What are common hymns sung during Easter services?

Every Easter my church starts with Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, then we mix in Up From the Grave He Arose and He Lives. Last year we added Risen Today for kids, which became everyone’s favorite. Hearing the kids belt it out reminded me why we keep these hymns part of the season.

When I help plan Easter services I pull from favorites like Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, Low in the Grave He Lay, Crown Him with Many Crowns, and Thine Be the Glory. They anchor the morning with joy and theology. We also use more modern options such as Alive in Us or Living Hope when the congregation is up for something less traditional. I remember arranging the choir around Christ the Lord Is Risen Today and watching the congregation sing the alleluias with raised hands, which set the tone for the rest of the liturgy. Having a mix of classic and contemporary keeps the service grounded and engaging.

For practical planning I lean on a few hymns that work well in most spaces. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, Up From the Grave He Arose, and Thine Be the Glory are reliable for processions and the main celebration. I also include He Lives or Because He Lives during the sermon because those melodies are easy to carry while the text reinforces the resurrection. Adding Crown Him with Many Crowns in the offering or closing helps lift the theme of Jesus reigning. On occasion we introduce a newer song such as Risen Today or Alive in Us, especially when the worship team can support it. Combining old and new ensures everyone finds a melody they can sing with conviction, and it keeps rehearsals manageable since most singers already know the classics.

My go-to Easter mix is Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, Thine Be the Glory, and He Lives, all of which get everyone singing every year.