There are many celebrations around the winter solstice, in every culture. Whichever one you are celebrating, may it be filled with good cheer, good food, and meaningful connection.
Here are some of the many festivals at this time of year. The return of the light and the lengthening of the days is important in nearly every culture.
- Alban Arthan (Welsh / Druid) – 21 Dec
- Blue Christmas (Western Christian) – 21 Dec
- Bridge of Light (multifaith 2SLGBTQIA)
- Brumalia (Ancient Rome) – 21 Dec
- Cæpporsæ (Ossetia) – 21 Dec
- Christmas (Christian) – 25 Dec
- Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Roman) – 25 Dec
- Dongzhi Festival (East Asia) – 21 Dec
- Festivus (secular) – 23 Dec
- Hanukkah (Jewish) – movable
- Inti Raymi (Inca) – 21 Dec
- Jolabokaflod (Iceland) – 24 Dec
- Koliada and Korochun (Slavic) – 21 Dec
- Kwanzaa (African-American) – Dec 6 to Jan 1
- Midwinter Day (Antarctica) – 21 Dec
- Romjul (Norwegian) – 27 to 31 Dec
- Sanghamitta Day (Theravada Buddhism) – 21 Dec
- Saturnalia (Ancient Rome) – 17-23 Dec
- Shab-e Yalda (Iran) – 21 Dec
- Shalako (Zuni) – 21 Dec
- St Lucia’s Day – 13 Dec
- Sunwait (Heathen) – 6 weeks leading up to solstice
- Takanakuy (Peru) – 25 Dec
- Uttarayana (India) – 21 Dec
- We Tripantu (Mapuche) – 21 Dec
- Willkakuti (Aymara) – 21 Dec
- Yaldā (Western and Central Asia) – 21 Dec
- Yule (Germanic) – 21 Dec
- Ziemassvētki (ancient Latvia) – 21 Dec
