Easter weekend in London starts on Good Friday and continues through Easter Monday. It has something to offer to everyone, no matter the age. The English take Easter very seriously and prepare for its celebrations in advance. All cities across the country dress up in festive attire, and this is a sight for sore eyes. There are many awesome events to attend during the holiday, so let's dive right into the details!
Traditional Easter sweets
For many, Easter is also associated with chocolate indulgence. This is also true about London. During the Easter season, the windows of chocolate shops are overloaded with locally-made chocolate Easter eggs, bunnies, and other sweets. But there's more!
Easter activities for children
Easter in London features a variety of activities for kids, ranging from Easter egg hunts to some workshops in egg or basket decorations and other hands-on activities. The locations of egg hunts may differ from year to year. Many family events are free, but preliminary reservations are recommended.
The Passion of Jesus in Trafalgar Square (March 29, 2024)
On Good Friday, Trafalgar Square also hosts "The Passion of Jesus," performed by 78 actors, along with two horses and a donkey. This 90-minute open-air-play is attended by some 20,000 people annually. To ensure that nobody misses out on any detail, the play is also broadcasted on a big screen at the square. Performances begin at noon and 3:15 pm. The play is free to attend, yet a realistic interpretation of the crucifixion requires parental guidance. It was first held in the square in 2010 and still continues to be a beloved tradition.
Widow's Bun Ceremony at the Widow's Son pub (March 29, 2024)
Good Friday in London is also known for another tradition, which takes place in the Widow's Son pub in Bromley-by-Bow, East London. As legend has it, during the Napoleonic Wars, a widow lost her only son to the sea. Each year, the mother baked a fresh Hot Cross Bun in hope for her son's return. To honor the widow and her son, after whom the bar was named, a sailor adds a fresh bun to the collection of previous years' buns hanging from the ceiling—it's called the Widow's Bun Ceremony. The doors of the bar are open to the public during that day, but if you want to witness the tradition and to eat some fresh Hot Cross Buns, we encourage you to book a table for about 3 pm.
Solemn Easter Services (March 29-31, 2024)
On Easter weekend, Westminster Abbey, Southwark Cathedral, or St. Paul's Cathedral offer solemn Easter Service. Regardless of the level of your religiousness, you'll surely be impressed by the magnificent architecture as well as the solemn grandeur of the mass. You'll be able to attend events like the Solemn Liturgy of the Passion, Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter, Holy Communion, and more.
London Harness Horse Parade (April 1, 2024)
At last, for Easter Monday, we recommend taking a short train ride to attend the London Harness Horse Parade. This is an annual tradition taking place at the South of England Showground in West Sussex and dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The parade showcases working Friesian horses from Harrods and demonstrates the progress of the transportation industry the Brits have made throughout history.
