Easter, a time of renewal and celebration, presents the perfect opportunity to escape the everyday and embrace new experiences. Whether it’s the deeply spiritual observances, the vibrant parades, or simply the onset of spring, destinations around the world offer unique ways to celebrate this festive season. Traveloka has curated a list of the best holiday destinations for Easter around the world, each offering its own unique charm and traditions.

Europe, with its rich tapestry of cultures and traditions, offers some of the most memorable destinations for celebrating Easter. From the solemn rituals of the Holy Week to the joyous festivities welcoming spring, each place has its unique charm and customs.

Vatican City, the heart of the Catholic world, is unsurpassed in its Easter celebrations. The Holy Week in Vatican City is a profoundly spiritual journey, culminating in the Easter Sunday Mass conducted by the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. The air is filled with devotion and the majestic beauty of the Vatican’s architecture provides a backdrop that’s both awe-inspiring and humbling. While in Rome, don't miss the chance to explore the city's ancient history and indulge in its culinary delights, especially the Easter specialty, the colomba di Pasqua.

Seville’s Semana Santa is a dramatic and sensory experience. The city is overtaken by processions of penitents bearing candles and religious icons, moving to the rhythm of somber music. The scent of orange blossoms and incense fills the air, and the intricate alfombras (flower carpets) decorate the streets. It’s a time when art, faith, and culture blend seamlessly. Beyond the processions, Seville is vibrant with Flamenco music, tapas, and the mesmerizing beauty of Andalusian architecture.

Easter in Corfu is an explosion of joy and unique customs, set against the backdrop of the island’s stunning landscapes. The most notable tradition is the “Botides” – large clay pots filled with water are thrown from balconies in the old town to smash on the streets below, symbolizing the New Testament's triumph over the Old. The mix of religious ceremonies, marching bands, and the lush springtime bloom makes Corfu an enchanting Easter destination.

Krakow's Easter market, set in the picturesque Main Market Square, is a feast for the senses. Wooden stalls brim with hand-painted eggs (pisanki), intricately woven palm branches, and traditional Polish Easter treats. The city, with its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, provides a historical backdrop to the celebrations. Attending a Mass in the royal Wawel Cathedral, where kings and queens are buried, adds a regal touch to the Easter observance.

Prague celebrates Easter with a blend of Christian traditions and pagan customs welcoming spring. The city’s Easter markets, particularly in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are vibrant with stalls selling handcrafted goods, painted eggs, and traditional foods. The highlight is the whipping of legs with willow branches on Easter Monday, a tradition thought to bring health and youth. Prague’s charming streets and the blooming Petřín Hill make it a picturesque setting for Easter.

Easter in Florence is marked by the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart), a spectacle dating back over 350 years. A cart packed with fireworks is ignited in front of the magnificent Florence Cathedral, ensuring a good harvest according to local belief. The event is followed by a historic parade and Mass. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, also offers art lovers endless delights, from Michelangelo's David to the treasures of the Uffizi Gallery.

Easter in Stockholm is a celebration of spring. The city comes alive with children dressed as witches delivering letters and hoping for sweets in return, a tradition reminiscent of Halloween. Stockholm’s museums and parks are perfect for family outings, and the archipelago begins to welcome visitors for the season. The blend of Swedish customs with the awakening nature makes Stockholm a refreshing Easter destination.

Celebrating Easter in Europe offers a unique opportunity to experience the continent’s diverse cultures, traditions, and landscapes. Beyond the religious and cultural festivities, these destinations are gateways to exploring Europe’s rich history, art, and culinary delights, making for an unforgettable Easter holiday.

When it comes to celebrating Easter, Asia and Australia offer a kaleidoscope of traditions, festivities, and unique experiences that beckon travelers from around the globe. While Easter may not be as widely celebrated in Asia due to its diverse religious landscape, the regions that do observe it, do so with a blend of traditional and contemporary practices, set against the backdrop of spring’s vibrant bloom or autumn’s mild beauty. Meanwhile, Australia, with its deep-rooted Christian traditions and multicultural society, embraces Easter with open arms, offering a variety of celebrations from city to beach.

Sydney, Australia’s bustling metropolis, comes alive during Easter with the Royal Easter Show, the country's largest annual event. This agricultural show blends traditional celebrations with modern entertainment, offering everything from animal exhibits and agricultural competitions to carnival rides, shopping, and gourmet food. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House provide a stunning backdrop for Easter cruises, offering a unique way to experience the city’s iconic sights while enjoying an Easter brunch or dinner.

The Philippines, with its deep Catholic roots, observes Holy Week with profound devotion and dramatic flair. In Manila, the capital, streets are filled with processions, passion plays, and rituals that reflect the Filipinos’ strong faith. The Salubong, an Easter Sunday tradition, reenacts the Virgin Mary's meeting with the resurrected Christ, complete with angel-clad children singing and dancing. Beyond the religious observances, Manila offers a vibrant food scene and bustling markets, making it an enriching cultural destination for Easter.

Japan might not be the first place that comes to mind for Easter, but Tokyo offers a unique blend of Western and local Easter celebrations. Theme parks like Disneyland Tokyo and Universal Studios Japan host Easter-themed events, parades, and egg hunts, drawing both locals and tourists. Additionally, the cherry blossom season often coincides with Easter, offering a breathtaking natural backdrop for picnics and outdoor festivities.

Melbourne is known for its dynamic arts scene, coffee culture, and sports enthusiasm, which all come together during Easter. The city hosts the Melbourne International Comedy Festival around Easter, offering a feast of laughter and entertainment. For a more traditional celebration, St. Patrick’s Cathedral holds Easter services that are both solemn and reflective. The Great Ocean Road, a short drive from the city, offers an escape to nature with its stunning coastal views, making for a perfect Easter road trip.

Seoul, South Korea, offers a contemporary Easter experience with a number of churches holding Easter services in both Korean and English, reflecting the city’s international community. Spring is in full swing during Easter, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s royal palaces and gardens in mild weather. The Seoul Easter Festival, held in Yeouido Park, features egg hunts, face painting, and cultural performances, providing fun for the whole family.

Easter in America unfolds with a variety of traditions and celebrations, reflecting the country’s vast cultural diversity and spirit of community. From the iconic Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn to the festive parades in the sunny streets of New Orleans, each region offers its own unique take on the holiday.

The nation’s capital is home to one of the most iconic Easter celebrations in the United States, the White House Easter Egg Roll. This historic event, dating back to 1878, welcomes children and their families to the South Lawn for egg rolling and Easter festivities. Beyond this event, Washington, D.C., bursts into bloom with the Cherry Blossom Festival, offering breathtaking views of the Tidal Basin surrounded by pink and white cherry blossoms.

New Orleans, famous for its Mardi Gras celebration, doesn’t quiet down after Lent. The city comes alive once again for Easter, hosting several parades that reflect its vibrant culture and spirit of revelry. The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade showcases the elegance of Easter with participants donning their finest attire and hats. For a more unconventional experience, the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade adds a touch of local flair and eccentricity. New Orleans’ rich culinary scene, featuring Cajun and Creole delicacies, makes it a gastronomic delight during the Easter holiday.

The Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue in New York City is a spectacle of creativity and spring fashion. This tradition, which began in the 1870s, allows participants to showcase elaborate bonnets and costumes, turning the street into a runway of festive attire. The city also offers numerous Easter egg hunts and brunches in its parks and restaurants, catering to both families and those seeking a sophisticated holiday experience.

San Antonio’s Fiesta San Jacinto, coinciding with Easter, is a vibrant celebration of the city’s heritage and culture, featuring over a hundred events, including parades, festivals, and fairs. The Battle of Flowers Parade, the only parade in the U.S. planned and directed by women, is a highlight, celebrating Texas’s independence with floats, music, and vibrant costumes. San Antonio’s rich history is on display at the Alamo and the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Missions, offering a mix of celebration and reflection over the Easter weekend.

As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine offers a blend of historical significance and serene beauty for an Easter getaway. The city's Easter Parade, known as the Parada de los Caballos y Coches (Parade of Horses and Carriages), showcases a procession of horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, and the Easter Bunny, against the backdrop of St. Augustine’s colonial architecture. The nearby beaches offer a tranquil escape, while the historic district’s cobblestone streets, lined with local boutiques and cafes, invite leisurely exploration.

For those looking to combine Easter celebrations with breathtaking natural beauty, Maui offers a unique destination. Sunrise services are held in various locations, including the summit of Haleakalā volcano, providing an unforgettable experience as the sun rises over the crater. The island’s beaches, waterfalls, and the scenic Road to Hana offer countless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Maui’s luaus and traditional Hawaiian feasts also provide a taste of local culture and hospitality during the Easter season.

Easter is celebrated in myriad ways across the globe. Whether you're seeking a traditional observance, a cultural immersion, or simply the joy of spring, these Easter holiday destinations provide unforgettable experiences that resonate long after the festivities have concluded. So, make sure to plan your easter holiday and book your flight only with Traveloka. You can also use your frequent flyer account to earn points while flying to your easter holiday destinations! Explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flight and hotels. Visit Traveloka for more information!