Meaning & Origin
Known in Germany as Heilige Drei Könige (Holy Three Kings) or Dreikönigstag, Epiphany is a deeply ingrained Christian festival celebrated on January 6th. It commemorates the visit of the Magi (the Three Wise Men) to the infant Jesus, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This religious holiday marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas. The tradition in Germany is based on a biblical story from the Gospel of Matthew, which recounts the journey of the wise men from the East to Bethlehem. Over time, they came to be identified as kings and were given the names Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, though these names are not mentioned in the Bible.
Epiphany will be celebrated on Monday, January 6 in 2025, and the following year, in 2026, it will take place on Tuesday, January 6.
| Year | Date | Applicable States |
| 2025 | January 6 (Monday) | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Saxony-Anhalt |
| 2026 | January 6 (Tuesday) | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Saxony-Anhalt |
How it’s Observed
This holiday is regional, celebrated only in the German states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony-Anhalt. In these areas, it’s a public holiday with schools and many businesses closed. One of the most cherished traditions is the Sternsinger (star singers). Children and teenagers, dressed as the Three Wise Men, go from house to house, singing carols and collecting money for charity. They carry a large star, representing the Star of Bethlehem. As a blessing, they write a chalk inscription on the doors of homes: C+M+B followed by the year. This stands for the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat,” meaning “May Christ bless this house.” It’s a powerful and heartwarming tradition that combines religious faith with community engagement and charitable giving.
Vacation Planning
For those living in or visiting the states where Epiphany is a holiday, it can be a pleasant surprise. Since it’s a fixed date on January 6th, it can create a long weekend if it falls on a Friday or a Monday. This is a perfect opportunity for a short trip to one of the neighboring states where it’s not a holiday, as most businesses will be open there. It also provides a unique chance for visitors to witness the beautiful and meaningful traditions of the Sternsinger firsthand, particularly in the southern, more Catholic regions of Germany.
| Vacation Dates | Used Paid leave | Included holiday | Total vacation days | Applicable States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22nd – 24th Dec 2025, 29th – 31st Dec 2025, 2nd Jan 2026 | 7 | 25th Dec 2025, 26th Dec 2025, 1st Jan 2026 | 16 days | All states |
| 22nd – 24th Dec 2025, 29th – 31st Dec 2025, 2nd Jan 2026, 5th Jan 2026 | 8 | 25th Dec 2025, 26th Dec 2025, 1st Jan 2026, 6th Jan 2026 | 18 days | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Saxony-Anhalt |
| 22nd – 24th 2025, 29th – 31st Dec 2025, 2nd Jan 2026, 5th Jan 2026, 7th – 9th Jan 2026 | 11 | 25th Dec 2025, 26th Dec 2025, 1st Jan 2026, 6th Jan 2026 | 23 days | Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Saxony-Anhalt |