20 Beautiful Songs to Sing for Easter With Heart and Joy

If you’re planning your Easter celebration and wondering how to bring people together in spirit and joy, choosing meaningful songs to sing for Easter is a beautiful place to start. Whether you’re gathering with your church, spending time with family, or simply looking for a way to reflect on the power of the resurrection, music opens hearts and centers the soul. The right song can turn a quiet morning into a moment of praise or transform a room into a space of shared celebration. From classic hymns to fun tunes for kids, there’s a song for everyone to sing this Easter.

Here’s a carefully curated list of 20 songs to sing for Easter that will help you honor the meaning of the season, no matter where or how you celebrate.

Classic Easter Hymns That Never Fade

These time-honored hymns have been sung in churches for generations. Their messages of redemption, resurrection, and unwavering faith are deeply rooted in Scripture and Christian tradition. They are especially powerful in congregational settings, but also deeply meaningful when sung in small groups or even solo.

1. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”

Written by Charles Wesley in the 18th century, this joyful hymn is one of the most recognized Easter songs in the world. With its triumphant “Alleluia” refrains, it proclaims the miracle of the resurrection with bold confidence. The lyrics are celebratory and theological, making it a perfect opener for Easter Sunday services.

2. “Because He Lives”

This Bill and Gloria Gaither classic is a favorite across generations. Its message is one of living hope—because Jesus lives, we can face whatever comes. The chorus is easy to learn and uplifting to sing. This hymn reminds us that resurrection isn’t just a past event; it’s a present promise.

3. “Up from the Grave He Arose”

Also known as “Low in the Grave He Lay,” this hymn builds from solemn anticipation to victorious joy. The contrast between the verses and the chorus makes it especially engaging, both musically and emotionally. It’s a great piece for choirs or congregations that enjoy expressive worship.

4. “The Old Rugged Cross”

Though not an Easter hymn exclusively, “The Old Rugged Cross” beautifully captures the sacrifice that led to resurrection. It invites reflection and gratitude for Jesus’ suffering and victory. This song is often sung during Holy Week services but continues to resonate on Easter Sunday as a symbol of redemption.

5. “He Lives”

“He Lives” is filled with energy and assurance. The well-known chorus—“He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!”—is powerful and direct. It’s an ideal hymn to close a service or lift spirits during family Easter gatherings. The repetition helps even first-time singers join in with ease.

Contemporary Worship Songs for Easter Sunday

Modern worship music offers a fresh way to express timeless truths. These songs often blend Scripture with contemporary language and musical styles, making them perfect for churches with praise bands or anyone looking to celebrate Easter in today’s voice.

6. “Glorious Day” – Passion

Originally by Casting Crowns and popularized by Passion and Kristian Stanfill, “Glorious Day” captures the Easter story in one soaring anthem. The lyrics walk through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection with emotional clarity. It builds to a triumphant chorus that shouts the hope of resurrection with bold praise.

7. “Living Hope” – Phil Wickham

This modern worship favorite is deeply theological and beautifully emotional. “Living Hope” tells the story of Christ breaking through the silence of sin and death with his resurrection. The bridge—“Then came the morning that sealed the promise”—gives chills every time. It’s especially impactful as a special music piece or full-church anthem.

8. “Forever” – Kari Jobe

“Forever” is a song of resurrection and worship, full of vivid imagery of Jesus’ victory over death. Its moving progression leads worshippers through the cross, the tomb, and the risen Savior. The chorus, “Forever He is glorified,” echoes the eternal significance of Easter.

9. “Resurrecting” – Elevation Worship

This song is a celebration of the living power of Jesus. The lyrics highlight how Christ’s resurrection transforms our lives, making it a fitting piece for Easter Sunday and beyond. It’s musically rich and best performed with a full band or worship team, though even a simple version carries great power.

10. “Jesus Paid It All” – Kristian Stanfill version

While the original hymn has deep roots, the modern arrangement by Kristian Stanfill brings fresh energy to this powerful message. The bridge—“Oh praise the One who paid my debt”—is a call to heartfelt worship. It’s a great choice for both reflective moments and full worship sets.

Joyful Songs for Kids and Families

Easter songs for children should be simple, joyful, and easy to sing along with. These songs help kids grasp the meaning of Easter in a way they can understand and enjoy. They’re ideal for Sunday school classes, family devotions, and Easter morning fun.

11. “Alive, Alive”

A cheerful and simple chorus that repeats “Alive, alive, alive forevermore, my Jesus is alive.” It’s easy to memorize, and children love singing it at the top of their lungs. The song offers a joyful way to proclaim the resurrection and makes a great group singalong.

12. “Easter Hosanna” – Cedarmont Kids

This song has upbeat energy and a simple melody, making it a hit in preschool and early elementary settings. The chorus is repetitive and celebratory, perfect for palm branches or Easter-themed props. It’s an easy way to help children participate in the Easter story.

13. “God’s Not Dead” – Newsboys (Chorus for Kids)

While the verses may be complex for younger children, the powerful chorus—“My God’s not dead, He’s surely alive”—is perfect for energetic singalongs. Many children’s church services use this song to help kids express the excitement of the resurrection in a modern way.

14. “Jesus Is Alive” – Go Fish

Go Fish creates high-quality Christian music for kids, and “Jesus Is Alive” is no exception. It’s upbeat, danceable, and rooted in the truth of Easter. With lyrics tailored for young minds, it teaches core truths in a language children can absorb and repeat with confidence.

15. “Easter Bunny Hop” – Fun, Secular Option

While not explicitly religious, songs like the “Easter Bunny Hop” can be part of fun, family-friendly celebrations. They’re perfect for egg hunts, parties, or preschool events. This kind of song adds balance to more reflective moments and gives kids a chance to get up and move.

Songs to Sing at Home for a Reflective Easter

Some Easter moments are best experienced quietly—around a breakfast table, during a personal prayer time, or in the stillness of a candlelit living room. These songs are ideal for smaller gatherings or moments of reflection.

16. “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?”

This spiritual hymn is hauntingly beautiful. It invites deep reflection on Christ’s suffering and the gravity of Good Friday. Its slow tempo and repeating phrases make it a meaningful choice for meditative worship, especially during Holy Week or communion.

17. “In Christ Alone” – Keith & Kristyn Getty

This modern hymn has become a staple in churches around the world. It beautifully summarizes the Gospel, from Christ’s birth to His resurrection and eternal reign. The lyrics are poetic yet grounded, and the melody is gentle but powerful. Perfect for family devotions or solo worship.

18. “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” – Chris Tomlin

This song combines classic hymn language with a modern melody and heart-centered lyrics. It reflects on the weight of the cross while celebrating the hope it brings. It’s an excellent piece for Good Friday services but also resonates deeply on Easter morning.

19. “O Come to the Altar” – Elevation Worship

Though not strictly an Easter song, “O Come to the Altar” carries a message of redemption, mercy, and transformation that aligns perfectly with the resurrection theme. Its soft beginning and rising crescendo make it a powerful choice for a quiet worship moment.

20. “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” – Chris Tomlin

A modern take on the most beloved hymn of all time, this version of “Amazing Grace” adds a bridge that ties the original message of grace to our present reality. It’s reflective, powerful, and familiar—making it ideal for all ages and all worship settings.

Let Every Song Rise With Meaning

Whether you’re belting out a classic hymn in a packed sanctuary, leading a children’s chorus at home, or softly humming a melody during a quiet moment of prayer, Easter songs have the power to lift your spirit and connect you with the deeper meaning of the resurrection. The beauty of this season lies not just in what happened, but in how it continues to transform hearts—and music is one of the purest ways to express that.

So don’t worry about perfect pitch or polished performance. What matters most is the heart behind the song. Pick one or two songs from this list that resonate with you or your family. Learn the lyrics, play the music, and let the words rise from your voice like a sunrise on Easter morning—full of light, hope, and new beginnings.

Easter is more than a holiday. It’s a celebration of life made new. And with the right songs, that joy becomes something you can carry in your heart long after the day is over.