Epiphany Day, or the “Three Wise Men” as the holiday is called in Catholicism, marks the official finale of the Christmas holidays and is also the end of the Rough Nights. While in other countries, such as Spain, the presents are only now being distributed, the big celebrations are already over here, or so they think. But in Munich you don’t have to let the holiday simply pass you by, you can take advantage of one of the many offers that take place on the day.
The carol singers are out and about again
Probably the best-known and most widespread tradition on January 6 is the carol singers. Dressed up as the three kings Casper, Melchior and Balthasar, they go from house to house and bring you a serenade. They collect donations for the archdiocese to benefit children all over the world. They will also bless your house and write “20*C+M+B*26” in chalk on your door.
If you don’t want to just sit at home twiddling your thumbs waiting for the carol singers, you can also go to the Epiphany play in Nymphenburg Palace Park instead. At 3pm and 4:30pm, the Protestant youth will perform their play for you and also ask you as spectators to bring a light. Light is a good keyword, because the Christmas tree at Marienplatz will be lit up for the last time on Epiphany.
Forest Christmas in the park and the first Schäffler dance
If you’re already looking for the magic of the Christmas holidays, you should stop by the English Garden on January 6. The Three Wise Men will be celebrating Christmas in the woods, including the kings themselves, angels and a donkey. A trombone choir will provide the right background music. It starts at 3:30 pm at the Gunezrainer bridge.
Of course, the traditional Schäffler dance is a must in Munich. This dance has its origins in the Munich guild of barrel makers and spread from here to other regions of Bavaria from 1830. This dance only takes place every seven years and in 2026 it will finally happen again. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the Schäffler in their eye-catching red jackets presenting their figures in the city’s public squares. Otherwise, you’ll have to make do with the carillon on Marienplatz until 2033 before you get to see real Schäfflers again. You can watch the Schäffler dance on Epiphany at 2 pm on Marienplatz.