Easter in 2026 will be celebrated between the end of March and the beginning of April, with Palm Sunday scheduled for March 29 and Easter Sunday for April 5. Although it is not a federal holiday, the state of Texas will likely make adjustments to schedules, services, and activities, especially in major cities such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso. Authorities always recommend planning ahead and checking which establishments will operate normally and which might modify their hours, especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. What about public offices and essential services? During Holy Week, Texas public offices typically maintain regular operations on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Courts, motor vehicle departments, and county offices operate on their usual schedules, although in some cases they may operate with reduced staffing. The postal service also operates without interruption on both Thursday and Friday. Mail collection and delivery are not suspended.

Emergency services, hospitals, and law enforcement are operating normally.

Banks, supermarkets, schools, and universities

Banks in Texas are open throughout Holy Week, including Good Friday, as it is not a national bank holiday. However, some branches may close earlier in high-traffic tourist areas.

Digital banking, ATMs, and electronic transfers also continue as normal. Even so, if you need to conduct important in-person transactions, it is advisable to confirm hours directly with the financial institution.

Most supermarkets, pharmacies, and large retail chains remain open on both Holy Thursday and Good Friday. In cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso, business even increases due to pre-weekend shopping.

Easter Sunday is the day with the most adjustments.

Some wholesale chains, like Costco, usually close that Sunday, while other stores reduce their hours. Restaurants and cafes, meanwhile, tend to adjust their hours according to demand. In tourist areas and zones near beaches or natural parks, many businesses extend their hours due to the increase in visitors. Regarding school calendars, these may vary by district. Some educational systems schedule spring break on dates close to Easter, so students may be out of class during those days. At public and private universities, classes generally continue, although certain administrative offices may reduce activities on Good Friday. It is best to consult the official calendar of each institution. Planning avoids setbacks during Easter Week. In summary, Easter Week 2026 does not imply massive closures in Texas, but it does involve specific adjustments in commerce, education, and transportation. Holy Thursday and Good Friday proceed with relative normality in public offices, banks, and the post office, while Easter Sunday sees more changes in stores and hours. Checking the specific hours of each establishment in advance, confirming appointments, and allowing extra travel time will help you navigate the week without surprises. You may also be interested in: How to register your car in Texas if you bought it in another state: requirements and fees; This is the safest city in Texas: 0.4 violent crimes in 2025; The cheapest cities in Texas to live and save in 2026While Easter Sunday sees the most changes in stores and hours.

Checking the specific hours of each establishment in advance, confirming appointments, and allowing extra travel time will help you navigate the week without surprises.