Three Kings Day is a meaningful celebration that gently bridges the joy of Christmas with the fresh start of the new year. It’s a time filled with story, symbolism, and tradition, making it especially lovely to explore with children. Whether you celebrate as part of your faith or you’re introducing kids to Christian holidays and cultural traditions, Three Kings Day offers a calm, thoughtful way to extend the Christmas season while creating space for learning and connection as a family.
This day traditionally marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas on January 6th and, for many families, it’s when the Christmas tree and decorations finally come down. It’s a natural moment to gently close the Christmas season while reflecting on its meaning before stepping into the new year.
Three Kings Day comes just after the busy rush of Christmas, offering a slower, more reflective moment that’s still full of tradition, storytelling, and meaning. For kids, it’s a wonderful chance to explore a holiday that connects history, faith, and culture in a way that feels special and different from what they’re used to. Whether you’re celebrating for religious reasons, cultural traditions, or simply as a learning experience, Three Kings Day activities can be a lovely way to extend the holiday season a little longer.
What Is Three Kings Day?
Three Kings Day celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus, following the guiding star and bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It marks the moment Jesus was revealed to the wider world, not just his immediate family.
You might also hear it called Epiphany, Epiphany Day, or Día de los Reyes in Spanish-speaking cultures. In many parts of the world, it’s just as important as Christmas itself, with strong traditions around storytelling, food, gift-giving, and reenactments that help children understand the meaning behind the day.
When Is Three Kings Day?
Three Kings Day is celebrated on January 6th each year. This date comes twelve days after Christmas Day, which is why it’s often associated with the idea of the “Twelve Days of Christmas.”
For many families, January 6th is the official end of the Christmas season. Decorations may come down, nativity scenes change to include the Wise Men, and celebrations shift from anticipation to reflection and gratitude.
Which Countries Celebrate Three Kings Day?
Three Kings Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, especially in places with strong Christian traditions. It is particularly important in Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and much of Latin America, where it is often one of the most anticipated days of the holiday season for children.
You’ll also find Three Kings Day traditions in parts of Europe such as Italy, France, and Germany, as well as in countries like the Philippines. While the customs vary from place to place, the core focus is the same – honoring the journey of the Three Wise Men and celebrating generosity, faith, and cultural heritage through food, storytelling, parades, and family gatherings.
Three Kings Day Activities for Kids
This is where you can get creative and make the celebration really meaningful for children. Hands-on activities, simple crafts, stories, and traditions help bring the story of the Three Kings to life in a way kids can understand and enjoy. This section is perfect for exploring ideas that blend learning, creativity, and family time, whether you’re in a classroom, at home, or celebrating as part of a community.
Three Kings Day Activities for Kids on Epiphany
A fun and meaningful roundup of Kings Day crafts and activities that brings the nativity story to life for children of all ages. Including simple Three Kings’ Day crafts and easy coloring pages for younger children, this collection is a great way to explore the biblical account and story of the Three Wise Men.
You’ll find craft ideas inspired by the Star of Bethlehem, nativity scenes, fun activities, Kings Day cake and rosca de reyes inspiration, and hands-on projects that support fine motor skills, visual arts, and family traditions, this is a perfect resource for classrooms, lesson plans, and families looking to celebrate this special holiday and wonderful time that marks the 12th day of Christmas, also known as Little Christmas in Ireland.
This rocking Three Wise Men craft is a fun, hands-on way to retell the story of the Wise Men from the Christmas story. It’s an easy craft that younger children can enjoy while acting out the journey to the Christ Child, making it a good idea for a simple Three Kings’ Day craft at home or school.
A cardboard crown craft is a classic and simple craft that works well for Three Kings Day. Children can decorate their own crowns and wear them while talking about the story of the Wise Men, making it a fun way to celebrate this special occasion within the Christian tradition.
Cardboard tubes make this a simple craft that’s easy to adapt for different ages. It’s a good idea for using recycled materials while talking about the Christmas tradition of Three Kings Day in a hands-on way.
Paper Three Kings Chain | Kids' Crafts | Fun Craft Ideas | FirstPalette.com
Make a nativity scene with this fun fold-and-cut paper three kings chain. A printable three kings template is included for super easy crafting.
This paper chain craft is a simple Three Kings’ Day craft that works well for groups. It’s an easy craft that helps children visualize the journey of the Wise Men while creating something colorful and engaging.
These tissue paper puppets are fun crafts that encourage imaginative play and storytelling. They’re a great way for children to act out the story of the Wise Men and experience the day with great joy.
This craft focuses on the Star of Bethlehem and its role in guiding the Wise Men. It’s a meaningful activity that ties closely to the Christmas story and works well as part of the celebration of Epiphany.
This ornament craft is a meaningful way to mark the Feast of the Epiphany and the celebration of Epiphany at home. It fits well within the Christian tradition and can be added to a nativity scene or saved as a reminder of the season.
This stained glass nativity craft is a beautiful way to explore the nativity scene with older children. It’s perfect for reflecting on the Christmas story and creating something special to display during this special occasion.
Popsicle Stick Kings Craft Idea - great for Christmas, a Sunday school lesson for Christ The King or a Three Kings Epiphany art project!
This popsicle stick craft is an easy craft that’s ideal for fine motor practice while creating the Three Kings. It’s a fun way for kids to retell the story of the Wise Men and makes a sweet keepsake for this special occasion.
These coloring pages are perfect for introducing Día de Reyes and El Día de los Tres Reyes Magos, This coloring activity is a calm, creative way to connect culture and the Christmas story.
Create 3 Wise Men Paper Plate with a fun craft activity guide template.
Using paper plates makes this a simple craft that’s accessible and affordable. It’s a great option for younger children and works well when talking about the story of the Wise Men and why this day is celebrated in many western traditions.
Looking for a simple Epiphany craft for kids? Try this easy three Kings Day craft for preschoolers using wooden spoons
This craft focuses on the celebration of Epiphany and is a lovely way to introduce the Feast of the Epiphany to kids. It works well as an easy craft for classrooms or families looking to explore the nativity scene and the wider Christmas tradition of Three Kings Day.
Traditional Three Kings Day Activities
Three Kings Day is often marked by meaningful traditions that blend faith, food, and family time. Many families attend Mass to honor the Feast of the Epiphany and reflect on the story of the Wise Men and their journey to the Christ Child.
At home, sharing a special cake is a much-loved tradition, such as the roscón de reyes or kings day cake, a sweet bread that often hides a small figurine or token inside. Children may receive small gifts, shoes might be left out the night before, and families gather to tell the nativity story together. These simple but meaningful customs help make the day feel like a special occasion while bringing the Christmas season to a gentle close.
Three Kings Day is a beautiful opportunity to slow down after the holidays and focus on themes like generosity, journeys, and faith. For kids, it opens the door to learning about different cultures and traditions while still feeling fun and engaging. Whether you’re celebrating deeply or simply introducing the idea through activities and conversation, Three Kings Day offers a meaningful way to begin the new year with intention, curiosity, and connection.
More Christian Christmas Activities for Kids
If you’re looking to continue exploring Christian Christmas traditions with children, there are so many simple and meaningful activities you can enjoy together. Crafts, storytelling, role play, and hands-on projects help bring Bible stories and seasonal traditions to life in a way that feels accessible and engaging for kids of all ages. These activities are perfect for use at home, in classrooms, or during church programs throughout the Christmas season and beyond.
- Nativity Coloring Pages
- Free Printable Nativity Lanterns for Kids to Colour
- 20+ Traditional Christmas Nativity Crafts For Kids
- Baby Jesus in a Manger Nativity Craft For Preschool
- Free Printable Nativity Script for Christmas Plays
If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it with friends, family, or on social media. It really helps others discover these ideas and keeps these traditions being passed on and enjoyed by more children.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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