The fifth-annual Three Kings Day celebration drew several hundred people to Gurnee Mills on Saturday. The two-hour event included entertainment, the appearance of the Three Kings, prize raffles, and the distribution of more than 300 donated toys to children in attendance. Three Kings Day is a global religious tradition honoring the biblical story of the three wise men — Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar — who journeyed to see the baby Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The day is celebrated globally, including in Mexico, France, Russia, Greece, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Italy and in Latin America. Three Kings Day, also the Epiphany, recognizes the introduction of Jesus to humanity, marked by the arrival of the Magi. In Mexico, Three Kings Day remains a popular tradition. Children go to bed the night before, hoping their shoes are filled with gifts and sweets brought by the Magi by the next morning. On far right, standing (facing) at the check in table, is event volunteer Nancy Avila of Mundelein at the annual Three Kings Day celebration at Gurnee Mills in Gurnee on Jan. 3, 2026. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun) Gurnee’s event organizer and emcee, Jose Rodriguez, recalled that Christmas in Mexico during his childhood was, “more like a dinner with family. But Three Kings … we had to put our one shoe outside the door and in the morning when we woke up, there was something in those shoes.” “I’m going to cry,” he said, taken aback, describing his cherished memories. “This event has become a meaningful Lake County community-builder because it brings families together around a tradition that is deeply rooted in many cultures, particularly within the Latino community in Lake County,” Rodriguez said. The cutting of the holiday’s Rosca de Reyes cake, as a way to share food, was an event highlight. The sweet ring cake is often made with ingredients, including dried fruit and honey, and is similar to king cake at Mardi Gras. In a Rosca de Reyes cake, a small baby Jesus is hidden in the cake, much like the embedded baby found in a king cake. LED robot makes its way down the aisle at the annual Three Kings Day celebration at Gurnee Mills in Gurnee on Jan. 3, 2026. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun) Rodriguez found the hidden baby Jesus immediately at the event’s cake-slicing. Those who find the baby Jesus typically are expected to host a party with food, such as tamales, on Feb. 2. Called Día de la Candelaria, or Candlemas, Feb. 2 concludes the Christmas season in Mexico. By hosting the annual Three Kings Day, Gurnee Mills “and its continued commitment speak volumes about the mall’s dedication to inclusivity and cultural recognition,” he said. Aline Martinon of Waukegan, who attended the event with her daughter Meredith, 8, said, “It’s useful for her to know more about our culture … (and) the belief and that hope of trusting in somebody to get their gifts or presents.” Briana Doxsie of Lindenhurst was in attendance with her children, Derrick, 3, and Charlotte, 6. “This is a tradition I’ve had in my family since I was (Derrick’s) age or younger, and now I get to share it with them. Kissing his son Damian Hurtado, 5, a kindergartner from Waukegan, is Damian’s father Miguel Hurtado at the annual Three Kings Day celebration at Gurnee Mills in Gurnee on Jan. 3, 2026. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun) “It’s their first year doing it, seeing the kings and celebrating with others who do this tradition,” Doxsie said. Event volunteer Nancy Avila of Mundelein said the celebration means “a lot. It’s really nice to see everyone get an extra special gift and be able to celebrate some Mexican culture.” One of the Three Kings holds a piece of Rosca de Reyes cake and the baby Jesus found in the cake at the annual Three Kings Day celebration at Gurnee Mills in Gurnee on Jan. 3, 2026. (Karie Angell Luc/Lake County News-Sun) ...read more read less