Three Kings Day 2026: What is it, should you put Christmas decorations down today - celebrations take place in Spain and Canary Islands

The holiday follows Twelfth Night, which officially ends the long Christmas season. Three Kings Day is a Christian feast celebrated on January 6th that commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar – to the baby Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

It is a major cultural holiday in Spain, Latin America, and parts of Europe, with celebrations involving parades, special cakes like Roscón de Reyes, and sometimes gift-giving, especially for children. In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus isn’t as popular as he is in the United States and the UK.

Rather, it is the Three Wise Men who are the bearers of gifts and leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. Three Kings Day, or El Dia de Reyes, remains an important holiday for Catholics.

There is a culinary treat that is specific to the holiday known as Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake). Shaped in a circle to signify a king’s crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion Dia de la Condelaria (Candlemas Day) which occurs each year on February 2.

Celebrations have been taking place in Spain and the Canary Islands. There is a planned parade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Adeje. A parade also took plae in Madrid on Monday January 5.

January 6th is also the day to officially take down your Christmas decorations, according to tradition. Epiphany marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas - though some prefer January 5th (Twelfth Night).

Tradition suggests removing them by this date to avoid bad luck, but it's ultimately up to you. Many people keep them up longer if they enjoy the festive atmosphere, or even take them down right after New Year's.