Easter Sunday sits just behind Christmas Day and Thanksgiving as one of only three dates on the calendar that trigger widespread closures. It doesn't shut down retail as completely as those two - Walmart and Target both stay open, for example - but department stores, malls, and a chunk of grocery chains close their doors. Since Easter always falls on a Sunday, most of the stores that do stay open are simply running their regular Sunday hours rather than anything special.
When Is Easter Sunday 2027?
Easter doesn't have a fixed calendar date the way Christmas does. It's the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, which is why it can land anywhere between late March and late April depending on the year. In 2027, that formula puts it on March 28. Because Easter is always a Sunday by definition, the "day of the week" question that matters for other holidays doesn't really apply here - the real planning question is what to do about Saturday, March 27, the last full shopping day beforehand.
Is Walmart Open on Easter Sunday?
Yes. Walmart and Target both stay open on Easter, typically running their normal Sunday schedule. That makes them the most reliable option if you're picking up last-minute Easter basket items, ham, or egg-dyeing supplies the morning of. Best Buy also stays open with regular Sunday hours, though its selection obviously skews away from anything Easter-specific.
Department Stores and Malls
Macy's and Kohl's close on Easter Sunday, and shopping malls in most areas close entirely for the day. That mall closure matters more than it sounds - any store located inside a mall closes along with it regardless of that individual retailer's own holiday policy. If a store you're after is normally a mall tenant, assume it's closed on Easter and plan around it rather than checking each one individually.
Grocery Stores on Easter
Kroger and other major chains are split on Easter Sunday - some close entirely, while others run reduced hours, typically opening around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM and closing by early afternoon, somewhere between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Publix is one of the chains known to close for the day in many markets. Because the policy varies so much by chain and even by region, the safest plan is to do your Easter dinner shopping on Saturday, March 27 - it's also one of the busier grocery days of the spring, so going early helps.
Pharmacies, Discount Stores & Auto Parts
CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid all keep the large majority of their locations open on Easter, sticking to Sunday-style hours rather than a holiday schedule. Dollar General and Dollar Tree are also commonly open, which is useful if you're stocking up on plastic eggs, baskets, or last-minute cards. Auto parts stores typically run their normal Sunday hours as well, with no special Easter adjustment.
Restaurants on Easter
Restaurants are the least predictable category on Easter Sunday. Many family-owned sit-down restaurants close so staff can spend the day at home, while national chains and fast food restaurants are more likely to stay open. Restaurants that do open often run an Easter brunch special, and those can book up fast - if you're planning to eat out, a reservation is worth making a few days ahead rather than showing up and hoping for a table.
| Store | Normal Sunday Hours | Easter Sunday 2027 Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM | No change - open as usual |
| Target | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM | No change - open as usual |
| Best Buy | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM | No change - open as usual |
| Kroger | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Reduced at many locations, roughly 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Publix | 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Closed at most locations |
| CVS | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM | No change - open as usual |
| Walgreens | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM | No change - open as usual |
| Dollar General | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM | No change - open as usual |
| Department Stores (Macy's, Kohl's) | Varies | Closed all day |
| Restaurants | Varies | Mixed - many sit-down close, chains vary |
Hours shown are typical patterns, not guarantees - individual locations set their own holiday schedule, so always confirm with your specific store before making a trip.
Easter Sunday vs. Christmas Day and Thanksgiving
These three days are the only ones on the calendar that cause genuinely widespread closures, but Easter is the mildest of the three. Christmas Day shuts down nearly every category outright, and Thanksgiving takes most of the day too. Easter, by contrast, leaves the big-box discount and pharmacy chains open on their usual Sunday schedule - it's really department stores, malls, and a slice of the grocery sector that feel the impact. If you only remember one thing about Easter shopping, it's that Walmart, Target, and your local pharmacy will be there; your mall and a chunk of the grocery aisle might not be.
Tips for Easter Weekend
Do your Easter dinner and basket shopping on Saturday, March 27, if you can - grocery stores that stay open Sunday often trim their hours and get crowded with last-minute shoppers. If you're eating out for Easter brunch, book a reservation ahead of time rather than walking in. And if a store you need is inside a mall, check whether the mall itself is open before making the trip, since an open storefront doesn't help if the whole building is locked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walmart open on Easter Sunday?
Yes. Walmart and Target both stay open on Easter Sunday, usually with their regular Sunday hours. That makes them a reliable option if you need last-minute Easter basket items or groceries.
What stores are closed on Easter Sunday?
Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's close on Easter, and since shopping malls typically close entirely, any store located inside a mall closes too regardless of its own policy. Some grocery chains close as well, though it varies by region and banner.
Are grocery stores open on Easter?
It depends on the chain. Some grocery stores close entirely for Easter, while others stay open with reduced hours, often opening around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM and closing by early afternoon. Shop the Saturday before Easter to avoid the uncertainty.
What day is Easter 2027?
Easter Sunday 2027 falls on March 28. Easter's date moves every year because it's tied to the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, so it can land anywhere from late March to late April.
Are pharmacies open on Easter?
Yes, generally. CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid keep most locations open on Easter Sunday, typically running their normal Sunday hours rather than a special holiday schedule.