Three Kings Day is one of the most important winter holidays in Europe, which in many countries symbolically ends the Christmas period and is accompanied by bright traditions and folk festivities. Find out how Three Kings Day is celebrated in different European countries

For many European countries, the Christmas season does not end on December 25 or with the arrival of the New Year. Its symbolic culmination falls on January 6 – the Day of the Three Kings, or Epiphany, one of the brightest and most diverse winter holidays on the continent.

According to Christian tradition, it was on this day that the three wise men came to worship the baby Jesus, bringing him gold, frankincense and myrrh. Over time, the religious meaning has intertwined with folk customs, family rituals, street celebrations and sweet traditions, which in each country have acquired their own character.

How the Day of the Three Kings is celebrated in Europe in 2026 is described further in this article.

Traveling around Europe by car? In many EU countries, an electronic vignette is mandatory for traveling on toll roads. Its absence can lead to significant fines even for a short trip. To avoid unnecessary expenses and travel without stress, take care of applying for a vignette before departure.

Apply for an electronic vignette online before your trip on the Visit World portal.

What does Three Kings Day mean for tourists?

For tourists, January 6 has not only cultural but also practical significance. In many European countries, this day is an official weekend or holiday, which affects the work of shops, museums, public transport and car traffic. At the same time, it is during this period that you can see unique events - parades, folk processions, fairs and costumed events that are not repeated on other days of the year.

European countries where Three Kings Day is more important than Christmas

Spain: parades, gifts and a sweet crown

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In Spain, Three Kings Day is the main children's holiday of winter. It is on January 6, and not on Christmas, that children receive gifts. On the eve, on the evening of January 5, cities are filled with large-scale parades of the Cabalgata de Reyes: festive platforms, music, lights and kings who generously scatter sweets to the crowds.

An integral symbol of the holiday is the Roscón de Reyes, a round sweet cake decorated with candied fruits. Inside, a figurine of a king and a bean is traditionally hidden: the first symbolizes good luck, and the second is a humorous “obligation” to buy a cake next year.

France: King or Queen for a Day

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In France, January 6 is impossible to imagine without the galette des rois – a puff pastry cake with almond frangipane cream. It is eaten throughout January, turning the holiday into a long gastronomic tradition.

Traditionally, the youngest child distributes the pieces, hiding under the table to avoid bias. Inside the cake is a fève – a small figurine that makes the lucky person king or queen of the day. The winner wears a paper crown and, according to tradition, brings the next cake, continuing the game.

Italy: The Good Witch Befana

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In Italy, Epiphany is associated with the fabulous Befana – a good witch who, according to legend, did not have time to go with the Magi to the baby Jesus and now every year delivers gifts to children.

Good children receive sweets, naughty ones – symbolic “coals” made of sugar. In Rome, the center of the celebrations is Piazza Navona with fairs and masquerades, and in Venice, the famous Befane regatta takes place, where rowers dressed as witches compete in boats, turning the holiday into a vibrant show.

Germany and Austria: Blessing the House

In Germany and Austria, Epiphany has a more relaxed, symbolic character. Children dressed as the Three Kings go from house to house, singing songs and leaving the inscription K + M + B above the door, which means “Christ blesses this house”. Donations collected during the rounds are usually directed to charity.

Poland and the Czech Republic: the finale of the Christmas cycle

In Poland, January 6 is an official day off. There are festive processions in the cities, although the day generally retains a family and restrained character. In the Czech Republic, Three Kings Day often symbolizes the end of the Christmas period - after it, decorations are taken down and life returns to its usual rhythm.

Tip for tourists: when planning a trip in early January, it is worth checking the country's holiday calendar. Three Kings Day can be a bright highlight of the trip or affect the transport schedule, the operation of services and road congestion.

Three Kings Day in Europe is an example of how one biblical event has turned into dozens of unique traditions. For some, it means parades and gifts, for others, it means a family cake or a blessing of the house. But everywhere, this holiday remains a symbol of the end of the winter holidays and a return to everyday life with a touch of magic.

Celebrating Three Kings Day while driving? Don't forget about the vignette

During the winter holidays, European roads are especially busy, and vignette control in EU countries is being tightened. To get to the holiday parades and fairs without any obstacles, take care of a valid electronic vignette in advance.

Check and apply for a vignette online before your trip on the Visit World portal!

Reminder! A trip to Europe can be comfortable and full of impressions even without big expenses - it all depends on the right approach to planning. We have already told you how to save money while traveling in Europe: when is the best time to go, how to reduce costs for transportation, accommodation, food and entertainment without compromising the quality of the trip.

Photo – Freepik

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