Three Kings Day in U.S. Virgin Islands

Meaning and date

Three Kings Day recalls the visit of the Magi to the place where Jesus was born. The gifts associated with that account are gold, frankincense, and myrrh; the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the feast as the Epiphany of the Lord.[4]

The Virgin Islands’ legal holiday calendar names January 6 as Three King’s Day. The Government of the Virgin Islands has also listed the date as a legal holiday under Title 1 V.I.C. § 171.[1][2]

A holiday in the Crucian Christmas season

The local setting is especially visible on St. Croix, where the Crucian Christmas Festival runs from late December into early January. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism describes it as a St. Croix tradition featuring parades, music, local food, and crafts.[3]

The festival season runs from late December into early January, and January 6 is listed separately as a legal holiday.[2][3]

What closes and what to plan

Government offices close for the holiday. Official schedules have listed Three Kings Day among government office closures, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles has specifically advised customers that its offices are closed that day.[2][5]

Residents and visitors should check directly with the business, school or transport service they plan to use, especially when travelling between islands.[2][5]

The holiday beyond the Virgin Islands

Epiphany is observed in Christian traditions beyond the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its central biblical theme is the Magi’s visit to Jesus; local law gives January 6 its distinct public-holiday status in the Territory.[1][4]