While it’s common for travelers to center their winter getaways around Christmas festivities, there’s so much more to enjoy during a December adventure. Numerous events and destinations pay homage to the winter solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
In ancient times, the Romans celebrated the winter solstice with Saturnalia, an event dedicated to Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. This festive occasion brought together family and friends for indulging in food, drink, and gift exchanges. Ring any bells?
A winter solstice journey also provides an excellent opportunity to embrace “slow tourism,” a practice that encourages slowing down to appreciate the surroundings while making eco-friendly choices. Intrigued? Explore some of the most enticing winter solstice celebrations worldwide for your next international adventure.
Neolithic Monuments — England and Ireland
Newgrange, Ireland
Travelers seeking an extraordinary winter solstice experience should consider visiting Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland. At Stonehenge, visitors gather in the chilly pre-dawn hours to witness a breathtaking moment: the sun rising and setting in perfect alignment with the ancient stones. This alignment, deeply rooted in history, offers a glimpse into how our ancestors understood and celebrated celestial events. The atmosphere is electric, as people of all ages and backgrounds share in the awe of this timeless event.
Just a short journey away, in Ireland, the Newgrange monument offers an equally mesmerizing solstice event. This ancient passage tomb, dating back over 5,000 years, is aligned precisely with the winter solstice sunrise. A passage tomb is a type of ancient burial structure consisting of a narrow passage made of large stones leading to one or more burial chambers covered by a mound or cairn, often aligned with astronomical events.
A select few, chosen by lottery, experience the sunlight slowly creeping through the passage, illuminating the inner chamber. Outside, onlookers revel in the anticipation and marvel at the ancient wisdom embedded in stone. Both Stonehenge and Newgrange offer not just a journey through beautiful landscapes but also a profound connection with the past, making them must-visit destinations for those chasing the magic of the winter solstice.
Arts Festivals — Reykjavik, Iceland
Northern Lights, Reykjavik, Iceland
In Reykjavik, the winter solstice is a time of profound beauty and cultural celebration, marked by the ethereal charm of limited daylight. As the shortest day of the year approaches, Iceland’s capital transforms into a haven of warmth and festivity against the backdrop of extended twilight. The solstice in Reykjavik is not just about the return of longer days but also a celebration of resilience and community spirit. Cultural events, including music and art festivals, illuminate the city, creating a vibrant contrast to the long, dark nights.
Traditional Icelandic Yule Lads folklore adds a whimsical touch, with each of the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas bringing a different Yule Lad into town, much to the delight of children. The unique blend of natural wonder, with the possibility of Northern Lights dancing across the sky, and the warmth of cultural festivities makes Reykjavik during the winter solstice a mesmerizing and deeply engaging experience for visitors and locals alike.
Tōji Traditions — Japan
Capybara soaked in yuzu
In Japan, the Tōji celebration, marking the winter solstice, is steeped in centuries-old traditions that blend wellness, spirituality, and community. This ritual involves bathing in hot springs or baths infused with yuzu, a fragrant citrus fruit. Originating in the Nara period (710-794 CE), this practice, known as Yuzuyu or Yuzuburo, is rooted in the Japanese belief in the purifying and healing properties of yuzu. The fruit’s aromatic oils are said to guard against colds, improve skin health, and relax the mind.
The Japanese also celebrate Tōji with the lighting of bonfires, a practice echoing the ancient belief in fire’s power to repel evil spirits and invite good fortune. These fires, known as Tōji-no-Hi, are more than just a source of warmth; they symbolize the welcoming of the sun’s return and the renewal of life.
Lantern Festival — Vancouver, B.C.
Lantern festival, Vancouver
The Lantern Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a radiant highlight for visitors in December, particularly on Granville Island and Yaletown. This enchanting event, coinciding with the winter solstice, transforms the cityscape with a kaleidoscope of lanterns, casting a warm, inviting glow against the short, dark days of winter. Originating as a grassroots celebration, the festival has blossomed into a beloved annual tradition, drawing locals and tourists alike.
As you wander through the illuminated streets, you’ll be captivated by an array of fire performances that light up the night with mesmerizing skill and artistry. The air is filled with the sounds of diverse musical acts, ranging from traditional melodies to contemporary tunes, creating a lively soundtrack to the festivities. Engaging storytelling sessions offer a glimpse into various cultures and traditions, while lantern-making workshops invite participants of all ages to create their own light-filled masterpieces.
St. Lucia’s Day — Scandinavia
Homemade Swedish lussekatter or lussebullar buns
Scandinavians observe the winter solstice on December 13 — the longest day of the year according to the Julian calendar — through St. Lucia’s Day. This regional celebration blends pre-Christian and Christian traditions to create a festival honoring the season’s beauty. St. Lucia, a Christian martyr, sacrificed her life to feed starving Christians in Roman times. The modern celebration pays homage to Norse heritage with the Festival of Lights, symbolizing light prevailing over darkness. St. Lucia’s Day also marks the official beginning of the winter season, featuring traditional spiced wine, yule logs, and all the hallmarks of a Scandinavian holiday.
Inti Raymi — Peru
Inti Raymi celebration, Peru
Inti Raymi, meaning “sun festival” in Quechua, is a vibrant celebration in Peru, held annually in June to honor the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. This festival pays homage to Inti, the Inca sun god, and reflects the enduring legacy of the Inca civilization, particularly in Cuzco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire. Originating in the 15th century during the reign of Pachacuti, the founder of the Inca Empire, Inti Raymi was a religious ceremony that reinforced the authority of the Inca and the veneration of Inti.
While the ancient practice of llama sacrifices has thankfully ceased, modern-day celebrations include symbolic mock sacrifices, a respectful nod to the Inca’s rituals. These reenactments are part of a larger, elaborate theatrical performance involving hundreds of actors, dressed in vividly colorful traditional costumes, who depict historical Incan ceremonies and dances. The festival culminates in Sacsayhuamán, an ancient Inca ceremonial fortress overlooking Cuzco, drawing thousands of spectators, both Peruvians and international visitors.
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The Fires of Lohri — India
The Fires of Lohri, Gurgaon, India
The Fires of Lohri, a vibrant festival in northern India, is traditionally celebrated on January 13, marking the end of winter and serving as a prelude to the Makar Sankranti festival, which honors the sun deity Surya. While originally aligned with the winter solstice, Lohri has evolved to occupy its own spot in the Indian calendar, symbolizing the return of longer days. The festival is particularly known for its homage to the fire and sun gods, embodying the essence of warmth and light.
On Lohri night, communities come together to build grand bonfires, a ritual that serves as the centerpiece of the celebration. These fires, lit in open spaces, symbolize the sun’s energy and are believed to bring prosperity and fertility. People gather around the bonfires, throwing puffed rice, popcorn, and other munchies into the flames, sharing treats like peanuts, and savoring gajak, a traditional sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery.
FAQs:
Q: Do these events require tickets or reservations?
A: Some events, like Newgrange’s winter solstice viewing, require advance booking or a lottery system. Others, like celebrations in Reykjavik, are more open. Always check event websites for the latest information on tickets and reservations.
Q: What kind of weather should I expect, and how should I dress?
A: Expect cold and possibly wet weather for most Northern Hemisphere destinations in December. Warm, waterproof clothing is essential. For Southern Hemisphere celebrations like Inti Raymi, prepare for cooler temperatures in the evening.
Q: Are these events suitable for children?
A: Most solstice celebrations are family-friendly, but it’s important to consider late-night activities and crowds. Festivals like the Lantern Festival in Vancouver offer more child-centric activities.
Q: What are the local customs or etiquette I should be aware of?
A: Research and respect local customs, especially at culturally significant events like Inti Raymi. In Japan, for example, be mindful of onsen etiquette during Yuzuyu.
Q: Can I participate in the traditions, or are they only for locals?
A: Most solstice celebrations welcome visitor participation. However, certain rituals, like mock sacrifices in Inti Raymi, are performed by designated individuals. Always observe with respect and follow local guidelines.
Know of any other cool winter solstice celebrations around the world? Let us know in our comments section below!
