Best Places to Celebrate Easter in (2025) | WalletHub

What tips do you have for celebrating Easter on a budget?

In today’s times, consumers are looking to save money and limit spending to get maximum value from holiday celebrations. Easter is coming up soon and those on a budget or practicing frugality, can host a family feast with friends and family so that the spirit of Easter is celebrated with those that are an important part of your lives. You could even suggest having a potluck so that everyone brings one dish- such as appetizers, main course, dessert etc. This can be budget-friendly and not something fancy, so that everyone gets together to have a great time and bond well to create some everlasting memories. Take pictures and share with family and friends. Shop smart and buy clothes at the thrift store or buy pre-loved/used clothing. That way you will manage finances, as well as contribute toward sustainability initiatives. In the spirit of Easter, engage in Do it Yourself (DIY) decorations to show your creativity, thus spending less. Look out for coupons and deals on affordable Easter baskets (look at Dollar Store type of stores, for deals). Finally, if you live in a city where the weather is pleasant, you could even visit a park with your family and friends, play Easter games, and then come back home to watch a movie at home. Please remember- Easter is not just about fancy celebrations, but about spending quality time together with family, enjoying, and celebrating without financial stress and worries.

What are some of the big money wasters on Easter?

In my opinion, many fancy restaurants that are typically expensive advertise about Easter brunches that seem very attractive and hard to pass, but which are very expensive in reality. You don’t need to attend such expensive brunches with high-marked up prices, plus a hefty tip that is typically expected at such restaurants. Have your own brunch with family or friends at home or visit a simple restaurant (Denny’s or IHOP for example) where you can enjoy on a budget. Remember, Easter is not about a fancy ambience, but about spending quality time together with family and friends. Come Easter, and retailers in the United States offer attractive discounts on apparel, accessories, electronics, and other merchandise. Buy only what is required, necessary, and sufficient. It is easy to get tempted and buy things you don’t need. Avoid that temptation and don’t increase your credit card debt. Also, a lot of food waste happens during Easter. Order only what you will be eating at a restaurant and don’t get carried away by ordering something that you can’t finish and adopt a similar approach while cooking at home. Also, traditionally Easter is a time for gift-giving. However, you don’t need to buy fancy expensive designer gifts based on price tags. Buy something useful and utilitarian, so that the person you are buying it for appreciates it and admires your concern regarding their needs and wants. Buying an expensive item or multiple such items which will less likely be used is not the right approach.

Has Easter in America become too commercialized?

Yes, with the proliferation of online retailers and social media, Easter has become very commercialized. While it is a festival that holds religious significance, the overt focus on rampant consumerism and discounts, social media campaigns and promotions aimed at making consumers buy more, extravagant decorations that look good but are really not needed, the focus on buying candy and gifting it, has made Easter different from previous years. Earlier, families would look forward to celebrating together, but in today’s times, there is a lot of attention devoted to signaling status through expensive purchases and celebrations or materialism/excessive consumerism, which is really not  the spirit of Easter.

How will inflation impact Easter celebrations this year, if at all?

Inflation may impact Easter celebrations this year to a certain extent. We have seen the price of eggs increasing steadily and with other Easter staples like chocolates, candy etc. too becoming expensive, it may impact consumption patterns. Electronics, accessories, clothing etc. too have had price increases over the last few years. In addition, some consumers may be wary about overspending or buying more, during a time when the focus is on savings and conservation of finances, particularly for those that may be impacted by job losses. While major retailers like Walmart and Target remain upbeat, it is estimated that consumer spending could increase by 4%-5% compared to last year, which is still very good.

What money-saving tips do you have for people planning to travel for the Easter Holiday?

If you are traveling during Easter, make sure you pack light and don’t pay extra baggage fees. With Southwest Airlines also jumping on to the bandwagon of extra baggage fees, consumers have very few options. Packing only those items that you need is important, thus saving additional baggage fees or being able to travel by public transport, rather than take a taxi or Uber, which can be expensive. Keep space in your bag for souvenirs or mementos. Buy food from local markets or restaurants that can be eaten while on the go, so that you don’t have to spend money on fancy restaurant meals. The money saved can be utilized in sightseeing. If you have a credit card that offers points which can be redeemed, then use these to book your hotel room or to purchase a flight. You don’t need to stay in an expensive hotel- a Holiday Inn or Extended Stay America or a motel, should work fine (look for online deals). Last but not the least, try and see if you can book and plan your trip in advance, so that you get cheaper deals, such as air tickets and hotels. The closer to Easter that you book, the higher the prices you will likely end up paying.