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Three Kings Day

Ring in Three Kings Day with a celebration! Follow the star of Bethlehem and join us for delicious treats, exciting activities, and a magical experience!

Wednesday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 6

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate the Three Kings Day on January 6 with a bang! Also known as The Epiphany or Twelfth Night, this holiday commemorates the Biblical story of the three wise men who visited Jesus after his birth. This day is celebrated in many different countries around the world and has been for centuries; it's considered one of Christianity's oldest observances. With traditional activities like singing carols, exchanging gifts and attending special church services, Three Kings Day is an excellent way to keep spirits high during wintertime.

TIMELINE

Three Kings Day Timeline

Origin of Three Kings Day

Based on the biblical narrative, the three wise men, or Magi, visit the newborn Jesus around this time.

Early Christian Observances

By late 300 AD, early Christians were commemorating the visit of the Magi to Jesus, later known as the Feast of Theophany or Epiphany.

Rituals and Traditions

During the Middle Ages, traditions related to Three Kings Day, such as gift-giving and elaborate feasts, were established.

Three Kings Day in Literature

In "Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare, reference is made to the festivities associated with the twelve days of Christmas and Three Kings Day.

Global Celebrations

Throughout the 20th century, Three Kings Day became a significant celebration in many cultures worldwide, with various country-specific traditions.

Modern Observance

Three Kings Day is still observed today with religious services, parades, feasts, and gift exchanges in many Christian cultures around the world.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Three Kings Day

Bake a Rosca de Reyes

Rosca de Reyes is a traditional cake that is baked on Three Kings Day. It is a ring shaped cake with candied fruit, dried fruits, or nuts in it and usually topped with icing. Inside the cake, a small plastic figurine of one of the three wise men is hidden.

ORGANIZE

Organize a parade

Gather your friends and family together and organize a parade to celebrate Three Kings Day! Decorate your floats with stars, crowns, and other royal symbols and adorn yourself as one of the three kings.

ENJOY

Enjoy traditional food

The most popular dish served during Three Kings Day is rosca de reyes, but there are many other traditional dishes to enjoy. Try out some tamales, bacalao (salted codfish), and hot chocolate.

EXCHANGE

Exchange gifts

On Three Kings Day it is customary to exchange gifts as the three kings did when they visited baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Get some small gifts for each other to commemorate the day.

SING

Sing songs

Learn some traditional songs from different cultures such as “Las Mañanitas” from Mexico and “Papá Noel” from Puerto Rico and sing them together in celebration of Three Kings Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Three Kings Day

It brings people together

Three Kings Day is a great way for people of many different backgrounds and cultures to come together and celebrate something special. Whether it be attending festivities in your own community or spending time with those you love, Three Kings Day is sure to bring joy and bring people closer together!

It's a fun holiday to celebrate

Three Kings Day is a festive and joyous event that celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to Baby Jesus. It's a great time to get together with family and friends to enjoy traditions like eating a big meal, giving gifts, decorating your house or tree, and attending parades and parties!

It's an important cultural holiday

Three Kings Day is celebrated by millions around the world who are of Latino or Hispanic heritage. It carries religious significance, as well as cultural pride, providing an opportunity for families to keep alive their history and pass on their heritage from generation to generation.