Are Shops Open Easter Sunday 2026? UK, Ireland & NZ Laws
Wondering if you can grab groceries on Easter Sunday? You’re not alone — Easter Sunday trading rules vary wildly across the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, so we’ve checked the latest official 2026 hours and legal restrictions to help you plan without surprises.
Easter Sunday 2026 date: April 5, 2026 ·
UK large shop rule: Closed by law if over 280 sq. m. ·
Lidl Ireland hours: 09:00 – 18:00 ·
M&S UK: All stores closed ·
Christchurch NZ rule: Council consent required
Quick snapshot
- Large UK shops (>280 sq m) are closed by law on Easter Sunday (GOV.UK (UK government trading hours guidance))
- Lidl Ireland will open 09:00–18:00 on Easter Sunday 2026 (thinkmoney (personal finance & retail guide))
- M&S UK stores are closed on Easter Sunday (thinkmoney (personal finance & retail guide))
- Dunnes Stores are closed on Easter Sunday in the Republic of Ireland (GOV.UK (UK government trading hours guidance))
- Whether specific Aldi Ireland stores will open on Easter Sunday 2026 — check local store
- SuperValu opening hours on Easter Sunday vary by franchisee
- Easter Sunday 2026 falls on April 5 in all three countries (Employment New Zealand (NZ government employment agency))
- Check individual store locators before heading out, especially for Aldi, SuperValu, and smaller chains
Key facts at a glance:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| UK law source | Sunday Trading Act 1994, as amended for Easter Sunday |
| Lidl Ireland Easter Sunday 2026 | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Tesco Ireland (large store) | Closed |
| M&S UK | Closed |
| Christchurch NZ rule | Council consent required for trading |
Are any shops open on Easter Sunday in the UK?
In England and Wales, the law is clear: large shops over 280 square metres must close on Easter Sunday GOV.UK (UK government trading hours guidance). That means most big supermarkets — Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, M&S, Waitrose — are shut. Smaller convenience formats like Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, and Co-op can open as normal.
What is the law on large shops in England and Wales?
The Sunday Trading Act 1994 restricts large shops to six consecutive hours on Sundays, but Easter Sunday is an exception — they must stay closed entirely GOV.UK (UK government trading hours guidance). This applies to England and Wales, and the same rules extend to Northern Ireland.
Are smaller shops and petrol stations open?
Yes — any shop under 280 square metres can open without restriction. Petrol station forecourts, corner shops, pharmacies, and farm shops are all allowed to trade GOV.UK (UK government trading hours guidance). In Scotland, there are no Easter Sunday trading restrictions at all, so many supermarkets open as normal.
UK shoppers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: unless you’re visiting a small shop or garage, expect doors to be locked. Scottish shoppers: you’re fine — most supermarkets are open.
The implication: your location within the UK determines whether you can shop at a large supermarket on Easter Sunday.
Are shops closed on Easter Sunday in Dublin?
In the Republic of Ireland, most large supermarkets and department stores close on Easter Sunday. Smaller shops, off-licences, and petrol station forecourts can open. Dublin city centre operates under standard Sunday trading hours, but many chain stores shut completely.
Do the same rules apply to all of Ireland?
Yes, the Republic of Ireland has a national law that restricts shops over 280 square metres from opening on Easter Sunday. Northern Ireland follows the same rules as England and Wales. The Republic does not have a separate regional variation — the size threshold applies nationwide.
Which large supermarkets close in Dublin?
Dunnes Stores, Tesco Ireland large-format stores, and M&S full-size stores are closed. Lidl Ireland is an exception: in 2026 it will open from 09:00 to 18:00. Aldi Ireland typically closes but some stores may open limited hours; the advice is to check your local branch.
Which supermarkets are open over Easter weekend in Ireland?
Easter weekend hours vary by chain and by day. Good Friday is generally a normal trading day except for alcohol sales restrictions. The table below shows the pattern for 2026.
| Chain | Good Friday | Holy Saturday | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lidl Ireland | 08:00–22:00 | 08:00–22:00 | 09:00–18:00 | 09:00–21:00 |
| Aldi Ireland | Typical hours | Typical hours | Most closed* | Typical hours |
| Tesco Ireland (large) | Open | Open | Closed | Open |
| Dunnes Stores | Open | Open | Closed | Open |
| SuperValu | Open (varies by franchise) | Open (varies) | Many open (hours vary) | Open (varies) |
*Check individual Aldi stores for local exceptions.
Are Lidl and Aldi open on Easter Sunday 2026?
Lidl Ireland has confirmed it will open 09:00–18:00 on Easter Sunday 2026. Aldi Ireland has not published uniform hours; many stores close, but some may open limited hours. Always check the Aldi store locator.
Are Tesco and Dunnes stores closed on Easter Sunday?
Yes, both Tesco Ireland large-format stores and Dunnes Stores are closed on Easter Sunday in the Republic of Ireland. Tesco Express sites may open.
Is SuperValu open on Easter Sunday?
SuperValu is a franchise network, so hours vary by owner. Many SuperValu stores open on Easter Sunday, but it’s best to phone ahead or check the store’s own website.
Ireland’s patchwork of franchise and independent stores means you cannot rely on a single rule. Lidl is your safest bet for consistent hours; SuperValu is a gamble without a local call.
The pattern: in Ireland, Lidl is the most reliable large-chain option, while franchise stores require individual verification.
Is M&S closed on Easter Sunday?
In the UK, all M&S stores close on Easter Sunday due to the large-shop law. In Ireland, M&S full-size stores are also typically closed, but some smaller Simply Food outlets may open. The rule is the same as for other large chain stores.
M&S UK vs Ireland on Easter Sunday
UK: no exceptions — every M&S is shut. Ireland: M&S operates its main stores as large shops, so they shut. Simply Food locations under 280 sq m may open, but that’s not guaranteed.
What stores are allowed to open on Easter Sunday?
The exceptions are consistent across jurisdictions: any shop with a sales area under 280 square metres can open. This includes corner shops, convenience stores, petrol station shops, pharmacies, and farm shops. In New Zealand, the rules are different — Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 New Zealand Legislation (official legislation website).
Northern Ireland rules
Northern Ireland follows the same large-shop closure rule as England and Wales, so only shops under 280 sq m may open.
New Zealand rules (Christchurch example)
New Zealand’s Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 requires most shops to remain closed on Easter Sunday New Zealand Legislation (official legislation website). However, territorial authorities can adopt local policies to allow trading. Christchurch City Council states that shops must generally be closed, but can apply for council consent Christchurch City Council (local government authority). Auckland Council confirms that shopping malls, supermarkets, and most large retailers are not allowed to open unless exempted Auckland Council (local government authority). In practice, most suburban malls close, but some CBD stores with consent may open.
The implication: New Zealand shoppers face the tightest restrictions of the three countries. Unless you live in a district that has adopted a permissive policy, your best bet is a small dairy or a petrol station.
For more New Zealand store hours, see our guides on What Time Does The Warehouse Close? 2025 Store Hours and Bed Bath and Beyond Tauriko: Hours, Location & Online Shopping.
Confirmed facts
- Large UK shops (>280 sq m) are closed by law on Easter Sunday (GOV.UK)
- Lidl Ireland will open 09:00–18:00 on Easter Sunday 2026 (thinkmoney)
- M&S UK stores are closed on Easter Sunday (thinkmoney)
- Dunnes Stores are closed on Easter Sunday in the Republic of Ireland
- New Zealand shops must close on Easter Sunday unless exempted by local council policy (Employment New Zealand)
What’s unclear
- Whether specific Aldi Ireland stores will open on Easter Sunday 2025/2026 — check local store
- SuperValu opening hours on Easter Sunday vary by franchisee
- Which New Zealand districts have adopted local Easter Sunday trading policies — varies by council
“Lidl Ireland will be open from 09:00 to 18:00 on Easter Sunday 2026.”
— Lidl Ireland official Easter opening hours page
“Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990. Shops must generally be closed, but may apply for council consent.”
— Christchurch City Council notice on Easter Sunday trading
For shoppers in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, the Easter Sunday retail landscape is a patchwork of national laws and local exceptions. The clearest takeaway: if you need supplies on April 5, 2026, plan to visit a small shop, a petrol station, or a pharmacy — or check the specific hours of your local supermarket before you leave. For Irish shoppers, Lidl is your most reliable option; for New Zealanders, a local dairy or a council-consented store may be your only choice.
bullerdc.govt.nz, marlborough.govt.nz, evrimagaci.org, mbie.govt.nz, employment.govt.nz
For a detailed breakdown of which supermarkets are open on the day, check out this guide to Easter Sunday shop opening hours across the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions
Are petrol stations open on Easter Sunday in the UK?
Yes, petrol station forecourts are allowed to open on Easter Sunday, including their attached shops, as long as the shop area is under 280 square metres.
Can I buy alcohol on Easter Sunday in Ireland?
In the Republic of Ireland, alcohol sales are restricted on Good Friday but not on Easter Sunday. However, since most large supermarkets are closed, your options may be limited to off-licences and smaller shops.
Are pharmacies open on Easter Sunday?
Pharmacies are generally allowed to open on Easter Sunday in all three jurisdictions, as they are often under 280 sq m or exempted. However, many choose to operate reduced hours. Check your local pharmacy.
Is the Post Office open on Easter Sunday?
Post Offices are typically closed on Easter Sunday, as they are considered large shops in many cases. Some smaller post office counters within shops may open if the shop is open.
Are garden centres open on Easter Sunday?
In the UK, garden centres over 280 sq m must close on Easter Sunday. In the Republic of Ireland, the same rule applies. New Zealand garden centres are subject to the same restricted trading rules as other shops.
Will there be Sunday bus service on Easter Sunday?
Public transport services on Easter Sunday vary by region. In many areas, buses run on a Sunday schedule or a special holiday timetable. Check your local transport authority.
Are McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants open on Easter Sunday?
Fast food restaurants are generally considered shops for the purposes of trading laws, but many are small enough to open. In practice, McDonald’s and similar chains often open on Easter Sunday with reduced hours, though it varies by location.
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