As the sun dips lower and the nights grow long, the Winter Solstice quietly marks its place in our calendar, ushering in the shortest day of the year.
In the Southern Hemisphere, this celestial event falls in late June, often passing with little fanfare. But across cultures and continents, the Winter Solstice has long been a time of reflection, ritual and renewal.
From ancient stone circles and ancient structures in Ireland and the UK that align perfectly with the solstice sun, to the quiet beauty of nature-based celebrations here in Australia, the occasion invites us to pause and welcome the return of the light.
So what exactly is the Winter Solstice, when does it happen, and how is it celebrated around the world and at home? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Winter Solstice?
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It happens when one of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun.
After the Winter Solstice, days start to get longer and the nights get shorter as we move toward spring and summer.
When is the Winter Solstice?
In Australia and the rest of the Southern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs on 21 June. However, in the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice falls on 21 December, mirroring the Southern Hemisphere’s Summer Solstice.
After the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day and shortest night of the year, the nights get longer as we inch towards winter.
The Earth is tilted on its axis, so when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted furthest away from the sun, it gets the least daylight (Winter Solstice), while the Northern Hemisphere is tilted closest to the sun, getting the most daylight (Summer Solstice).
What is the Equinox?
Oftentimes, people conflate the solstices with the equinoxes. But they are different!
The equinox is an astronomical event that also happens twice a year. However, as its name suggests, it’s when day and night are (nearly) equal in length all over the world. Its name translates from Latin to “equal night”.
It occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun, and the Sun is positioned directly above the equator. This means both hemispheres receive roughly equal amounts of sunlight.
As mentioned, there are two equinoxes a year:
- March Equinox (~March 20–21). This marks the start of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere and the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
- September Equinox (~September 22–23). This marks the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere and the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
Traditions Associated with the Winter Solstice
Around the globe, various cultures celebrate the Solstice in different ways. Ancient peoples were able to perceive that it was the longest night of the year, and the night’s lengthened afterwards. Thus, it was seen by many cultures as a kind of rebirth or return of the Sun.
In Ireland, there is a 5,200-year-old 5,200-year-old Neolithic passage tomb in the Brú na Bóinne valley in County Meath — the ancient high seat of Ireland — called Newgrange. There is an opening above the entrance which perfectly channels sunlight into the inner chamber at dawn on Winter Solstice, only for a few minutes and only on that day. It’s an architectural marvel indicating the ritual importance of dawn on Winter Solstice to the ancient Irish people. You can see it for yourself, but it’s a ticketed and a lottery event. Only a few people can fit into the small, cramped ancient space!
It’s not the only ancient structure that appears to celebrate the solstices. Stonehenge in the UK, built about 5000 years ago, aligns with both solstices. On Winter Solstice, druids, pagans, ravers, and tourists gather to greet the dawn at the stones.
To celebrate this ancient tradition, Glen Innes (NSW) has the Australian Standing Stones, a Celtic-style monument where local descendants hold solstice ceremonies at solar noon with pipers and talks on solar alignment.
Many recorded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ceremonies observe seasonal markers (like flowering plants or animal behaviours) and lunar cycles more than the solstices. Some researchers note possible structures aligned with sunrise/sunset, but there are no specific documented solstice rituals. Or haven’t been documented yet!
How can I mark the Winter Solstice?
Well, it’ll be a long night, so anything that you can do to bring the light in would be a nice way to mark the evening. How about a winter feast with friends? A bonfire, or a candlelit evening at home with loved ones. If the weather is good, what about a starlit walk? On 21 June 2025, there won’t be much moonlight as the Moon moves towards a New Moon phase. Therefore, if the skies are clear, it would be a great opportunity for stargazing!
Or what about greeting the sunrise the following day to celebrate the days slowly getting longer? A sunrise yoga or a refreshing swim could be a perfect way to celebrate the solar event.
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