Whether you’ve been in the U.S. for a while or just recently arrived, you’ve probably started noticing pastel colors, chocolate bunnies, and egg decorations popping up in stores and on campus. That’s because Easter is right around the corner! It’s one of the most important holidays for Christians—but it’s also celebrated in many fun and community-oriented ways that are open to everyone.

Now is a great time to understand more about this cultural tradition, make meaningful connections, and even join in on some of the celebrations.

What is Easter All About?

At its core, Easter is a holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For Christians around the world, it’s a deeply meaningful day—one that signifies hope, new beginnings, and triumph over death. It is considered the most important day in the Christian calendar, even more significant than Christmas.

Easter is observed on a Sunday, and the exact date changes every year based on the lunar calendar. This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 20th.

The week leading up to Easter is known as Holy Week, and it includes:

• Palm Sunday – commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
• Maundy Thursday – remembering the Last Supper
• Good Friday – the day of Jesus’ crucifixion (a solemn day of reflection)
• Easter Sunday – celebrating the resurrection

Not all Americans observe the religious aspects, but many still participate in secular Easter traditions that have become mainstream.

How Americans Celebrate Easter

If you're imagining people quietly attending church all day—think again. While many do attend services on Easter Sunday, Easter in America is also full of lively, family-friendly traditions. Here are some of the most common:

🧺 Easter Egg Hunts: Children (and adults!) search for colorful eggs hidden in parks, backyards, or community centers. Sometimes these eggs are filled with candy or small toys. It’s a fun way for communities to come together, and many local events are open to the public.

🐰 The Easter Bunny: Think of the Easter Bunny as a springtime Santa Claus. He “hides” eggs for kids to find and delivers Easter baskets filled with candy. You’ll see lots of bunny-themed decorations this time of year.

🍽️ Easter Brunch: Families often gather for a special Easter meal, usually featuring ham, roasted vegetables, deviled eggs, and lots of dessert. Many restaurants offer special Easter brunch menus as well.

🎨 Egg Decorating: This is especially popular among kids, but adults enjoy it too. People dye hard-boiled eggs in colorful designs and display them in baskets.

👗 Spring Fashion: Easter is also associated with the arrival of spring, so you’ll notice people wearing bright colors, floral prints, and even dressing up a bit more than usual.

How You Can Join the Celebrations

Even if you’re not Christian or didn’t grow up celebrating Easter, there are plenty of ways to engage with the season and make the most of it—culturally, socially, and even spiritually.

1. Attend a Local Easter Service or Event

Check local city websites, university campus event pages, or nearby churches for Easter events open to the community. These might include a Sunday morning Easter church service, egg hunts, potlucks, cultural performances, or family-oriented picnics. You’ll likely be welcomed warmly—it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and learn firsthand about American traditions.

2. Say Yes to an Easter Invitation

If you’re invited to someone’s Easter brunch or family celebration, go! It’s a chance to experience American hospitality, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and learn from others.

3. Decorate and Celebrate with Friends

Even if you don’t attend religious services, you can have fun dyeing eggs, making Easter-themed desserts, or putting together your own brunch with friends. It’s a great excuse to celebrate the arrival of spring and warmer weather.

4. Reflect on New Beginnings

For many international students and professionals, moving to a new country is the beginning of a new chapter. Easter’s themes of renewal and hope might resonate more than you expect. You could use this time to reflect on your own journey and set intentions for the months ahead.

Living in the U.S. as an international student or young professional is not just about education or work—it’s also about cultural exchange. Taking part in traditions like Easter can help you feel more connected, build new friendships, and enrich your experience here.

So whether you’re hunting eggs, brunching with friends, or simply enjoying the springtime, we hope you make the most of Easter this year.