If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an empty egg carton at 9:00 PM on a Saturday night before the big hunt, you know the panic. It’s that specific brand of "Easter Eve" stress. You need a ham. You need the weird plastic grass that sticks to everything. And honestly, you probably forgot the Peeps.
Walmart in Easter is basically the unofficial headquarters for everyone who didn't plan ahead—and for those who did but want to save a few bucks. While other big-box retailers like Target or Costco tend to lock their doors on Easter Sunday, Walmart usually stays wide open. But there are a few quirks about how they handle the holiday in 2026 that might surprise you.
Is Walmart actually open on Easter Sunday?
The short answer is yes. Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas, where the company has recently shifted toward giving employees the day off, Easter Sunday (which falls on April 5, 2026) is typically a business-as-usual day for the retail giant.
Most Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets will keep their standard 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM hours. However, don't just assume your local spot is the same. Regional "blue laws" in places like parts of New Jersey or small counties in the South can still force retailers to stay closed or limit hours on Sundays. It’s kinda annoying, but it’s the reality of local legislation.
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What about the services inside?
While the main store stays open, the specialized counters are a different story.
- The Pharmacy: Often operates on a reduced Sunday schedule (like 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
- Auto Care Centers: These are notorious for closing early or not opening at all on Easter.
- Vision Centers: Usually follow the pharmacy's lead with limited Sunday hours.
The "Inflation-Free" Easter Meal Strategy
Walmart has been leaning hard into a specific marketing play lately: the "inflation-free" holiday meal. Basically, they bundle a bunch of staples—ham, potatoes, green beans, rolls, and even pie—and price the whole thing to match what it cost a few years ago.
For 2026, they are pushing a feast that feeds about eight people for under $6 per person. It’s a smart move. They know we're all feeling the pinch at the grocery store. By locking in a price for a spiral-cut ham and all the fixings, they get you in the door. Once you're there for the $30 ham dinner, you'll probably end up spending another $50 on "Way To Celebrate" branded decor.
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Mastering the Easter Basket Game
If you're building a basket, the "Way To Celebrate" aisle is your best friend and your worst enemy. It’s cheap, sure, but it’s easy to overspend on plastic junk.
Lately, the trend has shifted away from just candy. People are grabbing $5 Squishmallows and LEGO sets (like the 3-in-1 Creator White Rabbit) to fill the space. Walmart has even started offering "one-click" pre-filled baskets on their app. You basically just pick a price point—usually $20 or $40—and they do the work. It’s a lifesaver for the "I forgot it was Easter" crowd.
When to Hit the Clearance Racks
Here is the real pro tip: April 6, 2026. That Monday morning is when the real magic happens.
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The day after Easter, Walmart typically slashes prices by 50% on all seasonal items. This isn't just the chocolate bunnies. We're talking about paper plates, table runners, outdoor "spring" decor, and those massive packs of plastic eggs.
If you wait about three to five days, that discount usually jumps to 75%. If you're really brave and wait ten days, you might find stuff for 90% off, but the shelves are usually picked clean by then. I’ve seen people buy three years' worth of plastic eggs for like two dollars. It’s the ultimate way to win at Walmart in Easter planning for next year.
Essential Move: Use the App
Seriously, don't wander the aisles aimlessly. The Walmart app has a "Check Store Assistant" feature that tells you exactly which aisle the egg dye is in. On the Saturday before Easter, the stores are a chaotic mess. Being able to go straight to Aisle A14 instead of circling the store three times will save your sanity.
Also, if you're a Walmart+ member, check for "Express Delivery." During the 2025 season, they expanded their 2-hour delivery windows specifically for holiday essentials. It costs a bit more, but if you're mid-recipe and realize you're out of eggs (the real kind, not the plastic ones), it's worth every penny.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Store Finder: Use the Walmart app or website 48 hours before April 5 to confirm your specific store's hours.
- Buy the "Bundle": Look for the pre-packaged Easter meal deals in the grocery section to save roughly 15-20% versus buying items individually.
- Set a Monday Alarm: If you want the best clearance deals, be at the store by 7:00 AM on Monday, April 6. The good candy (Reese’s Eggs, obviously) goes first.
- Scan as you go: Use the app's barcode scanner while shopping to see if there are "hidden" rollbacks that haven't been tagged on the shelf yet.