December 21

Winter Solstice

Let's welcome the longest night of the year with cozy blankets, warm drinks, and a little bit of magic on Winter Solstice.

Yearly Date
December 21
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the shortest day and longest night of the year on December 21, also known as Winter Solstice! This astronomical phenomenon has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history as a time for reflection, renewal, and hope for the coming year. It marks the official start of winter and is often associated with traditions such as lighting candles or bonfires, exchanging gifts, and feasting with loved ones. So bundle up, gather around a warm fire, and embrace the magic of this special day.

Winter Solstice Timeline

3000 BCE
Stonehenge Built
Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in England, was built around this time, with its main axis aligned to the setting sun of the winter solstice.
200 BCE
Chinese Winter Solstice
The Dongzhi Festival, a Chinese celebration of the winter solstice, dates back to the Han Dynasty. Dongzhi means "the extreme of winter".
45 BCE
Julian Calendar Debut
The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar, made December 25 the winter solstice, which was later set to December 21.
1300s
Yule Logs Originated
The tradition of burning the Yule log, in celebration of the winter solstice and Yule, is traced back to Medieval Europe.
1800s
Saturnalia Festival End
The ancient Roman Saturnalia festival, which coincided with the winter solstice, ceased to be celebrated in the late 1800s.
1980
Modern Solstice Celebrations
In recent years, winter solstice celebrations have gained popularity, incorporating modern customs with ancient traditions.

How to Celebrate Winter Solstice

1

Host a Winter Solstice party

Gather your friends and family for a festive celebration of the longest night of the year. Decorate with warm, cozy lights and serve traditional winter solstice foods like roasted root vegetables and mulled wine.

2

Create a winter solstice ritual

Take time to reflect and set intentions for the upcoming year by creating a personalized winter solstice ritual. This could include lighting candles, meditating, or writing down your goals and wishes for the new year.

3

Go stargazing

On the longest night of the year, take advantage of the dark skies and go stargazing. Bundle up in warm blankets and admire the beauty of the stars while sipping on hot cocoa.

4

Make winter solstice crafts

Get creative and make winter solstice-themed crafts to decorate your home. This could include making sun or moon ornaments, painting pinecones, or creating a winter solstice wreath.

5

Attend a winter solstice festival

Check your local events calendar for any winter solstice festivals or celebrations happening in your area. These events often include music, food, and activities to commemorate the changing of the seasons.

Why We Love Winter Solstice

A

Celebrating the changing of the seasons

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern hemisphere, and is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the power of nature. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing change.

B

Opportunity for self-reflection

As the days grow colder and darker, many people find themselves turning inward and reflecting on their lives. The Winter Solstice offers a chance to pause and consider our personal growth, hopes, and dreams, as well as let go of any negative energy from the past year.

C

Traditional celebrations and customs

Throughout history, cultures around the world have celebrated the Winter Solstice with different traditions and rituals. From bonfires to feasts to festivals, it's a time to come together with loved ones and embrace community, warmth, and light during the dark winter months.

Winter Solstice Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Dec 20
Wednesday
2024
Dec 20
Friday
2025
Dec 20
Saturday
2026
Dec 20
Sunday
2027
Dec 20
Monday