How to Celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6)

^{This post contains affiliate links. You can read more about that here.}

The Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, marks the moment when Christ revealed Himself to the nations through the visit of the Magi. This celebration invites us to reflect on the light of Christ and how we can share that light with others. Here are some meaningful ways to observe this beautiful feast with your children and create lasting family traditions.

1. Make and Wear Printable Crowns

One fun way to celebrate the Epiphany is by having children make and wear crowns as the Magi. We’ve created printable crowns for kids to decorate! These crowns serve as a great reminder of the kings’ gifts to Jesus, and children can wear them during your celebrations to feel connected to the story.

2. Enjoy a Special Tea Time

Our family has a favorite tradition of celebrating Epiphany with a cozy tea time. We gather around the table, wearing our crowns, and enjoy hot tea or chocolate along with sweet treats. It’s a peaceful way to reflect on the day and bond as a family. You can use this time to share the story of the Epiphany, enjoy the warmth of the season, and savor delicious treats.

What to Serve:

• King Cake: Whether it’s the French Galette des Rois or the Spanish Roscón de Reyes, King Cake is a wonderful way to celebrate Epiphany. If you prefer, make a simple version decorated with gold sprinkles to reflect the gifts brought to Jesus.
• Trifle: A festive British dessert, trifle is a layered treat made from sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream. Add star-shaped decorations or edible glitter to give it a special Epiphany flair.
• Fruit and Pastries: You can also serve fruit, pastries, or small finger foods like sandwiches and cookies in star shapes, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.

3. Read the Epiphany Story Together

Reading the story of the Epiphany is a great way to explain the significance of the day. Gather your children and read from the Gospel of Matthew, where the Magi bring their gifts to the newborn Jesus. To make it interactive, use figurines or a nativity set to help tell the story in a way that will captivate your children.

4. Move the Three Kings to the Nativity Scene

In many homes, the Three Kings are set up separately from the Nativity scene and are placed in front of the manger on the Feast of the Epiphany. This can be a fun activity for your children, allowing them to move the figures of the kings and place them near the baby Jesus. It’s a great way to reinforce the idea that the Magi journeyed a long way to find Him.

5. Burn a Frankincense & Myrrh Candle

Another meaningful tradition is lighting a frankincense and myrrh candle during your Epiphany celebration. The smoke from these gifts represents the offerings brought to Jesus and serves as a reminder of His Divinity. Light the candle during your tea time or as you read the story of the Magi.

Nativity Beeswax Candle by JoyfulRosaries

Frankincense & Myrrh Beeswax Candle by uCatholic

Gifts for a King: Epiphany Frankincense + Myrrh Candle by Corda Candle

ZUM Frankincense and Myrrh Soy Candle by Zum

6. Go to Mass and Receive Multiple Blessings

Epiphany Mass is a beautiful occasion to receive several blessings that are unique to this feast day. Bring small items of gold with you, like wedding rings or heirloom jewelry, to be blessed during Mass. After Communion, the priest will bless gold, frankincense, myrrh, and Epiphany Water. Be sure to bring a container to take home some of the blessed water, incense, and chalk.

7. Bless Your Home

After Mass, use the blessed chalk to mark the doorframe of your home with the letters C+M+B and the current year. This stands for the names of the Magi — Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar — and symbolizes Christ’s blessing over your home for the year ahead. You can also sprinkle the Epiphany Water in different rooms of your house, which is said to bring blessings and protection throughout the year. If you’re able to, have a priest or the father of the house lead this home blessing, offering prayers as you sprinkle the water.

How do you celebrate Epiphany in your home?