Even after Christmas and New Year’s Day pass, holiday celebrations continue in Charlotte with Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) and Twelfth Night.
These traditional celebrations are expressions of Epiphany, which marks when, according to the nativity story, three wise men visited baby Jesus, bearing gifts.
In modern times, especially in Spain and Latin America, on Three Kings Day, children leave their shoes by the door of their houses, so that the three kings can come and leave them presents.
Traditionally, bakers make “Rosca de Reyes,” a sweet bread meant to represent a crown. The bread often has a plastic doll, representing the baby Jesus, baked inside. Whoever gets the slice of bread with the doll in it is Jesus’ guardian for the year. In some traditions, the person who gets the slice with Baby Jesus is responsible for cooking tamales for everyone on Día de la Candelaria on February 2nd!
Interested in treating yourself to Rosca de Reyes? Try Manolo’s Latin Bakery, 4405-C Central Avenue, Charlotte. Plan ahead, though, because they sell out.
Three Kings Day and Twelfth Night mark the end of the Christmas season.
Three Kings Day and Twelfth Night Events in Charlotte
Here’s what’s been announced so far. We’ll add more events as they’re announced
Día de Reyes/Three Kings Day Family Day Celebration with Levine Museum of the New South
Saturday, January 4, 2025
12 to 3 p.m.
Second Ward Gymnasium
710 E M.L.K. Jr. Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Free
This free, family-friendly event will feature:
- Performance by Cielito Lindo Chorus, a children’s choir singing Latin American holiday songs
- Interactive drumming activities with NC Brazilian Arts
- Dance demonstrations
- Photo opportunities with the three wise men
- Family-friendly crafts and activities
- The largest Rosca de Reyes in the Carolinas, by Manolo’s Bakery
- More
This is event is presented in partnership between Levine Museum of the New South, Fiestas Patrias and Manolo’s Bakery.
Twelfth Night: Spirits of the Season
Saturday, January 4, 2025
6 to 9
Charlotte Museum of History
3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC
$40
Celebrate Twelfth Night with a spirited twist at the Charlotte Museum of History! Join us January 4, 2025, for Spirits of the Season, an evening celebrating North Carolina’s rich legacy of whiskey and moonshine distilling.
Experience history through all your senses: watch exclusive moonshine-making demonstrations, enjoy locally crafted spirit tastings, hear Dr. Megan Cherry speak on 18th-century southern distilling, and step back in time with historic cooking demonstrations in our restored log kitchen.
This 21+ event features festive music, engaging activities, and samples of local spirits throughout our historic grounds—the perfect way to start your new year!
Twelfth Night: Origins and Traditions
Saturday, January 4, 2025
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
President James K. Polk State Historic Site
12031 Lancaster Highway, Pineville, NC
Free, but donations suggested (register at above link)
Learn how Twelfth Night became the “vanishing holiday.” Once the annual peak of parties, gift giving and weddings, Twelfth Night was gradually absorbed and squeezed out during the 19th century.
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