Your guide to spending a wonderful Easter in London!

With London primed for the sunny allure of spring, Easter weekend emerges as an ideal moment to immerse oneself in the city's offerings. Whether it's relishing exquisite Easter chocolates, indulging in gourmet Sunday feasts, or reveling in lively Easter gatherings, the avenues for celebration are boundless. Amidst the festive atmosphere, London bursts with dynamic fairs, esteemed chocolatiers, and a plethora of family-oriented activities. Delve into the city's iconic landmarks, engage in Easter egg hunts, and embrace the vibrant nightlife. With splendid gardens in full bloom, Easter in London assures boundless joy and merriment for all who partake.

Easter in London, 2024

Easter, an important holiday on the Christian calendar, falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon post the vernal equinox. It falls on March 31, 2024. The Holy week begins with Palm Sunday (March 24) that commemorates the entry of Jesus in Jerusalem. It derives its name from palm branches the crowd scattered in front of Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem. It is followed by Holy Wednesday and the evening of Maundy Thursday, commemorating the washing of feet of disciples by Jesus and his Last Supper with the Apostles. Next is the big day of Christ’s crucifixion, deemed Good Friday followed by Holy Saturday. The Holy week comes to an end with Easter Sunday celebrating Christ’s resurrection from his grave. This marks a revival of happiness and fertility and is celebrated with great joy and fervour.

Easter in London – Traditions and Festivities

During Easter, London brims with festivity, folklore, and traditional cuisine. The holiday, symbolizing fertility and birth, prominently features eggs in its thematic celebrations. Painted eggs embellish homes and various locales throughout the city, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Families partake in egg hunts and other enjoyable activities organized across London. Chocolates take center stage during this festive period, adorning shelves from regular supermarkets to upscale chocolate boutiques. A diverse array of chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies captivate shoppers. Additionally, confectionaries offer delectable sweet bread buns topped with crosses, symbolizing the crucifixion, adding a meaningful touch to the culinary delights of Easter.

In London, Good Friday is distinguished by solemn church services dedicated to contemplation and remembrance. As Easter Sunday arrives, the city indulges in its celebrated tradition of lavish brunches, enchanting both residents and tourists. Yet, the merriment doesn't cease there — London's thoroughfares burst with the energy of Morris dancing, where men bedecked in hats and ribbons display their agile footwork, while Easter Parades showcase women adorned in exquisitely decorated bonnets. These distinctive rituals infuse London's Easter customs with an irresistible allure, crafting unforgettable experiences for all to cherish.

Easter in London – What's closed?

Since Easter is a public holiday in London, expect a few closures around the city.

• Shopping malls including White Oaks Mall and Masonville Place remain closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
• The British Museum is closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
• Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral are only open for worship on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. For timings, check the official website of Westminster Abbey and St. Pauls' Cathedral.
• Windsor Castle will remain closed till 1 PM on Easter Sunday.

Easter in London – How to celebrate?

⛪ Attend Easter church services

All the magnificent churches of London offer special services in the Holy week of Easter. Westminster Abbey conducts services throughout the Holy Week. Starting with the Blessing of Palms, Procession and Sung Eucharist on Sunday, March 24, 2024, there are special services throughout the week with meditation, readings, hymns and Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of Our Lord on Good Friday.

Easter Sunday features a rich array of services including Holy Communion, Sung Eucharist, Festal Evensong and Procession, Organ Recital, and a Service of Readings and Music for Easter. St. Paul’s Cathedral, along with other notable churches such as St. James's Church, Southwark Cathedral, St. Bartholomew the Great, and many more, present elaborate services throughout Holy Week. These events are open for all to attend.

🥚 Go on an Easter egg hunt

This is one of the most exciting family activities around Easter. You can join one of the many Easter egg-hunting trails organized at various places in the city and have a delightful chocolatey egg treat. Inspired by different themes, several egg-hunting events like Belvedere Community Centre, Royal Wharf Park, Colne Valley Regional Park, N22 and many others offer a fun-filled experience. These egg hunts are an ideal family outing for those seeking to snoop around in search of sweet treats!

🥞 Attend a Sunday brunch

London is famous for its Sunday brunches and more so around the Easter holidays. Explore some of the epic spots for Sunday brunches in London. From the waft of melt-in-the-mouth waffles and pancakes to a boozy bottomless brunch to a mind-boggling assortment of eggs done up in different styles to the best traditional roasts, there is a deluge of choices for you to choose from.

Be it Bikeshed Motorcycle Club at Shoreditch, Apres Food Co in Clerkenwell, Malibu Kitchen at the Ned, Rovi in Fitzrovia, Coal Office in King’s Cross or any other favourite haunt, a Sunday brunch in London should be an essential part of your London Easter holiday.

🎭 Watch a West End show with kids

Easter Holidays offer an array of shows in London’s West End. Catching a West End show is one of the most popular activities for visitors to do in London. With over 40 playhouses in London’s West End, often referred to as Theatreland, it is indeed an exclusive celebration of performing arts. Aladdin, Matilda, The Lion King, School of Rock, Wicked and more, there is a West End show for everyone. Euphoric stage settings, amazing production design, outstanding performances by famous screen actors, and foot-tapping music makes these theatrical performances a must-watch while in London.

🍫 Visit London’s top chocolate stores

To many, Easter is all about chocolates (understandably so)! From champagne truffles and delicately flavoured chocolate bars to salted caramels and handmade nutty fruity delights to divine dark chocolates and more, London has no dearth of these irresistible delicacies. London is world renowned for some of the finest chocolatiers. It is an experience to visit some of the famous chocolatiers like Charbonnel et Walker, Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates, Artisan du Chocolat, and Le Jeune Chocolatiers amongst many others. They are a feast, not just for your taste buds but also for your visual and olfactory senses!

🚆 Take a day trip from London

With the onset of the pleasant spring season, London's weather is at its best for outdoor experiences. Surrounded by beautiful weekend getaways, you can make London your hub and headout to explore amazing destinations around this city. Many famous landmarks, castles, villages, spa cities, university towns like Stonehenge, the royal residence at Windsor Castle, the hot pools of Bath, the stone cottages in The Cotswolds, and the university town of Oxford etc. can be easily included in the itinerary as day trips from London.

🧹 Go on a Harry Potter tour

Harry Potter books and movies have a deep-rooted connection with London. For kids and adult Harry Potter lovers, the Warner Bros studio tour is very enjoyable. On a tour of the Harry Potter films at Warner Bros. Studios, you can enjoy a first-hand experience of the sets, costumes, and props, used in all the Harry Potter films and step inside the locations. Upon entering the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry, you can visualize Harry, Ron, and Hermione going on their adventures.

🖼️ Attend Horniman Museum’s Easter Fair

Easter is the time for family fun. You can enjoy the Easter weekend at the Horniman Easter Fair where there are Easter trails, creative workshops, fun dance classes, face painting, interesting storytelling performances, farmers market, bouncy rides and other adventure activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Easter in London – Dining

Easter is a good excuse for a foodie, in London. With the number of traditional and exotic egg dishes, hot cross baked bread and buns, rabbit, chicken and pork roasts, chocolates and ice cream sandwiches, you'll will be totally spoilt for choice. The top three dishes you just can't miss out over Easter weekend are:

The Hot Cross Babka

This is a delicious combination of traditional Jewish cake with Easter hot cross buns. They are delicately flavoured with cinnamon, cloves and dotted with juicy sultanas, candied ginger and sweet orange peel. The Good Egg is one of the best places to enjoy this.

Scotch Egg

This popular crackling egg dish is made up of hard-boiled egg enclosed in meat, rolled in breadcrumbs, and deep fried. They are served on a bed of rocket, with a side of sweet potato fries. They are very commonly available in London. The Scotch Egg pop-up at Fortnum & Mason is one of the best.

Spring Lamb

Easter falls in the springtime and one of the must-try dishes during this time is the early spring lamb. It is no wonder that it is one of the favourite meats across London. A simple, stuffed roast leg of lamb or a boned leg stuffed with fresh herbs, is always a favourite. Sample the Spring Lamb at City Social.

Easter in London – Events to look out for

Easter in London – Visiting tips

• Easter week is a long weekend which means there will be a surge of outdoor activities, so expect larger crowds.
• Note that major shops and malls close during Easter. So any shopping that you want to do, finish it much in advance.
• Public transport may operate on reduced schedules during Easter, so plan accordingly.
• Some attractions may have limited hours or closures on Easter. Check with the venue for updates.
• Book attractions and experiences in advance.
• London's spring weather can be unpredictable, so bring extra scarves or wraps.
• Consider London City passes for comprehensive sightseeing over a short stay.