Winter Solstice Celebration

FREE and open to the public!

The Institute is hosting their fourth annual Winter Solstice Celebration. The winter solstice is the longest night—or the shortest day—of the year, and falls on December 21 this year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this important astronomical occurrence and celebrated the “return of the sun” in a variety of ways. After the solstice, the days get gradually longer. 

The Institute’s solstice event is a family-friendly celebration of the season, and features winter folktale storyteller Bruce Rowland (at 4:30), hands-on solstice activities for children including making garlands of popcorn and berries and edible ornaments for animals, live music, fire-pit warming stations, and hot chocolate stations (hot chocolate courtesy of Martin’s Foods of Waynesboro).

Members of the Tri-State Astronomers club will be on hand with telescopes for opportunities to view the celestial features of the winter sky.