When Is Three Kings Day?

Three Kings Day (also known as Dia de Los Reyes, Epiphany, the Feast of the Epiphany, or Theophany) is celebrated in Western cultures twelve days after Christmas, traditionally on January 6.

How to Celebrate Three Kings Day

The holiday is primarily celebrated in Spain, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, but these communities have shared the tradition all over the world. The holiday is observed with parades, feasts, and parties as people honor the moment the three kings arrived at the birthplace of baby Jesus. If you would like to celebrate this year, here are a few traditions to consider.

Set Out Snacks

In many countries, children celebrate the kings' long journey to Bethlehem by setting out snacks for the passing camels and kings. It is a tradition not unlike leaving cookies for Santa—but instead of leaving cookies and reindeer feed, families prepare sweets for the kings and grass and water for the camels in exchange for gifts.

Gather With Family

For many families, Three Kings Day is as big of a celebration as Christmas Day. It's customary to gather with friends and family to celebrate, often by opening gifts, playing music, and sharing a large meal together.

Give Gifts

Typically, children give and receive gifts on Three Kings Day. In some parts of the world (primarily in Spain), children also leave their shoes by the door so the three kings will come in the night and fill their shoes with small gifts—just like on Saint Nicholas Day!

Make Sweet Bread

In some countries—Mexico in particular—it's customary to make "rosca del rey", a sweet bread that represents the kings' crowns. This traditional brioche-like loaf is often decorated with sugar paste and candied fruit and shaped into a ring. Similar to the King's Cake custom at Mardi Gras, there is often a small baby figurine inside one of the slices. Tradition has it the person who finds the baby in their slice must offer tamales to the group or family on February 2, or Candlemas Day.