The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, signaling the official start of winter. It’s a time when the rhythm of nature invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the gradual return of the sun.

This guide delves into the astronomical meaning of the Winter Solstice and shares nine wonderful ways to celebrate this seasonal milestone with children, fostering connection and joy during this special time of year.

What is the Winter Solstice?

The Winter Solstice occurs when the North Pole is tilted the farthest away from the sun, resulting in the fewest daylight hours of the year. This celestial event typically happens on December 21st but can occasionally fall on December 20th, 22nd, or even 23rd.

Curious about the exact time of the Winter Solstice in your area? A quick internet search—“Winter Solstice time [current year]”—will give you the answer in seconds!

Though the solstice itself occurs in a single moment, we transform it into a full day of celebration. We embrace the deep darkness of winter, honoring the quiet stillness it brings, while joyfully anticipating the lengthening days to come. From this point forward, each day offers a little more light—hurrah!

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This post was update December 2024.

Celebrating Winter Solstice with your Children

The Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, has inspired celebrations across cultures and religions for millennia. If you’re looking for meaningful ways to celebrate the first day of winter with your children, here’s a list of fun and educational activities to try.

1. Go on a winter solstice stroll outside.

The Winter Solstice is an astronomical event, so what better way to honor it than by heading outside? Bundle up and take a stroll around your neighborhood or visit a local park to soak in the wintery atmosphere. If the solstice falls on a school day, enjoy a quick walk after school.

For extra magic, grab a flashlight or The Winter Solstice is an astronomical event so what better way to celebrate than to go outside. If the Winter Solstice falls on a weekday take a quick a stroll around your neighborhood or visit local park after school. If it’s dark bring a flashlight or headlamp and make it into a special nighttime adventure.

2. Explore the first day of winter with a winter scavenger hunt.

Celebrate the first day of winter by exploring nature together. Print my free Winter Nature Scavenger Hunt and head outside to search for signs of the season. From evergreen trees to frosty leaves, it’s a fun way to connect with the natural world and embrace the beauty of winter.

3. Read a picture book about the winter solstice.

The Winter Solstice is the perfect time to gather your family, cozy up under blankets, and enjoy some read-aloud time. Introduce your children to the magic of the season through stories that explore Winter Solstice traditions and themes of light and darkness.

👉 Check out my curated list of Winter Solstice Picture Books for Kids and find your next favorite read!

 4. Make a winter solstice lantern.

Lantern Festivals are a beloved tradition during the Winter Solstice, symbolizing light returning to the world. You can recreate this magic at home! Spend time with your children crafting lanterns, then host a small lantern parade around your yard or down the street.

Invite friends and neighbors to join the celebration for a community-centered moment of joy. Lanterns can be made from jars, paper, or even natural materials for a rustic touch.

• Wool felted lantern using a balloon or mason jar.
• Ice lantern.
• Paper lantern.
• Glass jar lantern using fabric, doilies, paper or kite paper.
• Tin can lantern.
• Plastic lantern using old milk jugs.

5. Decorate an outside tree with edible treats for wild animals.

Give back to nature by decorating a tree with treats for wild animals—a tradition that honors the interconnectedness of all life during the Winter Solstice. Here are some fun and easy ideas:

• Popcorn and cranberry garlands
• Sliced fruit: Oranges, apples, pears, carrots, or parsnips hung on strings
• Birdseed ornaments made with cookie cutters
• Orange birdseed cups
• Pinecone bird feeders: Rolled in peanut butter or lard, then coated in seeds

Not only will this activity help wildlife, but it will also encourage your children to observe and appreciate the creatures around them.

How to Decorate an Outdoor Tree with Treats for Wildlife

6. Bake a Yule Log CAke (Bûche de Noël).

The Yule log tradition has ancient roots, dating back to the Iron Age when families burned a specially decorated log to symbolize clearing the air and welcoming spring. While the burning tradition has faded, the delicious practice of baking Yule log cakes remains popular.

• Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël).
• Gluten Free Bûche de Noël.

7. Eat a winter solstice feast by candlelight.

Bring warmth and community to the Winter Solstice with a candlelit feast. Invite friends and family to gather and enjoy comforting, seasonal dishes. For an extra special touch, begin or end your meal with a winter-themed poem or prayer.

Simple winter-inspired recipes to try:

• Roasted butternut squash soup.
• Oven roasted chicken with lemon rosemary garlic butter.
• Roasted root vegetables.

Need more inspiration? Visit my Winter Solstice Pinterest board for ideas.

Before or after your meal say a special winter poem or prayer.

8. Make a winter spiral.

A Winter Spiral, also known as an Advent Spiral, is a cherished Waldorf tradition that symbolizes moving inward to find light in the darkness. Create a spiral on the ground using natural items like evergreen branches, pinecones, sticks, and rocks.

Children and adults alike can walk through the spiral holding a lantern or light, reflecting on the inner glow that guides us through the darkest times. Discover more about how to make your own Winter Spiral here. Learn how to make a winter spiral here.

9. Cozy up by a fire with a warm drink.

Nothing says winter coziness like gathering by a fire with a warm drink in hand. Whether it’s an outdoor bonfire or a crackling indoor fireplace, this is a perfect way to wind down and savor the season. No fire? No problem—cue up a fireplace video online for a similar vibe.

Warm drink recipes to try:

• Mull wine
• Traditional English Wassail 
• Slow Cooker Wassail 
• Kid Friendly Wassail

The Winter Solstice invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the rhythms of nature as we honor the shortest day of the year. It’s a time to find beauty in the darkness, to cherish the warmth of community, and to look forward to the growing light ahead.

Whether you’re baking a Yule log, creating lanterns, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by the fire, these traditions offer a chance to slow down and connect—with the season, with your loved ones, and with yourself.

However you choose to celebrate, may your Winter Solstice be filled with joy, light, and cozy memories that warm your heart through the coldest days. Happy Solstice! 🌲✨

Read More: 12 Ways to Make Christmas More Meaningful for Your Family