When is Epiphany? | 2025–2026 Dates & World Traditions

Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, is a Christian holiday in January that marks the end of the Christmas season. In Western Christian traditions, it commemorates the Three Wise Men’s visit to baby Jesus. In Eastern traditions (e,g., Greek Orthodox), Epiphany celebrations focus on the Baptism of Christ.

In Western Christianity, Epiphany always falls on January 6, but US Catholic churches transfer the celebration to the first Sunday after January 1, known as Epiphany Sunday. Eastern Orthodox churches, depending on the calendar they follow, observe Epiphany (Theophany) on either January 6 or January 19.

This guide covers Epiphany 2025–2030 dates and Epiphany traditions around the world, from kings’ parades and blessing of waters to iconic foods and celebrations.

Feast of the Epiphany meaning

The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek word for “manifestation” or “revelation.” The feast of the Epiphany is a Christian festival day that celebrates Christ being revealed to the world, either through the visit of the Magi or the Baptism of Jesus, depending on the tradition.

The term “feast” in this context refers to a significant religious celebration marked by communal worship, special rituals, and often festive meals.

• In Western Christianity, the feast of the Epiphany focuses on the Magi (aka Three Kings or Three Wise Men) visiting baby Jesus, symbolizing Christ’s revelation to the nations.
• In Eastern Christianity, Epiphany (called Theophany) centers on the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan when he was an adult, an event Christians believe marked the beginning of his public ministry.

When is Epiphany?

Epiphany is always 12 days after Christmas, which is January 6 on the Gregorian calendar and January 19 on the Julian calendar. Most of the world observes Epiphany on January 6.  While the date is fixed, the day of the week changes each year. For example, here are the Gregorian calendar Epiphany dates for 2025–2030.

• Epiphany 2025: Monday, January 6, 2025
• Epiphany 2026: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• Epiphany 2027: Wednesday, January 6, 2026
• Epiphany 2028: Thursday, January 6, 2027
• Epiphany 2029: Saturday, January 6, 2028
• Epiphany 2030: Sunday, January 6, 2028

In many countries in Europe and around the world, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6, regardless of whether it falls on a weekday. Epiphany is also a public holiday (banks and schools are closed) in Austria, Italy, Finland, and many other places.

When is Epiphany Sunday?

In the United States, the Catholic Church celebrates Epiphany on the nearest Sunday after January 1, known as Epiphany Sunday. This adjustment allows more parishioners to attend Mass since Epiphany is not a public holiday in the US. Here are the Epiphany Sunday dates 2025–2030: 

• Epiphany Sunday 2025: January 5
• Epiphany Sunday 2026: January 4
• Epiphany Sunday 2027: January 3
• Epiphany Sunday 2028: January 2
• Epiphany Sunday 2029: January 7
• Epiphany Sunday 2030: January 6

Epiphany traditions around the world

Epiphany is celebrated with a wide variety of customs, foods, and rituals around the world. Many of these traditions reflect local culture while commemorating the visit of the Magi or the Baptism of Jesus.

Spain and Latin America

In Spain and many Latin American countries, Epiphany is known as Los Reyes Magos or Three Kings Day. On the evening of January 5, towns host festive parades called Cabalgatas, where costumed actors portray the Three Wise Men (Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar) and distribute candy to children.

Families often gather to enjoy Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bread with a small figurine or bean hidden inside. Traditionally, the person who finds the figurine is crowned king or queen for the day.

Mexico

In Mexico, Epiphany celebrations also center on the Rosca de Reyes. Children sometimes leave grass or hay in shoeboxes for the camels of the Three Kings. January 6 is a day for exchanging gifts, and those who find the hidden figurine in the bread are expected to host a Candlemas celebration on February 2, continuing the season of festivity and devotion.

Italy

In Italy, Epiphany is associated with La Befana, a folkloric figure who delivers sweets to children on Epiphany Eve. Italian families celebrate with regional pastries and sweets, and children hang stockings for La Befana to fill.

France and Belgium

Families in France and Belgium mark the feast of the Epiphany with the Galette des Rois, a flaky pastry filled with almond cream or fruit. A small figurine, called a fève, is hidden inside, and the person who finds it is crowned king or queen of the day. This tradition is similar to Spain’s Roscón de Reyes.

Germany and Austria

In Germany and Austria, children participate in Sternsinger (star singer) processions. They go door-to-door singing carols and blessing homes with chalk inscriptions, such as “20 ✝ C ✝ M ✝ B ✝ 25,” (the Three Kings’ initials between the first two numbers and last two numbers of the year). The three letters also represent the Latin phrase “Christus masionem benedicat,” meaning “May Christ bless this house.”

Greece and Eastern Orthodox countries

In Greece and other Orthodox countries, Epiphany (Theophany) focuses on the Baptism of Jesus. Priests bless rivers, lakes, and seas, and young men often dive into the water to retrieve a cross. This ritual symbolizes purification and renewal, reflecting the spiritual significance of Christ’s baptism.

United States

In the US, Epiphany Sunday is celebrated in Catholic and some Protestant churches with special Masses and processions. Hispanic and Filipino communities often hold festive events, while in New Orleans, Epiphany marks the start of Mardi Gras season, a period of feasting, parties, and parades leading up to Ash Wednesday.

Frequently asked questions about Epiphany date and traditions

How is Epiphany connected to Christmas?

Epiphany occurs 12 days after Christmas, traditionally marking the end of the Christmas season. While Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, Epiphany celebrates his revelation to the wider world.

In Western Christianity, this revelation is symbolized by the visit of the Magi, who brought gifts and recognized Jesus as the Messiah, showing that Christ’s birth was significant not just for Israel, but for all nations.

In Eastern Orthodox traditions, Epiphany (Theophany) celebrates Jesus’ baptism, which marks the beginning of his public ministry and the manifestation of the Holy Trinity.

In many Christian cultures, the period between Christmas and Epiphany, known as the Twelve Days of Christmas, is a time of reflection, celebration, and preparation for this important feast day.

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What is Theophany?

Theophany is an alternative term for the Christian holiday Epiphany used in Eastern Christian traditions (such as the Greek Orthodox Church), where the celebrations remember the baptism of Jesus rather than the visit of the Three Kings.

QuillBot’s free AI Chat can answer your questions about the Theophany or Epiphany.