Epiphany 2027 falls on Wednesday, January 6, 2027. In the United States, most Catholic dioceses celebrate it on Sunday, January 3, 2027, because the U.S. bishops moved the feast to the Sunday between January 2 and 8.
When Is Epiphany 2027?
Epiphany 2027 is on Wednesday, January 6, 2027, the traditional date used by Anglicans, Lutherans, and many other Christians. Catholics in the United States observe the feast on Sunday, January 3.
Here are the key dates around the feast:
- Tuesday, January 5, 2027: Twelfth Night, the eve of Epiphany.
- Wednesday, January 6, 2027: Traditional date of Epiphany.
- Sunday, January 3, 2027: Epiphany in the U.S. Catholic Church.
- Sunday, January 10, 2027: The Baptism of the Lord, which ends the Christmas season for Catholics.
- Tuesday, January 19, 2027: Theophany for Orthodox churches that use the Julian calendar.
What Day Is Epiphany 2026? (And Why the Date Differs)
Epiphany 2026 was Tuesday, January 6, 2026. U.S. Catholics celebrated it on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
The date on the calendar is always January 6, but the weekday changes each year. The Catholic transfer to Sunday explains why two dates appear in search results. If you were looking for Epiphany 2026, it has already passed, and the next one is January 2027.
How Is the Date of Epiphany Determined?
The date is fixed at January 6, which falls 12 days after Christmas Day on December 25. The Christmas season then runs through the Baptism of the Lord.
Before 1969, the Catholic Church always observed Epiphany on January 6. In the United States, the bishops moved it to Sunday in 2011 so more parishioners could attend. Catholics worldwide number about 1.4 billion, according to the Vatican’s statistical yearbook, and practices differ by country.
The Orthodox Church celebrates the Baptism of Christ as Theophany. Churches on the Julian calendar observe it on January 19 in the Gregorian calendar.
Also see: Easter Monday 2027 Dates: Is It a Holiday?
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is Epiphany 2027?
Epiphany 2027 is Wednesday, January 6, 2027. U.S. Catholics celebrate it on Sunday, January 3, 2027.
When is Epiphany 2026?
Epiphany 2026 was Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with the U.S. Catholic observance on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Why is Epiphany celebrated on January 6?
January 6 is 12 days after Christmas. The date dates to early Christian practice, when the feast was already observed in the East.
Is Epiphany the same as Christmas?
No. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. Epiphany celebrates his manifestation to the Magi and, in Eastern churches, his baptism.
What are the 12 days of Christmas?
They run from December 25 through January 5, ending on the eve of Epiphany.
Key Takeaways
- Epiphany 2027 is on Wednesday, January 6, 2027.
- U.S. Catholics celebrate on Sunday, January 3, 2027.
- The feast marks the visit of the Magi and the revelation of Christ to all nations.
- Common traditions include chalking the door, king cake, and Three Kings Day gifts.
Sources
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (usccb.org), liturgical calendar and Epiphany readings
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 528 and 529
Also see: Holy Week 2027 Calendar