If you’re trying to plan a spring getaway or just wondering when the banks will be closed, you've probably realized that Easter dates are a bit of a moving target. It’s not like Christmas. You can’t just circle December 25th and call it a day. So, let’s get straight to it: what day is Good Friday in 2025? It falls on April 18, 2025.
Wait. April 18? That feels late, doesn't it? Well, compared to 2024—when it landed on March 29—it definitely is. This shifting schedule isn't just a random whim of the calendar makers; it’s actually tied to a complex mix of lunar cycles and ancient church decrees. If you've ever felt confused about why the "Great Friday" jumps around so much, you’re in good company. Honestly, even some history buffs get the math wrong.
The Lunar Logic Behind April 18, 2025
The reason we are looking at mid-April for Good Friday in 2025 is because of the Paschal Full Moon. Back in 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea decided that Easter should be observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Since Good Friday is the Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, its date is entirely dependent on when that moon decides to show up.
In 2025, the spring equinox is March 20. The first full moon after that occurs on Sunday, April 13. This makes April 20th Easter Sunday, which naturally slots Good Friday into that April 18th position.
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It’s a bit of a astronomical dance. Because the lunar month is about 29.5 days, the date can swing anywhere from late March to late April. Some years we get an "early Easter" that feels more like winter, and other years, like 2025, we get a "late Easter" where the spring flowers are actually, you know, blooming.
Is it a Federal Holiday?
This is where things get kinda tricky in the United States. Technically, no. Good Friday is not a federal holiday. Your mail will still come. The Social Security office will still be open. However, it is a state holiday in about a dozen states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas.
If you live in one of those spots, lucky you—you might have a paid day off. If not, you’re likely at your desk unless your specific company decides to observe it. Interestingly, the stock market (NYSE and NASDAQ) almost always closes on Good Friday, which creates this weird situation where Wall Street is quiet but the rest of the business world is still grinding away.
Why the Date Matters Beyond the Day Off
For millions of people, knowing what day is Good Friday in 2025 is about much more than a long weekend. It is the most somber day on the Christian liturgical calendar. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Calvary.
While the name "Good" Friday sounds a bit counterintuitive for a day marking a death, linguists generally agree it stems from the older usage of the word "good" meaning "holy" or "pious." In some cultures, it’s called "Holy Friday" or "Silent Friday." In Germany, it’s Karfreitag, or "Sorrowful Friday."
Traditions You’ll See on April 18
If you are out and about on April 18, 2025, you’ll notice different vibes depending on where you are.
- Hot Cross Buns: This is a huge one in the UK, Australia, and parts of the US. These spiced sweet buns, marked with a cross on top, were traditionally eaten only on this day.
- The Veneration of the Cross: In Catholic and many Anglican churches, there are specific services usually held between noon and 3:00 PM—the hours Jesus was said to be on the cross.
- Fasting: Many people skip meat or limit themselves to one full meal. If you’re a fan of fish fry Fridays, this is essentially the "Super Bowl" of that tradition.
Travel and Logistics: The "April 18th Factor"
Because Easter Sunday is April 20, 2025, the surrounding week is going to be absolute chaos for travel.
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Think about it. You have spring break for many schools aligning with the Easter holiday. April 18 marks the start of a massive travel window. If you’re planning to fly home or take a quick trip to the coast, you need to be booking those flights now—or at least by the end of 2024. Gas prices often see a seasonal "spring bump" right around this time too.
Wait times at airports like Atlanta (ATL) or Orlando (MCO) are likely to spike on Thursday evening, April 17, and throughout the morning of Good Friday. If you aren't a fan of crowds, you might want to stay put.
A Quick Word on the Orthodox Calendar
Just to make things even more confusing, not everyone celebrates on the same day. Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar for religious holidays. In 2025, there is actually a rare alignment. Usually, Orthodox Easter and Western Easter are weeks apart. However, in 2025, both Western and Orthodox Easter fall on April 20. This means "Orthodox Good Friday" is also April 18, 2025. This doesn't happen every year, so it's a pretty significant moment for ecumenical relations.
What Most People Get Wrong About Good Friday
People often think Good Friday is a "celebration." It really isn't. In the religious sense, it’s a day of mourning. You’ll notice many churches strip their altars bare. Some even cover statues in purple or black cloth.
Another misconception? That the date is fixed to the Jewish holiday of Passover. While the Last Supper was a Passover Seder, the way the modern Gregorian calendar and the Hebrew calendar interact means they don't always line up perfectly. In 2025, Passover begins at sundown on Sunday, April 12, and ends on April 20. So, Good Friday 2025 actually falls right in the middle of the Passover week.
Looking Ahead: Future Good Friday Dates
If you like to plan way in advance, here is a quick look at where we are headed after 2025:
- 2026: April 3
- 2027: March 26
- 2028: April 14
As you can see, 2025 is on the later side of the spectrum.
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Preparing for April 18, 2025
Whether you are religious or just looking for a break, the mid-April date changes the "feel" of the holiday. By April 18, most of the Northern Hemisphere is firmly in spring. The weather is generally more reliable for outdoor Easter egg hunts or sunrise services.
If you are a business owner, check your state laws. In places like North Carolina, it's a state holiday, which might affect your employees' expectations or your banking deadlines. If you’re a parent, double-check that school calendar; many districts use Good Friday as the start of their Spring Break or a "weather makeup day" if it hasn't snowed much.
Actionable Steps for Good Friday 2025:
- Travelers: Book flights for the April 17–21 window at least six months in advance.
- Employees: Check if your state recognizes April 18 as a holiday to see if you have a "hidden" day off.
- Diners: If you plan on eating out, especially at seafood restaurants or for Sunday Brunch on April 20, make reservations by March 1.
- Worshippers: Note that since Orthodox and Western dates coincide this year, local churches may be more crowded than usual.
Knowing that Good Friday is April 18, 2025, gives you plenty of runway to coordinate your schedule. It’s a day of reflection for many, a day of rest for some, and a logistical hurdle for others. But now, at least, you won't be the one showing up to a closed bank or a packed airport wondering what happened.