American Culture
What Easter Is Like in the US: Traditions, Food, and Culture
If you’re planning to live in the US, are already here on an F1 visa, or simply love American culture, understanding how holidays are celebrated can really enhance your experience. Easter, for instance, is one of the most vibrant celebrations of the year. Beyond its religious meaning, it’s filled with charming traditions, themed decorations, classic dishes, and activities that strengthen family and community bonds.
Easter Traditions in American Culture
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is an important date for Christians in the United States. But the celebration goes far beyond church services and comes to life in family and community events.
One of the most popular traditions is the Easter Egg Hunt. In this playful activity — common in schools, parks, and even churches — children search for colorful eggs filled with candy or toys. The famous Easter Bunny is also part of the fun, often appearing in malls and local events for family photos.
These celebrations show how Americans cherish time with loved ones, fun traditions, and a sense of togetherness, making Easter a lighthearted and meaningful holiday.
Easter Decorations, Food, and Celebrations in the US
Decorations
If you’ve ever been in the US during March, you’ve seen it — store windows come alive with soft spring colors, bunnies, wreaths, and decorated eggs. Easter décor blends perfectly with the spring season, bringing a fresh, cheerful vibe to homes and streets.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, and department stores offer a huge variety of themed products like plush toys, candy baskets, chocolate bunnies, and fillable plastic eggs. These elements highlight how visual appeal, symbolism, and holiday commerce are deeply valued in American culture — a key part of the cultural experience for anyone living in the US.
How Easter Is Celebrated in the US
Just like Christmas and Thanksgiving, Easter is a time for family gatherings and traditional meals. While chocolate eggs are a hit with kids, the Easter Sunday meal often features home-cooked, seasonal dishes.
In the US, Easter eggs are usually small, solid or filled chocolates, often sold in bags along with other candies. Fillable plastic eggs are also popular and used in Easter Egg Hunts. Unlike some countries, Americans enjoy chocolate during Easter, but giving large chocolate eggs as the main gift isn’t a common tradition.
What Americans Eat on Easter
- Honey-baked ham with sweet glaze
- Mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn
- Deviled eggs (hard-boiled eggs filled with mayo and mustard)
- Hot Cross Buns (spiced sweet buns with icing)
- Cupcakes and colorful sweets shaped like flowers or bunnies
- Peeps (marshmallow candies popular this time of year)
Regional variations are common across the country, so living in different states can also mean experiencing diverse Easter recipes and food traditions.
Store Hours and Where to Celebrate Easter in the US
In the US, most stores and supermarkets remain open on Easter Sunday, although some — especially local businesses or small chains — may close or operate on reduced hours, depending on the region. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are usually open, making it easy to grab last-minute groceries or decorations. To enjoy the holiday, many cities host outdoor events like parades, spring festivals, Easter egg hunts in parks, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny in community centers or shopping malls.
Churches also hold special Easter services open to all. Whether you live in the US or are just visiting, it’s worth checking your city’s website, Facebook groups, or Eventbrite for local events — great opportunities to get involved and practice English in real-life situations.
Tips for Embracing American Culture More Authentically
Paying attention to holidays, learning their meanings, and joining in local traditions is a powerful way to make friends, feel connected, and practice English.
There’s nothing like living these moments in the US as an international student. One of the most special parts of that journey is sharing those experiences with family — especially during holidays like Easter.
F1 visa students can bring spouses and children on an F2 visa, which means the whole family can enjoy full cultural immersion. Decorating the house, cooking traditional dishes, and attending community events create unforgettable memories.
And the best part? These experiences continue throughout the year with other iconic US holidays. You and your family get to learn, connect, and build a meaningful life in the country. That’s exactly what MILA offers — a path to live, learn, and grow in the United States with security, purpose, and warmth.
American Easter is more than just a religious holiday — it’s a cultural, symbolic, and family-centered celebration that marks a fresh start. If you’re already in the US with an F1 visa or planning to experience this lifestyle soon, embracing these traditions is a key step to integrating into local culture, practicing the language, and living more authentically.
Whether your plan is to study, move, or reinvent yourself in the US, MILA is ready to walk that path with you. With over 10 years of experience welcoming students from more than 50 countries, we offer high-quality English education, full visa support, and the chance to experience the true essence of American culture — with or without your family by your side.
Want to know more? Click here to learn how to become a MILA student!
