How the date is set
Ascension Day falls on Thursday, 39 days after Easter Sunday. Some churches observe the Ascension on a Sunday instead. Confirm the date your own church will use.
These dates follow the Western Gregorian calendar. Eastern Orthodox churches can observe Easter and related days on different dates. Confirm your own church's calendar before announcing a service.
Planning the service
Ask the pastor whether the church will hold a Thursday service or remember the Ascension during Sunday worship. Once the date is agreed, prepare the reading, songs and service notices together. Tell musicians and volunteers whether they are needed outside the regular Sunday schedule before publishing the calendar.
A Scripture passage to discuss with the service leader is Acts 1:1-11. Choose the final readings according to your church's practice.
Related church dates in 2026
- Epiphany
- Ash Wednesday
- Palm Sunday
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Pentecost
- Trinity Sunday
- Reformation Day
- First Sunday of Advent
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Read the U.S. Naval Observatory explanation of the Western Easter calculation.
Save the calendar
Download the 2026 calendar file for a calendar app, or use the church calendar maker to prepare a printable calendar.
Calendar questions
When Is Ascension Day 2026?
Ascension Day 2026 falls on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Which calendar do these dates follow?
These dates follow the Western Gregorian church calendar. Eastern Orthodox churches can observe Easter and related days on different dates. Confirm your own church's calendar before announcing a service.
More dates in 2026
- Easter 2026
- Palm Sunday 2026
- Ash Wednesday 2026
- Good Friday 2026
- Pentecost 2026
- Advent 2026
- Christmas 2026