Public holiday in Germany
Three King's Day in Germany
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Regional public holiday
Observed in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt
Three King’s Day is a public holiday in parts of Germany on 6 January. It is observed in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt, where it marks the Christian feast of the Epiphany.
About Three King's Day in Germany
In Germany, Three King’s Day is only a public holiday in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt. In the rest of the country it is a normal working day, so its practical significance depends strongly on where you are. The day falls on 6 January and marks Epiphany in the Christian calendar, the feast associated with the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. In the German states where it is observed, it follows the Christmas season and provides a final holiday date after New Year celebrations.
History
The holiday’s German observance is tied to the long-standing Christian feast of Epiphany. Its regional status reflects state-level holiday traditions that developed differently across Germany, rather than a nationwide observance.
Traditions
In southern Germany, the day is associated with church services and the Epiphany theme of the Three Kings. In many places, the best-known custom is the Sternsinger tradition, in which children dress as the Three Kings, sing carols, and collect donations while marking houses with chalk.
How Three King's Day is celebrated in Germany
Where Three King’s Day is a public holiday, it is usually a quiet winter day with religious services and local church-linked activities rather than large public events. The Sternsinger often visit homes and parish communities around this period, and some towns hold small processions or blessing ceremonies.
Interesting facts
It is one of the few January public holidays in Germany that applies only in selected federal states. Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt all recognize 6 January as a public holiday, while most other German states do not.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 Jan 2026 | — | Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.