The Best Examples of Easter Celebration Planning Checklists (That Actually Help)

Real examples of Easter celebration planning checklists for different types of events

Let’s skip the theory and start with what you really want: real examples of Easter celebration planning checklists you can picture in your life. Think of these as starter templates you can adjust depending on your budget, space, and how much energy you actually have this year.

You’ll see several styles:

• A family-centered home Easter
• A neighborhood or community egg hunt
• A church or faith-based Easter celebration
• A classroom or daycare party
• A low-key, budget-friendly Easter for small spaces
• A last-minute, “I forgot Easter is this weekend” checklist

Each one is written out in plain language, like a friend walking you through what to do and when.

Example of an Easter family celebration checklist (home-based)

This example of an Easter celebration planning checklist is perfect if you’re hosting brunch or dinner at home with kids and maybe a few relatives.

3–4 weeks before Easter

Start by deciding what kind of day you want. Big and busy? Calm and cozy? That vision drives everything else.

In this early phase, your checklist might look like this in your planner or notes app:

• Pick your guest list and confirm who’s coming.
• Decide on the main meal: brunch buffet, potluck dinner, or simple lunch.
• Set a budget for food, decorations, baskets, and outfits.
• Choose a color palette or theme (pastels, farmhouse, floral, minimal).
• Decide whether you’ll do an egg hunt indoors, outdoors, or both.

If you have little ones, add:

• Check nap times and plan the egg hunt before meltdowns.
• Ask parents about food allergies or dietary needs.

1–2 weeks before Easter

This is where your checklist gets more detailed:

• Plan your menu: main dish, sides, desserts, drinks.
• Create a grocery list divided by pantry items vs. fresh items.
• Order or buy Easter outfits if you care about them; otherwise, choose “nice enough” clothes from the closet.
• Buy or assemble Easter baskets (candy + non-candy items like stickers, books, chalk, small toys).
• Decide on 2–3 simple activities: egg dying, cookie decorating, a craft.
• Check your serving dishes, tableware, and seating.

Current trend to consider: many families are going lighter on sugar and adding in more non-candy basket fillers. For ideas on balancing treats and health, you can read general nutrition guidance from ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Week of Easter

Now your checklist becomes more day-by-day:

• Deep-clean only the spaces guests will actually use (kitchen, bathroom, living area).
• Prep any make-ahead foods (egg casseroles, desserts, cut veggies).
• Fill plastic eggs with candy, small toys, or notes.
• Hide any special gifts you want to surprise kids with.
• Set up a simple centerpiece: flowers, candles, or a bowl of dyed eggs.

Night before & morning of

Keep it realistic, not perfect:

• Set the table or at least stack plates, napkins, and utensils.
• Chill drinks and prep coffee/tea station.
• Place baskets where kids will find them in the morning.
• Double-check the egg hunt plan and boundaries.
• Do a quick bathroom refresh.

This first example of an Easter celebration planning checklist works for most families and can be scaled up or down. If you want something more public or larger, keep reading.

Neighborhood egg hunt: examples of Easter celebration planning checklists for groups

If you’re organizing a block-wide or community egg hunt, you’ll need a more structured plan. Here are examples of Easter celebration planning checklists tailored for bigger groups.

4–6 weeks before Easter

At this point, your checklist is about big decisions:

• Choose a date and rain backup date.
• Pick a location: park, community lawn, school field, or church property.
• Get any required permission or permits from the city or property owner.
• Decide if you’ll collect donations or charge a small fee to cover supplies.
• Determine age groups and time slots for separate hunts.

If you’re using public spaces, check your local city or parks department website (often a .gov site) for rules on events, permits, and safety.

2–3 weeks before Easter

Now you’re in logistics mode:

• Estimate how many kids will attend (via sign-up form or group chat).
• Decide how many eggs you’ll need per child (many planners aim for 10–20 eggs each).
• Recruit volunteers for setup, hiding eggs, check-in, and cleanup.
• Plan extra activities: face painting, craft table, photo area.
• Create a simple safety plan: first aid kit, lost child meeting point.

For basic event safety and first aid tips, you can review general guidance from the American Red Cross.

Week of the event

Your checklist becomes more detailed and practical:

• Buy or gather plastic eggs, fillers, and small prizes.
• Print or prepare signs for age groups, check-in, and rules.
• Confirm volunteers’ arrival times and roles.
• Prepare a list of rules (no pushing, no opening eggs until after, age zones, etc.).

Day of the event

A realistic example of an Easter celebration planning checklist for the big day:

• Walk the area to remove hazards (trash, sharp objects, standing water).
• Mark off age zones with cones, string, or chalk.
• Hide eggs by difficulty level depending on age.
• Set up sign-in or welcome table.
• Make announcements about safety, time limits, and where to go afterward.
• After the hunt, do a sweep of the area to collect any missed eggs and trash.

This kind of group-focused checklist is one of the best examples of Easter celebration planning checklists for neighborhoods or HOAs that want structure without turning it into a full-blown festival.

Church or faith-based event: examples include worship, meals, and outreach

For churches and faith groups, examples of Easter celebration planning checklists often blend worship services, fellowship meals, and community outreach.

6–8 weeks before Easter

Faith-based events usually require more lead time. Your early checklist might include:

• Finalize service times for Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.
• Coordinate sermon series or themes with music and decor.
• Decide on special elements: choir, children’s program, sunrise service.
• Plan any outreach events: free community egg hunt, food drive, charity offering.
• Arrange for additional volunteers: greeters, parking, kids’ ministry.

3–4 weeks before Easter

As Easter gets closer:

• Confirm musicians, readers, and any special performances.
• Plan children’s lessons and activities related to Easter.
• Order printed materials (bulletins, invite cards, banners) if needed.
• Plan decor for sanctuary, lobby, and kids’ areas.
• Decide on refreshments: coffee, pastries, brunch, or potluck.

1–2 weeks before Easter

Your checklist now focuses on final details:

• Schedule a full run-through or rehearsal for services.
• Train volunteers on greeting, seating, and safety procedures.
• Organize kids’ check-in systems and allergy documentation.
• Prepare goody bags or treat bags for children.

For kids’ allergy safety, many churches now follow general food allergy guidance similar to that shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Easter weekend

A realistic example of an Easter celebration planning checklist for church leaders:

• Double-check sound, slides, and microphones.
• Refresh decor and make sure entrances are inviting.
• Brief volunteers on expected attendance and flow.
• Set up photo spots or welcome tables for newcomers.
• After services, debrief with staff/volunteers and note improvements for next year.

Classroom or daycare party: examples of Easter celebration planning checklists for teachers

Teachers and caregivers need checklists that are simple, safe, and age-appropriate. Here’s an example of an Easter celebration planning checklist for a classroom or daycare.

2–3 weeks before Easter

Start with communication and boundaries:

• Check school or center policies on holidays and religious content.
• Decide whether it’s a spring party, Easter party, or just an egg-themed event.
• Send a note to parents about the plan, including food and activities.
• Ask about allergies and dietary restrictions.

1 week before

Your checklist might look like this:

• Choose 2–3 short activities: egg coloring, sticker eggs, storytime.
• Plan a simple snack that fits school rules (pre-packaged, nut-free, etc.).
• Gather supplies: construction paper, glue sticks, crayons, plastic eggs.
• Prepare any printables or activity sheets.

The CDC offers general guidance on managing food allergies in schools and childcare at CDC.gov, which can help shape your party planning.

Day before & day of

Stay focused on sanity and safety:

• Set up activity stations in advance if possible.
• Pre-fill eggs with stickers or non-food items for younger kids.
• Go over rules with children about sharing, not opening eggs early, and clean-up.
• Build in time for handwashing before and after snacks.
• Leave time at the end for cleanup and sending home crafts.

This is one of the best examples of Easter celebration planning checklists for teachers who want structure without chaos.

Small space or low-key Easter: examples of checklists for apartments and tight budgets

Not every Easter needs to be Pinterest-level. Many families in apartments or on tight budgets need examples of Easter celebration planning checklists that keep things simple.

Here’s a realistic, low-key version:

1–2 weeks before

• Decide on one special meal: maybe pancakes with berries or a simple roast chicken.
• Set a firm budget for baskets and decorations.
• Choose 1–2 activities: egg dyeing over newspaper, watching a favorite movie, or reading a story.
• Plan an indoor egg hunt using reusable plastic eggs.

Week of Easter

• Buy only the decorations you truly love: a small bouquet, a reusable banner, or a table runner.
• Assemble minimalist baskets with a mix of treats and practical items (socks, art supplies, books).
• Prep any make-ahead dish if you want to sleep in.

Day of

• Do a quick tidy of the main living space.
• Hide eggs in creative indoor spots (inside shoes, behind pillows, in low drawers).
• Take a few photos, but don’t turn it into a photoshoot.
• End the day with a simple ritual: gratitude sharing, a walk, or a family game.

Sometimes the best examples of Easter celebration planning checklists are the ones that protect your energy and wallet.

Last-minute Easter: examples include “I have 48 hours, help”

Life happens. Maybe you forgot Easter was this weekend, or plans changed. You still have options. Here’s an example of an Easter celebration planning checklist for the procrastinators and the overbooked.

2 days before

• Decide on your non-negotiables: baskets? a simple meal? an egg hunt?
• Hit one store and get everything in one trip: eggs, candy, a few decorations, simple meal ingredients.
• Buy pre-filled eggs if stuffing your own feels like too much.
• Choose an easy main dish: frozen lasagna, rotisserie chicken, or a brunch casserole.

Day before

• Hard-boil eggs if you want to dye them.
• Assemble baskets quickly: candy, a small toy, maybe a book.
• Clear one room or area for guests if anyone is coming over.

Morning of

• Toss a simple meal in the oven or slow cooker.
• Hide eggs indoors or in a small yard.
• Put on some music, light a candle, and let “good enough” be the theme.

This is one of the most relatable examples of Easter celebration planning checklists: minimal, forgiving, and still meaningful.

2024–2025 trends to consider in your Easter planning checklists

When you look at the best examples of Easter celebration planning checklists for 2024–2025, a few trends keep popping up:

• Allergy-aware treats: More planners are including nut-free, gluten-free, or dye-free options and clearly labeling them. For general allergy information, sites like Mayo Clinic and CDC offer useful overviews.
• Eco-friendlier choices: Reusable eggs, fabric baskets, and decorations that can be stored and reused instead of thrown away.
• Digital invitations: Group chats, texts, and simple event pages instead of paper invites.
• Flexible timing: Staggered egg hunts and open-house style brunches to avoid crowding and stress.
• More non-candy options: Chalk, bubbles, books, craft kits, and experience gifts are showing up in more baskets.

You can update any example of an Easter celebration planning checklist in this article with these trends by simply swapping in eco-friendly supplies, allergy-aware snacks, or digital tools.

FAQ about examples of Easter celebration planning checklists

What are some simple examples of Easter celebration planning checklists for beginners?

A very simple example might include just four sections: guest list, food, activities, and supplies. Under each, write 3–5 items. For example: invite family, plan one main dish and one dessert, choose one activity (egg hunt), and list what you need to buy (eggs, candy, plates, napkins). That’s it. Start small and add more only if you have the energy.

Can you give an example of a no-candy Easter checklist?

Yes. Your checklist could focus on non-food items: bubbles, chalk, small puzzles, books, stickers, and craft kits. Plan an egg hunt with eggs filled with stickers or “coupon” notes (extra bedtime story, choose the movie, pick dinner). Add a simple, balanced meal and one fun activity like a walk or a game, and you have a solid no-candy example of an Easter celebration planning checklist.

How early should I start using these examples of Easter celebration planning checklists?

If you’re hosting a larger event (neighborhood, church, or classroom), 4–8 weeks gives you breathing room. For a small family celebration at home, 2–3 weeks is usually enough. The best examples of Easter celebration planning checklists are flexible, so you can compress the timeline if you’re starting late.

Do I need a different checklist for kids and adults?

You don’t have to, but it helps to think in two columns: what keeps kids happy (egg hunts, crafts, snacks) and what keeps adults relaxed (comfortable seating, hot coffee, a clear schedule). Many real examples of Easter celebration planning checklists simply tag items with “K” for kids and “A” for adults instead of writing two separate lists.

Where can I find more real examples of Easter celebration planning checklists?

Beyond this guide, you can adapt general event or holiday planning checklists from parenting sites, school resources, and community organization guides. Look for sample checklists from schools, churches, or community centers, then swap in Easter-specific details like egg hunts and baskets. The key is to keep it realistic for your space, budget, and energy level.