The Winter Solstice, aka the Hibernal or December Solstice
The Winter Solstice, December 21 this year, is the day with the fewest hours of daylight and the longest night of the year. Unlike the Summer Sailstice, only the hardiest of sailors will be sailing to mark the Winter Solstice.
Also called the hibernal solstice, in the Northern Hemisphere it can fall on December 20, 21, 22, or 23, and on that date we’ll have our shortest day and longest night of the year. Although we'll celebrate it all day long, the solstice is actually the moment in time when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn. For the Northern Hemisphere it will occur at 4:48 p.m. Eastern Standard Time this year.
The term comes from the Latin solstitium, meaning the sun stands still. In the northern hemisphere the winter solstice is also the start of the winter season for astronomers and scientists. Interestingly, meteorologists call December 1 the first day of winter. This is because astronomical winters are determined by the Earth's orbit around the sun, while meteorological winters are the three calendar months with the lowest average temperatures.
Scroll down for local outdoor events to mark the Winter Solstice.
How much daylight will we get?
On this day in the Chesapeake region, we’ll get about nine and a half hours of sunlight. Contrast that with Fairbanks, AK, which will get less than four hours of light. Also this day, the sun’s daytime maximum elevation is at its lowest. In some parts of Alaska and elsewhere the sun will barely get higher than the horizon. Beginning December 22, the days will start getting longer, but did you know that the rate at which the hours of daylight increase isn't the same everywhere? It depends on the latitude of your location. Northern latitudes will experience a more rapid increase in daylight hours compared to more southern latitudes.
The earliest sunset and latest sunrise dates are not the same as the Winter Solstice.
In fact, the earliest sunset in our area has already occurred. It happened December 7, and the latest sunrise hasn't happened yet. More on why the latest sunrise and earliest sunset aren't on the solstice.
Many cultures, past and present, celebrate festivals and holidays near the Winter Solstice.
Saturnalia was an ancient Roman solstice celebration. St. Lucia’s Day is a traditional festival of lights in Scandinavia honoring St. Lucia, one of the earliest Christian martyrs; the Feast of Juul was a pre-Christian festival observed in Scandinavia at the time of the December solstice. Fires symbolized the returning sun. A Yule or Juul log was brought in and burned on the hearth in honor of the Scandinavian god Thor. Dong Zhi is the Chinese celebration of the winter solstice, meaning “Winter Arrives.” Shab-e Yalda marks the longest night of the year for Iranians all over the world who celebrate the ancient Persian celebration of the triumph of Mithra, the Sun God, over darkness.
Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, which falls on December 25. In Guatemala on this day, Mayan Indians honor the sun god they worshipped long before they became Christians with a dangerous ritual known as the Polo Voladore, or “flying pole dance.” And in Wiltshire, England, people descend on Stonehenge for the winter solstice because it is aligned on a sight-line that points to the winter solstice sunset.
Local Winter Solstice Events:
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice
Carroll Creek Park in Frederick, MD, has a floating lighted boat display from November through March. Boats can be viewed day or night. They are anchored in Carroll Creek, between Market Street and Carroll Street. This is a competitive fundraiser for many good causes. Each dollar donated equals one vote. The boat with the most votes receives the Sailing Through the Winter Solstice trophy.
Hike to the Potomac River at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington, VA, December 21 from 4 to 5 p.m. This event is free but registration is required. Contact Halley at (703) 228-3403 or [email protected].
Fort Smallwood Park Solstice Walk
On the afternoon of December 21, meet at the Cedar Pavilion in Fort Smallwood Park, Pasadena, MD, to take a twilight winter solstice walk. The guided walk concludes with a warm drink and winter book recommendations for all ages. This is a free program, but registration is required.
Winter Solstice Walk at Wetlands Overlook Park
The North Beach Community Conservation program will offer a woodland solstice walk on December 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Wetlands Overlook Park located in North Beach, MD. Please dress for the weather.
Five Winter Solstice Hikes in Pocahontas State Park
On the shortest day of the year, a series of ranger-led hikes will be offered at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, VA. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome.
