Epiphany

Epiphany, locally referred to as Heilige Drei Könige, occurs on January 6 and commemorates the biblical journey of the Magi. Across Germany, the date serves as a significant religious milestone, although its legal status as a public holiday is restricted to the states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saxony-Anhalt.

In these specific regions, government offices, banks, and most retail businesses remain closed to the public. Residents in other German states continue with a standard working day despite the day's cultural prominence.

The day functions as the formal closing of the Christmas season, bridging religious narrative with historical German customs. It maintains modern relevance by facilitating large-scale youth-led charitable fundraising and preserving regional identity through centuries-old theological traditions.

The most visible tradition involves the Sternsinger, or Star Singers, who are groups of local children dressed as the Three Kings. These carolers visit homes to collect charitable donations and use chalk to mark a traditional blessing—C+M+B—above entryways.

Many households in Germany use this occasion to dismantle their Christmas trees and share a final festive meal. Special church liturgies are also held, particularly in predominantly Catholic areas, to mark the conclusion of the nativity cycle.