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- Date change rule:
- Every January 5
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Twelfth Night illuminates the calendar every January 5, signaling the close of the Christmas season and the eve of Epiphany. This historic observance, rich in tradition, invites reflection on the festive period. Explore its cultural significance, learn about its various customs, and join in the global recognition of this unique day.
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Expected Twelfth Night Deals
Twelfth Night, while not a major commercial holiday, inspires unique seasonal offerings. Expect specialty bakeries and caterers to feature King Cakes or Twelfth Night cakes, a traditional treat often enjoyed in various cultures. Retailers specializing in festive decorations might offer last-minute sales on holiday lights and ornaments, encouraging the timely packing away of Christmas decor. Online stores and local craft markets may highlight artisan goods perfect for post-holiday gatherings. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 5 approaches.
Platform Guide for Twelfth Night
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TwelfthNight. Share photos of your last festive decorations or traditional Twelfth Night treats.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TwelfthNight. Post reels showcasing your favorite holiday traditions or the symbolic taking down of decorations.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #TwelfthNight. Share historical facts about the holiday or discuss your favorite Shakespeare quotes from the play.
Twelfth Night Hero
William Shakespeare
History of Twelfth Night
The origin of Twelfth Night can be traced to the Eastern Church, where it was first celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The Eastern Church, also known as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is primarily found in Western Asia, Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Balkans, and the Caucasus. However, as early as the second century, Christ’s birth was celebrated in Rome on December 25.
A council of priests in Rome declared the twelve days of Christmas in the fourth century, which included Christmas Day and Epiphany. The Epiphany holiday was held to commemorate the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus in the manger. One of the motives for this proclamation, according to historians, was to assist the Roman administration in aligning its solar Julian calendar with the lunar calendars of the Eastern provinces.
In Tudor England, Candlemas (February 2) was traditionally the end of the Christmas season. But that later changed to Epiphany’s eve, which is also the Twelfth Night. The introduction of Epiphany in England led to the creation of a new season called Epiphanytide that ran from January 5 or 6 to Candlemas. In colonial America, it was a tradition to take down the Christmas decorations at the end of the 12 days of Christmas and eat any edible part of the decorations.
On February 2, 1602, William Shakespeare performed his play, “Twelfth Night or What You Will,” at Middle Temple Hall. Although the performance was on Candlemas, many believed the play was written as a Twelfth Night entertainment.
Twelfth Night timeline
Romans celebrate Christmas on December 25.
A council of Roman priests declares the twelve days of Christmas, from Christmas to Epiphany, as a sacred and festive season.
After the introduction of Twelfth Night, people in Tudor England begin celebrating a new season, Epiphanytide.
William Shakespeare performs his play of the same name on Candlemas on February 2.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Twelfth Night
Local businesses can embrace Twelfth Night by hosting themed events or offering special promotions. Bakeries can create and sell traditional King Cakes, a popular treat for the occasion, perhaps with a hidden charm. Restaurants might offer a special ‘Twelfth Night Feast’ menu featuring historical or festive dishes. Retailers can run ‘Last Chance Holiday Decor’ sales, encouraging customers to pack away their decorations and prepare for the new year. Consider partnering with local theater groups for readings of Shakespeare’s play to draw in cultural enthusiasts.
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See MoreTwelfth Night FAQs
When is Twelfth Night?
In 2027, Twelfth Night is observed on Tuesday, January 5, inviting celebrants to reflect on the holiday period. This date precedes Epiphany, a significant Christian feast.
What is the origin of Twelfth Night?
The holiday’s origins are deeply rooted in Christian tradition, signifying the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas. It’s also linked to ancient pagan festivals celebrating the end of winter and the coming of spring, blending into a unique cultural observance.
What are some common Twelfth Night traditions?
Another widespread tradition is the ceremonial removal of Christmas decorations, believed to bring bad luck if left up past Twelfth Night. Some cultures also enjoy wassailing, a practice involving singing and drinking to the health of trees and crops.
Is Twelfth Night a federal holiday?
While it holds significant historical and religious importance, Twelfth Night is not recognized with a day off from work or school. Businesses and government offices operate as usual on January 5.
Twelfth Night Activities
Throw a Twelfth Night party
Throw a Twelfth Night party the traditional way, which centers around the king cake. The centerpiece would be the king’s cake, containing a bean and a pea. The two individuals who got the slices with the bean and the pea become the party’s king and queen. You could add a twist and obligate the king and the queen to host the following Twelfth Night.
Give gifts
Even though it’s in January, Twelfth Night is still part of Christmastide. So, in the spirit of Christmas, hand out gifts to loved ones, friends, acquaintances, as well as neighbors.
Act out Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
This is a bit over the top, but it will surely make your Twelfth Night a memorable one. You would need a stage, a cast, and stage crews. You won’t have to act the entire play, just three to five scenes should be enough for your production. Your stage could be your living room and the spectators — your family and friends.
5 Amazing Facts About The Twelve Days Of Christmas
It started as a children’s game
According to many scholars, the song probably originated as a children's memory and counting game.
Catholic catechism
Due to the structure and supposed hidden meanings behind the song’s content, many people believed that the song was a way for British Catholics to teach their children about their faith in 1700s England.
It became music in the 20th century
The “Twelve Days of Christmas” became the famous Christmas carol as we know it today after it was composed by Frederic Austin.
It has numerous parodies
The Christmas carol has been parodied by many stars, musicians, movie characters, and radio personalities, including Winnie the Pooh, Fay McKay, the Chipmunks, Bob Rivers, and Sinatra.
Buying the gifts would be expensive
If you choose to purchase everything mentioned in the song lyrics, it would cost you up to $115,000.
Why We Love Twelfth Night
Every culture has its Twelfth Night traditions
Each culture across the world has its way of celebrating Twelfth Night. In New Orleans, it marks the start of the Carnival season. In France, people eat ‘Gateau des Rois’ throughout the month. In Ireland, people place the statues of the Three Kings in the crib.
Twelfth Night is part of Christmas
Contrary to many people’s thinking, Christmas does not end on December 25. It extends to January 5 or 6, depending on how you choose to count it. The fact that we still get to celebrate some kind of Christmas in January is beyond glorious. You can still sing Christmas carols, share presents, and have a great Christmas dinner with your family.
It is another opportunity to get presents
Who doesn’t love gifts? We don’t think there’s anyone who would reject a present if given one. If you didn’t get presents from the first day to the eleventh day of Christmas, here is your last chance.
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