Passover seder plate, matzah and kiddush cup (Photo: Envato)
Passover, or Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday that takes place every spring. It always begins on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for seven days in Israel and eight days outside of Israel. On the secular calendar, Passover usually falls in April, though it can sometimes begin in late March.
In 2026, Passover will begin on Wednesday night, April 1st, with the first seder. Outside of Israel, a second seder will be held on Thursday night, April 2nd. The holiday ends on Wednesday night, April 8th in Israel and on Thursday night, April 9th in the Diaspora.
What is Special about Passover 2026?
Early in the Season – Three-Day Yom Tov Outside of Israel – Cooler Spring Weather
Three-Day Chag (Outside of Israel)
Passover 2026 begins on Wednesday night, April 1st, with the first seder. For those outside of Israel, the first two days of Yom Tov fall on Thursday and Friday, followed immediately by Shabbat—creating a three-day Yom Tov. This extended observance period requires careful planning. While cooking on Friday for Shabbat is permitted, it must be done using an eruv tavshilin and must follow all halachic guidelines for cooking on Yom Tov for the upcoming Shabbat. Travel, shopping, and other forms of melacha remain restricted during this three-day period.
Chol Hamoed 2026 Schedule
- In Israel: The first day of Passover is Thursday, April 2. Chol Hamoed runs from Friday, April 3 through Tuesday, April 7, followed by the last day of Yom Tov on Wednesday, April 8.
- Outside of Israel: Chol Hamoed begins with Shabbat Chol Hamoed (April 4) and continues through Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (April 5–7). The final two days of Yom Tov are Wednesday and Thursday, April 8–9.
Standard-Length Passover Programs
Unlike 2025, when many programs were extended due to an earlier Shabbat start, Passover 2026 programs will generally follow the usual 10-night structure, beginning on Wednesday and ending after the final days of the holiday.
Early Timing, Cooler Weather & Spring Skiing
Passover 2026 falls early in the season, and in many destinations—especially Europe, the U.S. Northeast, or mountainous regions—you can expect cooler spring weather. This may influence where travelers choose to go and what kind of clothing to pack. On the upside, the early timing means you might still catch spring skiing at certain resorts, making destinations like the Dolomites, the Alps, or Colorado attractive options for those looking to combine Yom Tov with snowy fun.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The following year, 5787 / 2027, is a Jewish leap year, so Passover will occur later in the spring, likely bringing warmer temperatures and a different travel rhythm.
Passover 2026 and Beyond: Key Dates at a Glance [Infographic]
Check out the infographic below to quickly reference Passover dates from 2026 to 2030, including seder nights and Chol Hamoed. Plan ahead to make sure your holiday preparations are stress-free!
Passover dates in the coming years (Outside of Israel, 8 Days)
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Passover 2026: Begins Wednesday night, April 1 → Ends Thursday, April 9
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Passover 2027: Begins Wednesday night, April 21 → Ends Thursday, April 29
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Passover 2028: Begins Monday night, April 10 → Ends Tuesday, April 18
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Passover 2029: Begins Friday night, March 30 → Ends Saturday, April 7
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Passover 2030: Begins Wednesday night, April 17 → Ends Thursday, April 25
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Passover 2031: Begins Monday night, April 7 → Ends Tuesday, April 15
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Passover 2032: Begins Friday night, March 26 → Ends Saturday, April 3
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Passover 2033: Begins Monday night, April 13 → Ends Tuesday, April 21
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Passover 2034: Begins Sunday night, April 3 → Ends Tuesday, April 11
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Passover 2035: Begins Monday night, April 23 → Ends Tuesday, May 1
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Passover 2036: Begins Friday night, April 11 → Ends Saturday, April 19
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Passover 2037: Begins Monday night, March 30 → Ends Tuesday, April 7
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Passover 2038: Begins Monday night, April 19 → Ends Tuesday, April 27
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Passover 2039: Begins Saturday night, April 8 → Ends Sunday, April 16
- Passover 2040: Begins Wednesday night, March 28 → Ends Thursday, April 5
When is the Pesach Seder in 2026 and the next years?
The Seder is a symbolic and festive meal celebrating the liberation and redemption of the Jewish people during Passover. The Seder takes place after nightfall on the first two nights of Passover (just the first night in Israel).
Passover Seder dates for the upcoming years:
- Pesach Seder 2026: Nights of April 1 and 2
- Pesach Seder 2027: Nights of April 21 and 22
- Pesach Seder 2028: Nights of April 10 and 11
- Pesach Seder 2029: Nights of March 30 and 31
- Pesach Seder 2030: Nights of April 18 and 19
Table set for Passover/Pesach seder (Photo: Envato)
Passover Timing, Traditions, and What Comes Next
The timing of Passover is based on the Hebrew calendar and is the same worldwide, but the length and customs of observance differ.
In Israel, Passover lasts seven days, with one Seder on the first night, followed by five days of Chol Hamoed (intermediate days), and ending with one final Yom Tov (festival day).
In the Diaspora, Passover is observed for eight days, beginning with two Seders on the first two nights. This is followed by four days of Chol Hamoed and concludes with two Yom Tov days, during which work is restricted.
One unique post-Pesach tradition is Mimouna, a festive celebration that began in the Moroccan Jewish community. It takes place on the night Passover ends—after seven days in Israel and eight days elsewhere—and is increasingly celebrated in Jewish communities around the world.
By knowing the Passover dates in the coming years, you can better plan your holiday, whether you're hosting a Seder, traveling, or joining a Passover program. See our guide to Passover holidays and traditions to learn more.
Pesach Around the World
Quand a lieu Pessah 2026 en France?
Pessah 2026 commence au coucher du soleil le mercredi 1er avril et se termine le jeudi soir 9 avril 2026, et le mercredi soir 8 avril en Israël.
Pessah 2026 commence au coucher du soleil le mercredi 1er avril et se termine le jeudi soir 9 avril 2026, et le mercredi soir 8 avril en Israël.
¿Cuándo es Pésaj 2026 en España, México y Sudamérica?
Pésaj 2026 comienza al anochecer del miércoles 1 de abril y termina la noche del jueves 9 de abril de 2026, y la noche del miércoles 8 de abril en Israel.