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Twelfth Night

Turn tradition on its head this Twelfth Night! Revel in mischief, mistaken identities and unmatched romance that will keep you engrossed till the end!

Tuesday

January 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 5

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for January 5, to celebrate the tradition of Twelfth Night! This historic festival is a grand close to the Christmas season, signifying the visit of the Three Wise Men or Magi to the baby Jesus. Heavily influenced by Tudor England, Twelfth Night is also famous for being the date when all Christmas decorations should be taken down. However, it's not all work and no play! Traditionally a night for merriment and revelry, Twelfth Night is often associated with Shakespeare's romantic comedy of the same name. Used as a plot device in the story, the holiday becomes a stage of comic chaos and fun-filled mishaps that have delighted audiences for centuries. So, go ahead and lose yourself in the festive spirit of Twelfth Night and the charming swirl of merry confusion!

TIMELINE

Twelfth Night Timeline

Council of Tours Establishment

The Council of Tours established the period between Christmas and Epiphany as a sacred and festive season, paving the way for Twelfth Night celebrations.

Tudor Revelries

During the Tudor period in England, Twelfth Night was a time of lavish courtly celebrations, including feasts, plays, and masques.

Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'

Shakespeare's play 'Twelfth Night, or What You Will' was written and performed, adding a layer of cultural significance to the holiday.

Twelfth Cake Tradition

The tradition of baking a special Twelfth Cake, containing a bean or a coin to crown the 'king' or 'queen' of the festivities, became popular in Britain.

Decline and Then Revival

Twelfth Night celebrations declined due to changing social customs, but saw a revival towards the end of the century largely due to Dickens' writings.

Modern Celebrations

Twelfth Night is celebrated with a mix of religious ceremonies, public festivities, and private parties around the world, including a major production of Shakespeare's play in London.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Twelfth Night

Host a costume party

In the spirit of Shakespeare's play, encourage guests to come dressed as characters from Twelfth Night. This can result in a fun, lighthearted atmosphere with plenty of mistaken identities and laughs to be had.

HAVE

Have a cake-baking contest

Have a cake-baking contest in honour of the Twelfth Night Cake tradition. Invite your friends and family to showcase their baking prowess and crown the winner 'King' or 'Queen' of the evening!

WATCH

Watch a "Twelfth Night" performance

Find a local theater that's showing "Twelfth Night", or if this isn't possible, host a movie night at home. Watch any of the several adaptations of the play and be swept away by the romantic comedy's charming chaos.

CREATE

Create home-made decorations

Drawing inspiration from the twelve days of Christmas and the holiday season, create homemade decorations that can be used to adorn your house for the party. This can also be a fun activity to engage with kids.

PLAN

Plan a feast with a medieval theme

To pay homage to its historic roots, plan a feast with a medieval theme for Twelfth Night. Research traditional fare of the era and recreate dishes like figgy pudding, roasted chestnuts, and mulled wine to add an authenticity to your celebration.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Twelfth Night

It Brings People Together

No tradition is as enjoyable without the company of friends and family. Twelfth Night is an excellent occasion for loved ones to come together, be it for a costume party, a cake-baking contest, or simply to watch a performance of "Twelfth Night". These shared experiences cultivate memories and bonds that last well beyond the festivities.

It's a Fun Tradition

Twelfth Night is steeped in tradition, from the historical and Biblical roots to the influence of Tudor England. It's not just about wrapping up the Christmas season, but about embracing a little chaos and fun inspired by Shakespeare's play. From costume parties to cake-baking contests, there's so much merry revelry to indulge in!

It Encourages Creativity and Festivity

The celebration of Twelfth Night gives us a chance to get creative - with costumes inspired by Shakespeare's characters, homemade decorations that celebrate the twelve days of Christmas, and even recreating traditional medieval fare for an authentic feast. These activities are not just entertaining but also create a festive and jovial atmosphere.

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