How the date is set
Palm Sunday falls seven days before Easter Sunday in the Western church calendar. Churches remember Jesus entering Jerusalem, and Holy Week begins.
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
Confirm whether the service includes a procession, children carrying palms or a longer Scripture reading. Give readers and musicians the complete order before rehearsal. Arrange a meeting place and an adult leader for any children who take part, and explain the route to them before the service.
A Scripture passage to discuss with the service leader is Matthew 21:1-11. Choose the final readings according to your church's practice.
Browse Easter hymns and confirm the tune and verses with the musicians.
Related church dates in 2026
- Epiphany
- Ash Wednesday
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Ascension Day
- 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 Palm Sunday 2026?
Palm Sunday 2026 falls on Sunday, March 29, 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.