Three Kings Day to Bring Extra Celebration to the Holiday Season

Hispanic Traditions Come Alive with Three Kings Visits to Walmart Stores

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – In honor of the Hispanic-themed holiday tradition, the Three Kings will be making guest appearances in more than 480 Walmart stores across the nation on Jan. 3 and 4. The Three Kings will be touring select Walmart stores in an effort to enhance the celebration that is geared to an important segment of the company’s customers.

“Walmart is committed to serving its customers’ needs and the Hispanic community by recognizing Hispanic holidays such as Three Kings Day with traditional foods, customs and products” says Laura Phillips, vice president and divisional merchandise manager of toys for Walmart. “Toys are an important gift for customers celebrating Three Kings Day. We are committed to providing affordable toys for our customers and their families to enjoy all traditions and celebrations this holiday season.”

For this extended holiday season, this year’s Three Kings toy selection includes popular toys at unbeatable prices such as the Nerf N-Strike Recon CS-6, Go Diego Tough Trike, Dora Saves the Snow Princess Dolls and Barbie Color Change Hair Mermaid, all for under $20. The Three Kings Hot Wheels 3-Pack, created especially for the holiday, Tonka® Light and Sound Firetruck, FurReal® Newborn Pup, and the Littlest Pet Shop® VIP Friend can be purchased at Walmart for under $10. And new at Walmart, the Bakugan Card Power Pack, can be purchased for just under $5. For those unsure what to get the little ones, Walmart is offering custom Three Kings gift cards this season.

The Three Kings will visit more than 480 stores on Jan. 3 and 4 at participating Walmart stores across the country. Customers will have the opportunity to meet the Three Kings in person and have a picture taken with them. Children will also be able to write their own letters to the Three Kings via a postcard template, which is available on AhorraMasViveMejor.com. The Web site will also feature a complete list of the Three Kings’ appearances nationwide; customers can search for locations and times by zip code. In addition, online users will find seasonal articles about the tradition and celebration of the Three Kings, recipes for the special occasion, plus arts and crafts ideas provided by Nick Jr., featuring Dora and Diego.

Walmart will offer Rosca de Reyes, also known as the Hispanic holiday Kings Cake. The tasty sweet Rosca, or Kings Cake, is cut and shared among friends and family, and a lucky “winner” will find a small plastic baby in his or her slice. The traditional Rosca de Reyes, produced in Mexico for this special occasion, will be offered in most stores.

The Three Kings Day tradition is celebrated throughout Latin America. Although celebrations differ in customs, Jan. 6 is the universally recognized day of the Christian holiday of the Epiphany. The story foretells the visit by the Three Kings who had followed a star in the night to bring gifts to the infant Jesus. Presently the Three Kings holiday has become a major part of many family traditions in the United States.

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local United States communities. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmart.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org.