring weather is usually mild, flowers are blooming, and many cities host Easter festivals, markets, and religious celebrations. It is also a great time for spring city breaks in Europe before the peak summer crowds arrive.
Why do some countries celebrate Easter on different dates?
Easter dates vary because different Christian traditions use different calendars. Western churches, including Catholic and Protestant churches, follow the Gregorian calendar, while Orthodox churches follow the Julian calendar. This difference sometimes results in Easter being celebrated one week or even several weeks apart in Europe.
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