Holy Week Church Services Schedule for Easter 2026
Churches worldwide held special services throughout Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026 .
Key Dates and Services:
Palm Sunday (March 29): Blessing of the Palms and traditional ceremonies .
Maundy Thursday (April 2): Mass of the Lord's Supper, commemorating the Last Supper and institution of the Eucharist .
Good Friday (April 3): Stations of the Cross, Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion .
Easter Vigil (April 4): Evening Vigil Masses celebrating the Resurrection with great joy and light .
Easter Sunday (April 5): Parish Eucharist services with Blessing of the Easter Garden, followed by Easter Egg Hunts in some locations .
All are welcome to attend Easter worship services and activities at local churches .
Industry Summary
Easter 2026 is characterized by:
The "Great Chocolate Pivot" – chocolate now only 30% of Easter spending, ethical products 75% of chocolate sales, with a 17% rise in chocolate prices .
Small formats rising – 0g-50g category now 34.5% of chocolate sold, overtaking traditional large eggs .
Retailer reimagination – non-chocolate GM products up 138%, with "Christmas-ification" of Easter including crackers and trees .
Cute character NPD – M&S launched four new chocolate characters to drive impulse purchases, including "Sunny" the sloth and "Ralph" the cavapoo .
Flavour diversification – dark chocolate searches up 247%, alcohol-infused products seeing triple-digit growth (e.g., Guinness Rugby Ball Egg up 355%) .
Roast dinner focus – 61% of shoppers celebrating, driving wine/spirits and hosting accessory sales .
Luxury creations – Cheval Blanc Paris unveiled "La Belle Envolée," an 850g chocolate airship at €138 .
Low shopper confidence – dropped to -4 in March, lowest since August 2023, impacted by Middle East conflict .
Retailer hours – Target, Lowe's, Macy's, Kohl's closed; Walmart, Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops open .
Church services – Holy Week services held March 29 to April 5, with Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday celebrations .
