Happy Three Kings’ Day! IYKYK, but just in case you don’t know, today some families celebrate a holiday I like to joke is the one your kids WISH you celebrated! 😉
For many Latin or Hispanic families, especially those who grew up in their countries, Christmas isn’t over until after Three Kings Day, which happens to be today, January 6th.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and, after Christmas on December 25th, we still had Three Kings Day to look forward to. School didn’t even start the second semester until AFTER Three Kings Day!
The tradition is also known as Epiphany. It marks the official 12 days of Christmas from December 25th (starting with baby Jesus’ birthday) through January’s 6th. That’s when the Three Kings, Wise Men or Magi from the east finally arrive to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
I loved this tradition growing up, so when my kids were born, my husband and I decided to share it with them.
For us, the night of January 5th is like Christmas Eve. Instead of leaving milk and cookies for Santa, we leave hay or grass in small showboxes for the Three Kings’ camels (lol).
In the morning, everyone wakes up excited, hoping the Three Kings left them some gifts!
It’s always a lot of fun! And we’ve even had the opportunity to travel back home to Puerto Rico to celebrate Three Kings with extended family and friends in previous years. It’s part of why they say Puerto Rico has the longest Christmas season (and I’m not mad about it!)
If you’re intrigued and want to check out some local Three Kings Day fun, right here in Central Florida, we got you covered!
Check out these local events!
Today, Thursday, January 6th, 2022
10am to 6pm
Park tickets required (no reservations needed)
They’ll have Latin music & food, the “Tale of the 3 Kings” presentation at the Nautilus Theatre & more!
Also today, Thursday, January 6th
Munn Park, Downtown Lakeland, FL
Munn Park, Downtown Lakeland, FL
6pm to 9pm
FREE!
This is the “Just Cares” non profit organization’s 6th Annual 3 Kings Day celebration, with a visit from the kings, a free movie, giveaways & more!
Saturday, January 8th, 2022
Lake Nona Town Center
Lake Nona Town Center
2pm to 6pm
The Lake Nona Metro Orlando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is inviting families to celebrate the holiday with a photo op, live animals, activities for kids and more!
More info here!
Saturday, January 8th, 2022
Poinciana Community Field
445 Marigold Ave., Poinciana, FL
11am to 2pm
This event is hosted by Nanichi Food Truck — they say they have the best puertorrican “pasteles” in town!
The event is also presented by Sheriff Grady Judd and the Polk County Sherriff’s Office for the community. They’ll have the 3 Kings handing out gifts to the kids, starting at noon (while supplies last.)
More info here!
Saturday, January 8th
2022 3 Kings Block Party
West Central Park in Winter Haven
2022 3 Kings Block Party
West Central Park in Winter Haven
4pm to 8pm
Here’s another fun opportunity to celebrate the “Magic of the Magi” if you live near Winter Haven. Central Park is keeping the holiday spirit going with family fun, food, music, a visit from the Three Kings & a raffle for the kids to hopefully win some toys!
More info here!
Sunday, January 9th, 2022
Three Kings Day Celebration
Old Town Kissimmee
10am to 2pm
At this event, the kids can meet and take pics with the kings, they’ll have FREE snacks and a toy for kids under 11, plus a bike giveaway will take place as well!
I hope you have fun celebrating, whether you’re rediscovering an old family tradition or trying something new!
~Coppelia
(And after all this fun, you’ll find me *finally* taking down the Christmas decorations!)
