• Easter Sunday (Gregorian Calendar) - April 5th 2026, Sunday 
• Easter Orthodox Church (Julian Date) - April 12th 2026, Sunday 

Easter Traditions in London 

• Easter Sunday: At Westminster Abbey, the Easter Sunday service takes place.  
• Egg Hunts: Easter egg hunts for the kids are organized in parks where people hunt for hidden chocolate eggs.  
• Open-Air Performances: The Passion of Jesus by Wintershall Players is performed to recreate crucifixion.  
  
  

Best Places in London to Celebrate Easter in London

• Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt: Go to Hampton Court Palace and look for hidden gold bunny statues. The winner gets delicious chocolate treats.  
• Zoonormous Egg Hunt: Visit London Zoo and walk past monkeys, lions, and giraffes to look for hidden chocolate eggs.  
• Musical: Watch a musical performance related to Easter in London with your family.  
  
  

Churches in London

•  St Paul's Cathedral  
• Corpus Christi Catholic Church  
• Westminster Cathedral  
  
  

Where to Eat the Best Food in London?  

• Kahani, Belgravia: Try tandoori lamb chops with charred edges, or look for the special Easter menu if you’re vegetarian/vegan.  
• The George, Fitzrovia: Slow-roasted lamb served with garlic and herb sauce is the perfect Easter dish.  
• Quo Vadis, Soho: Pink lamb and eel sandwich cannot be missed!   
  
  

Easter Traditions in Porto:  

• Workshops: Children engage in Easter Egg Painting Workshops.  
• Egg Hunt: Decorated eggs are first hidden and then searched for in family parks.  
• Easter Bread: Easter Markets are filled with local food items like Folar de Páscoa (Easter bread). 
  
  

Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Porto 

• Bolhão Market: Watch the first Easter Fair in Bolhão Market.  
• Confeitaria Ateneia: Try the famous Pão-de-Ló at this renowned bakery and coffee shop.  
• Mercearia do Bolhão: Get your Folar from here to celebrate Easter.   
  
  

Churches in Porto

• Nossa Senhora da Esperanca Church  
• Sé do Porto Cathedral  
• The Church of São Francisco  
• Igreja da Trindade  
• Igreja e Tueste dos Clérigos  

Where to Eat the Best Food in Porto?  

• Mercearia do Bolhão: Try the famous Easter dessert called Folar here.   
• Bistrô Flores, Rua das Flores in Porto: Enjoy the unique 3-course menu throughout the holy week.   
• Scarlett Brasserie & Wine Bar: From Canja de Capão to the main course involving meat and fish, there’s so much you can have here at Easter.   
   

•  Zwanzgerle: Every Easter Monday, adults are challenged by children to break their Easter eggs. Adults attempt to break eggs by throwing coins. In case an egg breaks, the adult gets it.   
• Eiertütsche: The German-speaking Switzerland celebrates this custom, which involves hitting two Easter eggs against one another to see which person has better technique or which egg has a harder shell.  
• Easter Egg Hunt: Parents hide small Easter cakes, chocolates eggs, and chocolates bunnies in the house or garden for the kids to find.   
• Egg Decoration: Flowers and leaves for decoration and onion skin for color are used for traditional egg decoration.   
  
  

Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Gstaad 

• Château-d'Œx: Visit Château-d'Œx to participate in Easter egg hunt.  
• Holy Week: Take part in Holy Week processions in Gstaad.   
• Exhibitions: Attend Easter exhibitions that take place across the town.   
  

Churches in Gstaad 

•  St. Peter's Anglican Churc
• St. Mauritius Church Saanen  
• Parish St. Josef  
  
  

Where to Eat the Best Food in Gstaad?  

• Posthotel Rössli Restaurants Stübli und Alti Pos: Try Osterfladen, the Swiss Easter dish, which is a semolina tart.   
• The Alpina Gstaad: Experience Michelin-star food on Easter in Gstaad.  
• Le Grand Bellevue: Enjoy the special Easter brunch buffet in Gstaad, which includes a live egg station and seasonal dessert among several other delicacies.  
  
  

Easter Traditions in Paris 

• Holy Week: Religious rituals and processions take place throughout the week.  
• Easter Mass: Occurs at Notre Dame, which truly moves a person.  
• Church Bells Belief: Children believe that the church bells fly to the Vatican on Thursday and on Easter Sunday, they come dropping chocolates.   
  
  

Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Paris :

• Sacré-Cœur Basilica: Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica to enjoy Easter in the Parisien style.   
• Patisserie: Visit renowned French patisseries and chocolatiers like Patrick Roger and Pierre Hermé for chocolate-filled Easter bunnies and eggs.   
• Tourist Attractions: Visit tourist attractions like La Tour Eiffel and Le Louvre at Easter since they’re all open.   
  
  

 Churches in Paris

•  Notre-Dame de Paris  
• Saint-Sulpice  
• Saint-Eustache  
  
  

Where to Eat the Best Food in Paris?

• Ritz: Enjoy the luxurious festive brunch at Ritz, where kids can also participate in the Easter egg hunt.  
• Molitor: With the weekend being completely dedicated to chocolate, Molitor is hosting an Easter brunch buffet. It will feature special dishes like the "tout choco" cocktail, chocolate ravioli with cremone mustard, and grand veneur beef chuck confit.  
• The Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra: Expect delicious viennoiserie, Brioche French toast with red berries and Chantilly cream, chocolate and hazelnut pancakes, a lamb dish, and much more.   

 Easter Traditions in Rome

• The Vatican Tale: The French belief of bells flying to the Vatican shared above is also believed by children in Rome since the bells are believed to come to get blessed by the Pope in Rome. This is why there are several bell-shaped chocolates here.  
• Palm Sunday: The Palm Sunday Mass occurs in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.  
• Colomba: Colomba is the Easter Italian sweet dish, which is a cake that is somewhat like a panettone.  
  
  

 Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Rome 

• St. Peter’s Basilica: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter.   
• The Colosseum: Go to the Colosseum on Good Friday where the Way of Cross occurs.    
• St. Peter’s Square: Go to this place on Easter. It is the heart of all Easter celebrations in Rome. 
  
  

Churches in Rome  

• St. Peter's Basilica  
• Santa Maria in Aracoeli  
• Santa Sabina  
• Santa Maria del Popolo  
• Pantheon  
  
  

Where to Eat the Best Food in Rome?

• Ristorante Pagliaccio: Enjoy your Easter meal at this Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy.   
• La Ciambella Bar à Vin con Cucina: Get ready for the restaurant’s modern take on Roman dishes. You will also be served a surprise Easter dessert.  
• Osteria Fratelli Mori: Looking for Roman home-cooked food? This place will give you exactly the vibe of a home-cooked Easter meal.   

The Italy tour package from Dubai will offer you the perfect experience of Easter in Rome.   

•  Holy Fire: Flown by a chartered plane from Jerusalem, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch uses it for lighting 33 candles on Good Friday.  
• Services: Midnight Resurrection Services are held at churches like the Metropolitan Cathedral.  
• Easter Sunday: Fireworks and midnight feast are the key highlights of Easter Sunday’s Midnight Mass.  
  
  

Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Athens

• Central Market: Visit an Easter market like Varvakios and buy Easter-related stuff. You'll find people buying lamb all around.  
• Church: Visit a church in Athens to attend prayers and celebrate Easter.  
  
  

Churches in Athens 

• Panagia Kapnikarea   
• The Metropolis Cathedral of Athens  
  
  

Where to Eat the Best Food in Athens?

• Agora Select: The restaurant is popular for its Saturday Resurrection Dinner and Sunday’s Easter Lunch. Enjoy the specially curated menu by the expert chef.   
• Mappemonde Rooftop Restaurant Bar & Lounge: Located on the 10th floor of the Athens Capital Hotel, this restaurant offers scenic views of the Lycabettus Hill and Acropolis. Enjoy the spit-roasted lamb along with other Easter delicacies here.  
• Taverna 37: The restaurant is located at a beachfront hotel, which already makes the experience special. Besides, it hosts Easter Sunday every year to celebrate the festival in a traditional manner.   
  
  

• La Burreta: On Palm Sunday, a religious procession takes place that commemorates Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem. People put palm or olive oil leaves outside their doors to protect their homes from evil.  
• Catalan Dance: At plazas and streets in Barcelona, people perform the Catalan folk dance to symbolize community spirit and unity.  
• Easter Mona (Mona de Pasqua): A cake popular in Barcelona, Easter Mona is a decorated and colorful cake that marks the beginning of the spring season.   
  
  

Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Barcelon

• Easter Sunday Mass: At Sagrada Família, Easter Sunday Mass begins at 9 AM. Remember to reach there by 8:30 AM so you don’t miss anything.  
• Barri Gòtic: Visit this neighborhood to witness processions that involve scenes from the Passion of Christ and traditional music.   
  
  

Churches in Barcelona 

•  Basilica of Santa María del Mar   
• Sagrada Família  
• Barcelona Cathedral  
• Special Easter Dishes   
  
  

Special Easter Dishes in Barcelona 

• Torrijas: Like French toast, torrijas are thick pieces of bread served with sugar and honey. They are soaked in egg and milk and fried in olive oil.   
• Buñuelos: These are cream-filled balls of dough eaten on Easter and Halloween.   
• Bacalao: A salt cod, this dish is served with potatoes or in a stew, depending on the place.   

• Palm Sunday: People tend to carry palm branches in a procession commemorating Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem.  
• Maundy Thursday: This day is focused on the Last Supper during a special church service and places emphasis on Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.   
• Good Friday: Catholics fast on this day and attend a service focused on the crucifixion of Jesus.   
  
  

Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Dublin

• Newbridge House & Farm: Participate in the Color Me Farm Easter Competition and get your pictures displayed throughout the holidays. You might even get a hamper full of mouthwatering treats.   
• Malahide Castle: If you’re traveling with kids, don’t skip this place. The Easter Fun Family Day here includes arts and crafts, games, face painting, and much more.  
• Clonfert Pet Farm: Enjoy a disco, treasure hunt, and a fun fair at the Easter Festival here.   
  

 Churches in Dublin  

• St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough St  
• St. Theresa's Church, Clarendon Street  
• University Church, St. Stephen's Green  
  
  

What to Eat in Dublin? 

• Lunch Buffet: Enjoy Eggstravagent Afternoon Tea Delights as well as lunch on Easter Sunday at The Court Yard Hotel. Savor seasonal vegetables, a carvery with roast meats, and much more.   
• Hot Cross Buns: Try these delicious pastries that have a cross on the top symbolizing Jesus’s crucifixion. In Dublin, these are usually eaten on Good Friday.   
• Lamb: The Lamb used to be considered a symbol of spring. Today, eating lamb at Easter is mainly to commemorate the death as well as the resurrection of God.   
• Simnel Cake: Topped with 11 balls representing apostles, Simnel cake is made of marzipan and dried fruits.   

Easter Traditions in San Francisco 

• Easter Egg Hunts: Local pet zoos host egg hunts for children.  
• Passion Concert: People attend a passion concert on Easter, which takes place in several places in the city.   
• Paasbrunch: People have paasbrunch or Easter brunch with their families, which generally includes sweet treats, rich breads, and eggs. 
   

 Best Places to Celebrate Easter in San Francisco 

• Historic Angel Island Tram Tour: Take a tram tour, hike, or rent a bike to take the historic Angel Island tour. You will have a great time on Easter here.   
• Easter Bunny Photo-Hop: Register yourself in advance to meet the Easter Bunny and engage in a hunt for eggs.   
• Bon Air Easter Bunny Burrow: Visit this outdoor marketplace where you will get to meet Easter Bunny as well as enjoy jellybeans and much more.  
  
  

• St. Dominic’s Catholic Church  
• St. Paul’s Catholic Church  
• St. Ignatius Church  
  
  

Where to Eat the Best Food in San Francisco?

• The Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar: Celebrate Easter Sunday by indulging yourself in a special brunch here. Also, enjoy the Easter Bunny photoshoot, live music, and egg hunt.   
• Ghirardelli Square: At Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, buy Easter special chocolates of various flavors, including fruit, nuts, mint, caramel, and much more. After all, it’s Easter!  
• Lazy Bear: Delicious lamb dishes on Easter at Lazy Bear San Francisco.    

• Easter Egg Hunts: Local pet zoos host egg hunts for children.  
• Passion Concert: People attend a passion concert on Easter, which takes place in several places in the city.   
• Paasbrunch: People have paasbrunch or Easter brunch with their families, which generally includes sweet treats, rich breads, and eggs.    

• Keukenhof Tulip Gardens: Visit the largest flower expo in the world, Keukenhof. The flowers are blooming around Easter.   
• The Albert Cuypmarkt: This market is open on Friday and Saturday. Visit the place to get the festive vibe of Easter. You can also buy paasstol (the almond and dried fruit bread) and colored eggs.   
• Church: Attend an Easter church service. You can even ask for a special English church service, which almost all churches provide on Easter.  

• Oude Kerk  
• De Krijtberg  
• Westerkerk    

•  Pannenkoekenboot: Pannenkoekenboot or Pancake Boat is popular for hosting Easter cruises and brunches. Eat as many pancakes as you want with whichever garnishing you like!  
• Hotel Okura: From chocolate eggs to desserts and pastries, indulge yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant.   
• Amstel Intercontinental Hotel: Black truffle, white asparagus, hollandaise, and moist sponge cake – some of the delicacies you’ll be enjoying during your Easter brunch here.   

Union Street Easter Parade: The world-famous parade consists of family entertainment options, festive foods, and holiday activities.  

Easter in the Park: Hosted for free by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, this event includes the Hunky Jesus Contest and Easter celebration for children.   

Easter Egg Hunts: Several Easter egg hunts are organized where children look for hidden eggs. They usually tend to roam around with baskets filled with eggs.   

One of the Best Easter destinations for a long weekend, Seville is the capital and largest city of Spain. If you are looking for a memorable Easter experience, then head to Seville during our Spain tour packages from UAE. Witness the Moorish-influenced architecture and vibrant flamenco cultures during Easter in Seville. 

Easter Traditions in Seville: 

• Nazarenos (Penitents) - The local participants wear traditional robes and capirotes designed to hide their faces for anonymity. 
• Emotional Saeta Singing - During the silent moment of procession, you can hear saeta, a powerful flamenco-style religious song. 
• The Madruga - The most important night between Holy Thursday and Good Friday is La Madruga. It's when the atmosphere is intense, emotional, and unforgettable. 
• Iconic La Madruga Procession: Experience the solemnity of the processions, the scent of incense and the traditional saetas (flamenco-style prayer) sung from the balconies. 

 

Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Seville: 

• Plaza de San Francisco allows you to observe the La Madruga procession, which happens all week long. 
• Easter Treats are made from centuries-old recipes like orange blossom-laced torrijas and honey-soaked pestinos. 
• Seville Cathedral church features different ceremonies from Palm Sunday blessing to the feet washing on Holy Thursday. 

 

Churches in Seville: 

• Basilica de la Macarena 
• Basilica de Jesus del Gran Poder 
• Seville Cathedral 

Where to Eat the Best Food in Seville? 

Visit El Rinconcillo (Calle Gerona, 40) with your family or friends to try out their specialized Torrijas and Classic Tapas. This is 17th century old serves the delicious Easter bread (coca de Pascua) 

Abaceria del Postigo (Cafe Arfe) to try their traditional tapas during Easter. The Cafe is highly rated for traditional, fresh Andalusian tapas, which is a must-try in easter food in Seville. 

Tabanco La Duquesa (Calle Duquesa) is famous for its local fried fish and montaditos. They offer a delicious traditional Andalusian menu featuring specialities suitable for the Holy Week of Easter. 

12. Lisbon, Portugal 

Lisbon during Easter becomes the ultimate choice for Emiratis to plan their holidays. Experiencing Portugal's Easter traditions beautifully represents the Catholic rituals and local customs. 

Easter Traditions in Lisbon: 

• Religious processions: Good Friday is marked by solemn processions in Lisbon, including the Procissao do Senhor dos Passos. 
• Easter Egg Hunts: During the Lisbon week-long Easter Trip, families or couples can indulge in the egg hunts, especially at the Castelo de São Jorge. 
• Peixe Em Lisboa: Travelers in Lisbon can enjoy a fish and seafood festival like Parque Eduardo VII. 

Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Lisbon: 

• Jeronimos Monastery: The architectural masterpiece is an excellent place to learn about Lisbon's heritage and cultures. 
• Alfama District: Getting around the narrow, winding lanes of Alfama lets you experience authentic Fado music. 
• Sao Jorge Castle: Set atop one of Lisbon's seven hills, offering panoramic views of the city. 
• Markets: Explore the easter markets offering traditional Portuguese treats like Folar da Páscoa and amendoas. 

 

Churches in Lisbon: 

• Se de Lisboa 
• Mosteiro dos Jeronimos 
• Basilica da Estrela 
• Igreja de Sao Roque 

Where to Eat the Best Easter Food in Lisbon? 

• The Four Season Hotel Ritz hosts a grand Easter Brunch and Feast featuring Serrano Kid. 
• Capitulo Restaurant & Bar and Erva are highly recommended for enjoying its delicious Easter lunches. 

 

13. Brussels, Belgium 

One of the best places to plan Short Easter breaks from UAE, Brussels allows you to experience the different side of the Belgian capital. Brussels is brimming with activities and experiences that elevate the European Easter holiday in Belgium. 

Easter Traditions in Brussels: 

• Easter Egg Hunts are the most loved tradition in Brussels among children. Families gather in the park where thousands of chocolate eggs are kept hidden.  
• Belgian Chocolate Easter Eggs with creative designs like rabbits and bells. The famous shops in Belgium are - Neuhaus and Godiva. 
• Church visits during Easter are a must-have traditional experience. Be a part of the ceremonies celebrating the rebirth of Christ. 
  
  

Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Brussels:

• Parc du Cinquantenaire has an immensely huge green space that often hosts family-friendly easter egg hunts and outdoor activities. 
• Parc de Bruxelles becomes lively during the easter weekend where people gather to enjoy spring picnics and leisure strolls. 
• Grand Place is a must-visit during Easter because of its chocolate shops showcasing special Easter eggs and rabbits. 
• Vieus Marche is a popular flea market in the Marolles district where you can find some of the best bakeries selling traditional easter pastries and chocolates.  
  
  

Churches in Brussels:

• Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula 
• Holy Trinity Brussels 
• Church of Our Lady of Victories 
• Chapel of Europe 
• All Saints Church 
  
  

Where to Eat the Best Food in Brussels? 

• Fin de Siecle: The most popular authentic places to enjoy Belgian comfort food on Easter. Visitors should try their beef stew and sausages with mash. 
• Le Marmiton: The elegant Galleries Royales Saint Hubert serves the classic Belgian cuisine, including mussels, seafood delights, and Belgian specialties. 
• Aux Armes de Bruxelles: A 1921 old Brussels restaurant serves iconic Belgian dishes like Shrimp croquettes and vol-au-vent. 

Plan a perfect Easter Getaway from UAE with Next Holidays 

The above 13 Easter destinations for a family trip allow you to celebrate the festival with great zeal and enthusiasm. Some unique easter experiences are waiting for Emiratis who can make their easter holidays a lasting memory.  

The Next Holidays ensures your seamless travel experiences for explorers seeking fun, adventure, and relaxing escapes. Book an all-inclusive tour from UAE to any of your favorite Easter destinations listed above at the best competitive rates.   

Check out more blogs related to Easter: Easter in Paris 2026 | Easter in Dubai 2026