Easter celebrates the day almost 2,000 years ago that Jesus Christ, the central spiritual figure of the Christian religion, is believed to have come back to life following his death and burial three days prior. Annually, the holiday occurs on a Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th. This year Easter is celebrated on Sunday, March 31st.
Different groups of Christians celebrate the holiday with a variety of customs. Many will prepare for Easter by taking part in Lent, the 40 days before Easter when observers resolve to learn from their mistakes and do better in the year ahead. On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, they pledge to give up certain foods and activities as an act of sacrifice. On Easter day, Christians around the globe attend religious services and celebrate with festive activities. This often includes colorfully dyeing Easter eggs for scavenger hunts, gift giving including chocolate bunnies and flowers, and large family dinners with traditional foods like lamb.
To learn all about Easter, check out the videos, activities, and family-friendly crafts below!
Learn About the Holiday
Rechenka’s Eggs | Reading Rainbow Stories
Grades K-5
Discover the beautiful story of a woman who rescues an injured goose and is rewarded for her compassion with the featured book, Rechenka’s Eggs. Then watch as author and illustrator, Patricia Polacco, demonstrates the traditional Ukrainian egg-painting art of pysanky.
Holy Week | Religion and Ethics Weekly
Grades 6-12
Travel to Santa Fe, Taos, and Chimayo, New Mexico to witness the solemn rites and processions of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday leading up to Easter. During Holy Week “pilgrimage becomes a metaphor for life,” says Rev. Kenneth Semon of the Church of the Holy Faith in Santa Fe.
Easter East and West | Religion and Ethics Weekly
Grades 9-12
Despite a number of differences regarding the celebration of Easter, Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant denominations of Christianity agree on the unifying message. Watch this video to learn about the differences in worship and tradition.
Activities, Crafts and Recipes
Make an Easter Egg Wreath
Grades K-3
Curious George enjoys decorating Easter eggs in many colors for the annual Easter egg hunt. Encourage your child to count and make patterns with the Easter eggs just like Curious George while making a colorful wreath!
Egg Music Makers
Grades K-3
Recycle leftover plastic eggs and turn them into fun maraca-style egg music makers.
Make an Easter Bunny Garland
Grades 1-3
What kind of bunny is the real Easter bunny? The Kratt Brothers go on an adventure and discover that there might be more than one answer!
Chocolate Smash Egg
Grades 3-12
Shake things up this Easter season by creating this Chocolate Smash Egg on this Hobby Hunting video!