Easter in New York City, especially on the Upper West Side, is a fun-filled celebration featuring family-friendly activities, cultural events, and delicious culinary experiences. As Easter Sunday approaches on April 20th, 2025, residents and visitors can look forward to various celebrations that capture the season's spirit. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the events for Easter in NYC happening on the Upper West Side in 2025.​

Easter Programs at the Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM)

The Children's Museum of Manhattan, about a 5-minute walk from The Lucerne Hotel, is renowned for its engaging and educational programs, especially during festive seasons. This year, as in previous years, CMOM will host its popular "Easter Egg-stravaganza," a museum-wide egg hunt featuring activities like basket weaving, puppet egg hunts, and egg painting. It’s a weekend-long celebration with fun-filled activities for the whole family, including a scavenger hunt, Easter basket weaving, and painting wooden egg characters.

Easter Egg Hunts in Local Parks

Parks near the Upper West Side have traditionally been venues for community-organized Easter egg hunts. These events offer children the joy of searching for hidden treasures amidst the natural beauty of the parks. There are usually opportunities for photos with the Easter Bunny and other activities. Check out the NYC Parks website for a list of Easter events. 

Special Easter Services at Historic Churches

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, a historic landmark on the Upper West Side, will hold its Easter Day Holy Eucharist service on April 20th, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. This service is open to all and will also be available via live stream for those unable to attend in person. The cathedral's majestic architecture and profound liturgy make this a memorable experience for attendees. At less than 10 minutes from The Lucerne Hotel, devout guests won’t want to miss this Easter religious service. 

Easter Brunch at Local Restaurants

Many Upper West Side restaurants curate special Easter brunch menus to celebrate the occasion. Harry's Table by Cipriani is among the UWS restaurants offering special Easter events. Participants can celebrate Easter in style at the Easter Bunny Brunch on Sunday, April 20th, 2025, and for guests of The Lucerne, the fun is only a mile away. 

The festivities start at 11:00 a.m. with an exciting Easter egg hunt and a delicious brunch at 11:30 a.m. Bring your family for a joyful morning filled with seasonal treats, a special visit from the Easter Bunny, and plenty of opportunities to create cherished memories. Reservations at this or other UWS restaurants are highly recommended, as Easter brunches are in high demand.​

Easter-Themed Workshops at Local Art Studios

Art studios on the Upper West Side, such as Color Me Mine (just a mile from The Lucerne Hotel), offer Easter-themed workshops for kids and adults. Join in the fun at a festive Egg Painting Party on April 4th, 2025. The event is perfect for kids of all ages and offers a hands-on activity for the little ones along with a relaxing, creative experience for the ‘older kids.’ It’s a perfect way to welcome spring and create lifelong memories.

Local Festivals and Fairs

Springtime around Easter brings a number of local festivals and fairs to the Upper West Side. Here are two notable traditions to consider including as part of your Easter celebrations. 

Hippo Playground Spring Fair in Riverside Park

An Upper West Side tradition, the Hippo Playground Spring Fair is scheduled for May 4th, 2025. This family-friendly event features pony rides, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, games, crafts, and more. Proceeds support various community initiatives, including the Hippo Summer Concert Series and playground improvements throughout Riverside Park. It's a delightful way to extend the Easter celebrations into spring, and the festivities are a 5-minute cab ride from The Lucerne Hotel. 

The Upper West Side Broadway/Uptown Fair

On Sunday, April 6th, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Upper West Side Broadway/Uptown Fair will take over the east side of Broadway from 96th to 106th Streets, bringing a lively mix of local vendors, artisans, and food stalls to this beloved Manhattan neighborhood. This annual street fair is a highlight of spring on the UWS, offering a family-friendly atmosphere filled with unique shopping opportunities, live entertainment, and delicious bites from local eateries. It’s a perfect way to spend a spring Sunday in New York City in anticipation of the Easter holiday, and at just a 5-minute trip from The Lucerne Hotel by cab, it’s a convenient way for guests to enjoy the season. 

Plan Your Stay

As the Upper West Side prepares to celebrate Easter in NYC in 2025, these events and activities offer a range of options for individuals and families to enjoy the season. Whether participating in traditional egg hunts, attending cultural performances, or savoring special meals, there's something for everyone to experience the joy and renewal that Easter brings.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while celebrating Easter in the Upper West Side, look no further than The Lucerne Hotel. The hotel offers an elegant stay on the Upper West Side of NYC, blending classic elegance with modern comforts just steps from Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History.

Book your stay now and enjoy spacious rooms, an on-site French bistro, and easy access to the 1, 2, and 3 subway lines for exploring the city.