Mark Your Calendars: The Official Start of Spring and Major Holidays in 2026

Ah, spring! There's something truly magical about the thought of longer days, budding flowers, and that fresh, hopeful feeling in the air. We all start looking for those first signs, don't we? But when does it officially arrive? And speaking of important dates, many of us are also curious about when Easter and Passover will fall in 2026. Let's dive in and get those calendars marked!

First things first: when does spring actually begin? Well, it's a little bit of a two-parter. While meteorologists often consider March 1st the start of 'meteorological spring' – simply because it makes for tidier record-keeping with whole months – the astronomical start of spring is tied to the vernal equinox. For 2026, that special moment, when day and night are roughly equal in length, arrives on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 3:06 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (6:06 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time). So, mark that date! That's when the Northern Hemisphere truly begins its tilt towards the sun, ushering in the season of renewal.

Moving on to the holidays, let's talk about Passover. This incredibly significant Jewish holiday commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Its timing is rooted in the Hebrew lunar calendar, specifically the 15th day of the month of Nisan. In 2026, Passover will commence at sunset on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and continue through nightfall on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The Seder meals, a central part of the observance, will be held on the evenings of April 2nd and April 3rd.

And then there's Easter, a cornerstone Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You might have noticed that Easter doesn't always land on the same date each year; it's a 'movable feast,' as they say. This is because its timing is determined by a fascinating set of calculations based on the lunar calendar and the vernal equinox. Specifically, Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox. Following this ancient rule, Easter Sunday in 2026 will be celebrated on April 5, 2026.

So there you have it! Whether you're eagerly anticipating the first official day of spring, planning your Passover Seder, or preparing for Easter celebrations, you now have the key dates for 2026 firmly in hand. It's always a good idea to circle these on your calendar and look forward to the brighter, warmer days ahead!