How to celebrate Easter in New York City: A complete guide

From the legendary Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue to the massive egg hunt on Governors Island, Easter in New York City is a non-stop whirlwind of excitement. The Big Apple showcases its signature style with a mix of classic traditions and only-in-NYC events. Whether you’re strutting your stuff in a showstopping bonnet or hunting for 50,000 candy-filled eggs, there are countless things to do in New York City at Easter that capture the city’s energy. So grab your most outrageous hat, hit the streets, and discover why Easter in the concrete jungle is such an extraordinary experience.

Everything you need to know about Easter in New York City

Easter traditions: Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue, egg hunts on Governors Island, and decorating Easter eggs.
Average temperature: 45 F (7 C) to 59 F (15 C)
Key Easter dates: Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday
Best free Easter activity: The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue
Popular Easter events: Governors Island Egg Hunt, Seaport Easter Festivities

1. Join the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival

Fifth Avenue is the place to be during the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival. Participants don their most elaborate costumes and bonnets in a colorful display of creativity and whimsy. This tradition, dating back to the 1870s, is open to everyone, whether you want to join in the fun by marching with the parade or are just keen to observe. The only requirement for participants is to wear a bonnet — whether bought or handmade, the more offbeat the better.

Insider tip

For a jazzy twist on Easter Sunday, snag tickets to Dandy Wellington's Easter Egg Strut — a stylish after-party at a secret location where bonnet-clad revelers dance to hot jazz following the parade.

Address

Fifth Avenue between 49th and 57th Streets, New York, NY 10022.

Opening hours

Easter Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

2. Hunt for Easter eggs on Governors Island

Governors Island hosts NYC’s largest egg hunt, where 50,000 painted, candy-filled eggs are hidden across the 172 acres of grounds. The island-wide scavenger hunt is one of the top free things to do in New York during Easter. Besides hunting for eggs, visitors can take part in Easter-themed activities and take photos with the Easter Bunny, making it a delightful family-friendly activity in NYC. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the vendors like Little Eva’s or the Yankee Doodle food truck on the island.

Insider tip

This free event takes place rain or shine, and brings huge crowds to the island. Book your ferry ticket to Governors Island well in advance.

Address

Governors Island, New York, NY 11231.

Opening hours

Typically held on the Saturday before Easter from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

3. Enjoy spring and Easter festivities at Seaport

The historic Seaport District of New York plays host to Easter celebrations for the whole family at the Seaport Square and The Rooftop at Pier 17. Free activities for children and teens include dance parties with Hypedance, face painting, spring wreath-making, egg races, and meet-and-greets with the Easter Bunny.

Insider tip

Buy a ticket for exclusive events on The Rooftop, which gives you access to additional activities like spring cookie decorating, egg basket creation, and an egg hunt. Check the Seaport District's website for the full schedule.

Address

The Seaport, 19 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038.

Opening hours

Events usually run on Saturday before Easter from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM but are liable to change each year.

4. Celebrate Easter at CMOM

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan hosts a day full of Easter-themed activities. Kids can create their own bunny ears headband, learn basket weaving, and participate in an egg hunt. Make sure to book a ticket in advance.

Insider tip

Your ticket allows re-entry provided you get your hand stamped, so you take a break at a nearby park like Riverside Park’s playground area (two blocks west) or Central Park (three blocks east) before returning to the museum.

Address

212 W 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024.

Opening hours

Easter Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM.

5. Smell the flowers at New York Botanical Garden

A trip around Easter time means spring in New York City, which will coincide with New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show which runs from February to April. A beloved tradition for over two decades, every year, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory transforms into a breathtaking floral display with a new theme each time. Stroll through the garden’s gravel paths, admire thousands of rare orchid specimens arranged in elaborate arrangements, and snap Instagram-worthy photos amidst a sea of colorful blooms.

Insider tip

The NY Botanical Gardens is one of the best places to visit in NYC if you’re looking for more nature-filled activities. Don’t miss the adults-only Orchid Nights on select evenings, where you can enjoy the exhibition after dark with music, food, and drinks, usually from 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Address

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458.

Opening hours

Visit the NYBG website for specific opening hours and to purchase tickets.

6. Paint ceramic eggs at Color Me Mine

Celebrate Easter by tapping into your artistic side at Color Me Mine in Tribeca where you will find activities to suit every taste. Here, you can paint your own ceramic Easter Eggs in a fun, creative, and relaxing environment. It's a great way to spend the holiday, and you’ll have a personalized souvenir to take home.

Insider tip

Allow extra time for the glazing and firing process and be sure to pick up your pottery in a few days once it’s finished.

Address

123 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013.

Opening hours

Open typically from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

7. Watch a soul-stirring Easter performance by the Harlem Gospel Choir

Celebrate Easter with a hand-clapping, foot-stomping Harlem gospel concert. The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir is known for performances with superstars like Bono and Diana Ross. Their soulful rhythms and powerful vocals will lift your spirits and touch your soul. You’ll need to check their website for their most up-to-date Easter performance location, as it varies each year.

Insider tip

If you can’t catch the Harlem Gospel Choir, attend Easter services at other renowned Harlem churches known for their gospel music, like 1st Corinthian Baptist Church, Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, or Abyssinian Baptist Church.

FAQs

1. Are restaurants closed on Easter in New York?

Most restaurants in New York remain open on Easter, and some have special holiday menus. It’s advisable to make reservations in advance.

2. Are shops closed at Easter in New York?

Many shops in New York stay open during Easter, especially in tourist areas. However, some smaller businesses may have limited hours or close on Easter Sunday.

3. Is Easter a good time to visit New York?

Easter is an excellent time to visit New York. The weather is usually mild, spring flowers are blooming, and there are many festive activities and events to enjoy.

4. Is New York crowded during Easter?

New York can be busy during Easter. However, April is a shoulder month for tourists, which means there will be fewer crowds, particularly at NYC's top tourist attractions.

5. How to spend Easter in New York with kids?

There are numerous kid-friendly Easter activities in New York, including NYC’s largest egg hunt on Governors Island, and Easter-themed events at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and Seaport Square.