Twelfth Night falls on January 5, the evening before Epiphany. It marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas, which run from Christmas Day to January 5 (some traditions count to January 6). For centuries, Twelfth Night was one of the merriest celebrations of the winter season in Europe, with feasting, games, music and a special cake. Today, many people still use it as the traditional day to take down Christmas decorations.
History of Twelfth Night
In medieval and Renaissance England, the Christmas season lasted twelve days, and Twelfth Night was its grand finale. Households held parties with music, dancing and plays, and people appointed a 'Lord of Misrule' to lead the fun. William Shakespeare's comedy 'Twelfth Night', written around 1601, was likely meant for performance during this festive time.
A highlight was the Twelfth cake, a rich fruitcake baked with a bean and sometimes a pea hidden inside. Whoever found the bean became king for the night, and whoever found the pea became queen. Similar traditions survive in France's galette des rois and the king cake eaten in Louisiana during Carnival season, which begins on Epiphany.
In parts of England, people went wassailing on Twelfth Night, singing to apple trees and pouring cider on their roots to encourage a good harvest. Folk tradition also says decorations should come down by Twelfth Night to avoid bad luck for the year.
Why Twelfth Night Matters
Twelfth Night offers a joyful end to the holiday season instead of an abrupt return to routine.
It connects modern celebrations to centuries-old traditions, from Shakespeare to king cakes.
It's also a practical marker: a natural day to take down decorations, recycle the tree and reflect on the season.
How to Celebrate Twelfth Night
- Bake a Twelfth cake: hide a bean inside and crown the finder.
- Take down decorations: follow the traditional timing.
- Read or watch 'Twelfth Night': enjoy Shakespeare's comedy.
- Try wassailing: sing and share warm cider with neighbors.
- Host a final holiday party: play games and enjoy leftovers.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a final holiday treat, such as a cake with a hidden prize, can wrap up the season with a smile. In classrooms, students can learn about medieval Christmas traditions, read scenes from 'Twelfth Night' or compare king cake traditions. At home, families can take down decorations together, bake a cake with a hidden bean and crown a 'king' or 'queen' for the evening. Use a large, safe token in cakes for young children, or skip the hidden item.
Fun Facts About Twelfth Night
- The Twelve Days of Christmas run from December 25 to January 5.
- Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' was written around 1601.
- Twelfth cakes hid a bean to choose a 'king' for the night.
Twelfth Night FAQs
When is Twelfth Night?
Twelfth Night is on January 5, the eve of Epiphany.
What is Twelfth Night?
It marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and was traditionally a night of feasting and games.
When should Christmas decorations come down?
Tradition says by Twelfth Night, January 5 or 6.
What is a Twelfth cake?
A rich cake with a hidden bean; whoever finds it becomes 'king' for the night.
Is Shakespeare's play about Twelfth Night?
The play's title refers to the holiday, though the story isn't about the celebration itself.
What is wassailing?
An English tradition of singing and toasting, including blessing apple orchards with cider.