Winter solstice takes place when one of the Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. When that happens, we experience the shortest number of hours of sunlight in the year.
Winter solstice marks the beginning of the winter season. After winter solstice, the days start getting longer, with a little more sunlight each day.
Winter solstice takes place on December 21, 2023.
There are several ways to celebrate winter solstice in the Triangle. Please note that one of them takes place the weekend before solstice.
Winter solstice in the Triangle
Solstice Lantern Walk in Hillsborough
The Solstice Lantern Walk in Hillsborough is the longest running lantern walk in the Triangle. It takes place on December 21st, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., on Riverwalk. You do need to register to participate, but it's free to watch.
Winter Solstice Candlelight Labyrinth Walk
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, in Smithfield, is holding a Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk on December 21st, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. The labyrinth is a place where people come to meditate, relax, pray and heal. The space is used for silent walking on a circular design that guides the walker on a path to the center and back. All are welcome.
The Magick Makers' Winter Solstice Market takes place at The Rickhouse, 609 Foster Street, Durham, NC, on December 21, 2023, from 4 to 9 p.m. It features over 50 tarot readers, healers, psychics, and vendors of crystals, art, jewelry and more.
Piedmont Wildflie Center, 364 Leigh Farm Road, Durham, NC, is holding its annual Winter Solstice Celebration on December 16th, 2023, from 4 to 6 p.m. During this relaxed outdoor event, participants will gather around the fire with new and old friends at Leigh Farm Park. Piedmont Wildlife Center will provide marshmallows, s’mores fixings, and hot beverages, and you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on the past year and set intentions for 2024.
Walk a labyrinth made of natural materials, design your own paper lantern, and enjoy a sunset walk around the park. Then warm up by visiting the Ambassador Animals in the cabin!
All ages welcome. Admission is free, though you’re encouraged to consider making a $10 donation to help support the organization’s mission of connecting people and nature.
Make Music Winter is a free event at Azure Violins, 2409 Crabtree Blvd, Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The Raleigh Uke Jam will lead a holiday-themed jam with Azure’s students. All acoustic instrument players are welcome to join along with singers, bell-ringers, and other merry-makers. Anyone can be part of the holiday cheer! Participants can obtain a song list in advance or grab one at the event. The setting will be a genuine jam, including requests from the participants and the audience.
Participants also can join the fun with boomwhackers, rhythm sticks, and egg shakers provided by Rhythm Band Instruments!
8 Labyrinths in the Triangle
Winter Solstice is a time for reflection for many people. Walk one of these 8 labyrinths in the Triangle to help you tap into the calmness of the season.