When is Passover 2026? Compare the Israel vs. Diaspora holiday calendar and find out why many travelers are booking the "Post-Passover Shabbat" extension this year.
At A Glance: The 2026 Pesach Calendar
When does Passover 2026 Start? Wednesday Evening, April 1, 2026.
First Seder: Wednesday Night, April 1, 2026.
When does it end?
In Israel: Wednesday Night, April 8.
Outside Israel (Pesach): Thursday Night, April 9.
Key Travel Tip: Since the holiday ends on a Thursday night, many programs are offering extensions through the weekend. You can go to PesachProgramFinder.com to find the best program this year that fits your schedule.
Planning for Early April 2026
Passover 2026 falls "early" in the spring season. With the First Seder falling on April 1st, the holiday aligns perfectly with many spring break schedules. However, because the schedule varies depending on your location—and because of the unique timing of the holiday ending on a Thursday—booking your return travel requires careful planning.
The Israel Schedule (7 Days)
This schedule applies strictly to those observing the holiday within the Land of Israel.
In Israel, the holiday is seven days long. There is only one Seder, and the holiday concludes a day earlier than in the Diaspora.
Erev Chag (Seder Night): Wednesday, April 1
First Day (Yom Tov): Thursday, April 2
Chol Hamoed (Intermediate Days): Friday, April 3 – Tuesday, April 7
Seventh Day (Yom Tov/Holiday Ends): Wednesday, April 8
Routine Resumes (Isru Chag): Thursday, April 9
The Pesach Schedule (8 Days)
This schedule applies to those observing the holiday outside of Israel (USA, Europe, Mexico, etc.).
Outside of Israel, the holiday is eight days long. This includes two Seders and an extra day of Yom Tov at the end.
Erev Chag (First Seder): Wednesday, April 1
First Day (Yom Tov): Thursday, April 2
Second Seder: Thursday Night, April 2
Second Day (Yom Tov): Friday, April 3
Chol Hamoed (Intermediate Days): Shabbat, April 4 – Tuesday, April 7
Seventh Day (Yom Tov): Wednesday, April 8
Eighth Day (Yom Tov Ends): Thursday Night, April 9
The "Friday Flight" Dilemma & The Shabbat Extension
For those on the 8-day Diaspora schedule, the holiday concludes on Thursday night, April 9th. This creates a logistical challenge for Friday morning, April 10th.
The Challenge:
Travelers attempting to fly home on Friday morning often face tight connections. If you are flying internationally (e.g., Europe to the US) or even on long domestic flights, the risk of delays can make it very difficult to land and get home before Shabbat begins on Friday evening.
The Solution:
Recognizing this "Friday crunch," many Passover programs for 2026 are offering a "Post-Passover Shabbat" option.
Instead of rushing to the airport on Friday morning, guests can stay at the resort for a relaxing weekend.
This usually includes a Chametz (leavened bread) breakfast on Friday, followed by a regular Shabbat atmosphere, allowing you to fly home calmly on Sunday, April 12th.
If you are unsure if a program offers this extension, or how to handle the logistics of a 10-day vs. 12-day stay, you should check out our ultimate guide to choosing the perfect Pesach program for expert advice on what to look for in your booking contract.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for a 7-day experience in Israel or an extended 10-day vacation with a Shabbat extension in Europe or the Americas, the key for 2026 is booking early to secure the dates that match your flight needs.
Explore the Options:
The schedule is out and bookings are opening. Visit PesachProgramFinder.com to view the most comprehensive list of programs available for 2026.
