Epiphany

Epiphany, known in Germany as Heilige Drei Könige or Dreikönigstag, is celebrated annually on January 6; in 2026, it falls on Tuesday, January 6. The Christian feast commemorates the visit of the Magi—traditionally named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar—to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. In Western Christianity, the day developed as a celebration of Christ’s manifestation to the nations, symbolized by the Magi’s recognition of Jesus as king. Its biblical foundation is found in the Gospel of Matthew, although the names and number of the Magi come from later Christian tradition rather than the biblical text itself.

Epiphany became an important date in the German church calendar during the Middle Ages and remains especially prominent in Catholic regions. January 6 is a public holiday in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony-Anhalt, while churches and communities across Germany observe it even where it is not a statutory day off. The feast traditionally marks the conclusion of the Christmas season, although many German families keep Christmas decorations until Epiphany. The date is also associated with the blessing of homes, the closing of the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas, and the transition from the festive winter season into the new year.

One of Germany’s best-known Epiphany customs is the Sternsinger tradition, in which children and young people dress as the Three Kings and visit homes, parishes, schools, and businesses. They sing carols, recite blessings, and collect donations for international aid projects, especially those organized by the Catholic charity Kindermissionswerk under the annual Dreikönigssingen campaign. After a home is blessed, the participants often write a chalk inscription above the door, such as 20*C+M+B+26. The letters are commonly associated with Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, while the traditional Latin interpretation is Christus mansionem benedicat, meaning “May Christ bless this house.”

Families may attend a special Epiphany Mass, join processions, visit nativity scenes, and take down the Christmas tree and other decorations. In parts of southern Germany, Austria, and neighboring regions, a Dreikönigskuchen or Three Kings’ Cake is served; the person who finds a hidden figurine, bean, or almond is symbolically named king or queen for the day. Seasonal foods vary by region, but festive breads, cakes, and hot drinks are common. Appropriate German greetings include Frohe Heilige Drei Könige, Frohen Dreikönigstag, and the more religiously expressive Gesegneten Dreikönigstag.