It has been about 2,000 years since the reported death and resurrection of Jesus Christ — most estimates say 2025 — and he will again be honoured with roast lamb and chocolate eggs this coming weekend, alongside church services.
Across London, there are family friendly activities abound, with the likes of the Horniman Museum and the London Zoo putting on a show for youngsters. As ever, there are numerous music events too, as London welcomes spring with chorus and song.
Here are 10 fabulous ways to celebrate Easter in London this year.
The Royal Albert Hall has hosted a Good Friday concert since 1876, pausing only during the Blitz and the pandemic. Now in its 149th year, the Royal Choral Society will again perform a rendition of Handel’s Messiah, to be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets are from £32.
The sweeping gardens of Hampton Court Palace will play host to an Easter egg hunt this year, with Lindt gold bunnies (figurines, not chocolate) hidden throughout the historic grounds. The trail takes 90 minutes and includes notes of the famous figures who lived and worked there for a little dose of learning. Suitable for children aged between 3 and 12, hunters will be rewarded with Lindt chocolate. Tickets from £14.
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU, hrp.org.uk
For some more urban Easter action, Brixton Village is hosting a free craft fair this year, with creative and art-based activities for youngsters. Children will be rewarded for their efforts with an Easter egg hunt around the arcade, where they’ll be invited to solve puzzles and crack riddles to claim a chocolate prize. Adults who join in will get their own tote bag.
The beautiful Chelsea Physic Garden is hosting its own art trail over the Easter weekend, encouraging little ones to learn about the plants and animals that live there before taking part in a craft workshop where they can get creative. Of course, there’ll be a chocolate treat for the kids who finish the journey. Tickets from £6.50.
Hornim
The Horniman Museum’s beautiful gardens will host a lively spring fair this year, with everything from an animal walk to an Easter bonnet parade, as well as circus acts, fête games, sing-a-longs and seed planting. There’ll be plenty to eat and drink, too, from sandwiches to cakes. Entry £6.
London Zoo is a fantastic day out on any day of the year, but it still brings a little extra over the Easter break. This year, kids will be able to take part in a scavenger hunt, searching the zoo for eggs and collecting missing letters to fill out a trail card full of facts about some of the 8,500 animals who live there. Kids who crack the code win a chocolate prize, while adults get the chance to win a stay at the London Zoo Lodge. Tickets from £31.50
In an Easter-based extravaganza, Battersea Power Station is to host an inaugural chocolate market, showcasing some of the UK and Europe’s most beloved chocolatiers. On the bill, Belgium’s oldest manufacturer, Meurisse, the vegan-maker Diana’s Chocolates, and Cornwall’s Chocolarder, among others. Free.
The streets of London will again be chocka with 100 giant eggs this Easter, found across the city throughout Zone 1. This year, players will be able to tick the eggs they find on a free app to win prizes, while each one will be auctioned off in a silent auction too, with all proceeds going to support the Elephant Family charity, which carries out vital conservation work in South Asia. Free.
Sinfonia Smith Square Hall
The elegant Sinfonia Smith Square Hall will play host to a musical Easter festival this year, with a week (until April 20) of instrumentals and song, including choral masterpieces and more intimate works. The hall is inviting visitors to pause, listen, and reflect, while connecting with the spirit of the season and fellow attendees.
The Wintershall Players will stage a huge re-enactment of the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday (noon-5pm), marking his crucifixion by the Romans in circa AD30. There will be two 90-minute performances featuring a cast of more than 100 actors and volunteers, as well as horses, donkeys and doves. It is a real spectacle, and while suitable for children, parental guidance is advised, as the scenes are realistic. Free.