The Winter Solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the sun; in the Northern Hemisphere, that occurs every Dec. 21. It’s the shortest day of the year, which means that starting on Dec. 22, we will slowly and increasingly see a gradual lengthening of days and later sunsets. And in 2020, that’s definitely something for which to be thankful. Throughout history, the Winter Solstice has been celebrated with rituals, festivals and traditions–here are six ways to spend it in the COVID-era.
Smithsonian’s Virtual Winter Solstice Celebration
Dec. 18, 7:30-11 p.m.
Gather your friends and family (remotely) to fill your glasses and tables, dance, learn something new and usher in this year’s solstice. Events include a live set by DJ Trayze, cocktail-making demo by food writer Mary Beth Albright, cheese board building workshop and guided tasting led by DC’s Cheesemonger Studio, curator talk with James Deutsch of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage on solstice folk traditions around the world, trivia and a live tour of the winter night sky with staff from GMU’s observatory. // $15
Honoring the Winter Solstice Nature Walk
Dec. 20, 3-5 p.m.
In nature, darkness is essential for trees and plants to recharge their cycles and for animals and reptiles to get rested and replenished. Led by Beth Norcross, executive director of the Center for Spirituality in Nature, this walk at Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse explores how darkness informs our physical and spiritual beings and how it better helps us appreciate light. // 4940 Canal Road NW, Washington,DC; $20
Winter Solstice Revels
Dec. 20, 7 p.m
The Washington Revels invite you to kindle the spirit of the season and the comfort of hearth and home with this virtual performance. There will be traditional Revels singalongs, performances by their virtual choruses of adults, teens and children, the cheerful sounds of the Washington Revels Brass and a stunning rendition of the spiritual “My Lord What a Mornin’” by the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices. There are two options for tickets: one to watch live on Zoom and participate in special audience elements, or the pre-recorded option (better if you have slow or unreliable internet or the Zoom platform is uncomfortable for you.) // $35
Forest Bathing at the National Arboretum
Dec. 21, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Join a nature and forest therapy guide in this two-hour program to more deeply experience and interact with nature. Relax deeply and raise your mood, immune system and sense of coherence through forest bathing or shinrin yoku, the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses to boost immunity, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve attention and mood and hit the reset button. The walk ends with a modified tea ceremony with small pre-packaged snacks. // 2400 R St. NE, Washington, DC; $35
Dec. 21, 4:30-6 p.m.
Celebrate the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year with a walk in Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria. A naturalist will lead you on an outing into the forest and wetland at sunset, during which you can look for and listen for nocturnal wildlife. // 7315 Ox Rd., Alexandria; $8 per person
9:30 Club Presents a Virtual Solo Solstice Performance by Robin Pecknold
Dec. 21, 9 p.m.
Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes performs an acoustic set dubbed A Very Lonely Solstice Livestream, live from St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn, with a replay available through Dec. 24. // $20 plus service fees
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