The Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, has inspired countless celebrations around the world for centuries. This magical time marks the rebirth of the sun and invites us to reflect on light, warmth, and togetherness. Across cultures, people have embraced the Winter Solstice with unique traditions—from bonfires and feasts to storytelling and songs.
If you’re looking for ways to honor this ancient celebration, our guide explores old traditions from various countries and new traditions to inspire your family this year. Whether you’re drawn to Pagan Yule celebrations, cozy candlelit rituals, or creative new ideas, there’s something here to make your Winter Solstice celebration meaningful and fun.
10 Old Traditions from Around the World
1. Yule Logs (Norway and Scandinavia)
In Scandinavian countries, the Pagan Yule celebration included burning a large Yule log to bring warmth and light into homes during the darkest nights of the year. The ashes of the log were believed to bring good luck and protection from evil spirits.
Today, you can honor this solstice tradition by lighting candles or enjoying a Yule log cake, a sweet nod to the old custom. This is one of our favorite family traditions we do each year. Our favorite Yule Log recipe comes from AllRecipes.
2. Saturnalia (Ancient Rome)
The Roman festival of Saturnalia was a lively Winter Solstice party honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. People exchanged gifts, decorated with greenery, and enjoyed feasts.
To recreate this Winter Solstice celebration, throw a solstice party with friends, share small gifts, and indulge in seasonal foods.
3. Dongzhi Festival (China)
Dongzhi, or the Winter Solstice festival in China, celebrates the return of longer days. Families gather to enjoy warming foods, like dumplings and tangyuan (sweet rice balls), symbolizing unity and harmony.
You can include this tradition by hosting a family meal with comfort foods, perhaps paired with a story from our Winter Wonder Weekends guide.
4. Bonfires (Ireland and Scotland)
In Celtic traditions, the Winter Solstice was marked by large bonfires to honor the rebirth of the sun. These fires symbolized purification and the return of light.
Today, you can replicate this Yule celebration with an outdoor firepit, sharing stories and songs under the stars.
5. Winter Wolf Celebration (Nordic Cultures)
Ancient Nordic cultures often honored wolves during the solstice as symbols of survival, strength, and protection during harsh winters. Families would tell stories of Fenrir, the mythical wolf, and gather as a pack to share warmth.
Celebrate this tradition by reading winter tales about wolves or crafting wolf-themed decorations.
6. Zoroastrian Shab-e Yalda (Persia/Iran)
Shab-e Yalda, or the "Night of Birth," is an ancient Persian tradition celebrating the longest night of the year. Families gather to eat red fruits like pomegranates and watermelons, symbolizing the cycle of life and rebirth.
Bring this solstice tradition into your home by serving pomegranate desserts at your Winter Solstice celebration.
7. Soyal (Hopi Nation, USA)
The Hopi people celebrate Soyalangwul (often shortened to Soyal) with prayers, storytelling, and ceremonies to mark the sun’s return. Kachina dolls are often used to teach children about Hopi spiritual beliefs.
Introduce your children to this Winter Solstice tradition by reading Hopi legends about the return of the sun.
8. Druidic (Britain)
Druids celebrated the Winter Solstice as Alban Arthan, or "Light of Winter," gathering to honor the rebirth of the sun with rituals and feasts.
Incorporate this solstice winter tradition by crafting a winter wreath or hosting a potluck with seasonal dishes, such as;
- Root Vegetable Stew: A hearty stew made with root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, turnips, potatoes, and onions reflects the seasonal harvest.'
- Winter Solstice Bread (Sun-Shaped Loaf): A decorative loaf of bread shaped like the sun celebrates the rebirth of light. Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to reflect the bounty of nature.
- Roasted Chestnuts or Nuts: Roasted chestnuts or spiced nuts are a simple and symbolic snack.
- Mulled Wine: Mulled wine made with red wine, spices, and citrus is a nod to ancient feasting traditions.
- Winter Greens Salad: A salad featuring hardy winter greens like kale, spinach, and arugula, along with dried fruits, nuts, and a simple vinaigrette.
- Traditional Meat Pies: Small meat pies or pasties filled with beef, pork, or root vegetables are satisfying and celebratory.
- Porridge with Honey and Spices: A simple, warming dish of oats or grains sweetened with honey and topped with spices or dried fruits.
- Sunwheel Cookies: Round sugar cookies decorated with yellow or orange icing to resemble the sun.
- Cranberry or Pomegranate Tart: A dessert made with seasonal fruits like cranberries or pomegranates, which symbolize life and renewal.
9. Wassailing (England)
Wassailing is an Old English tradition where people sing to orchards to encourage a good apple harvest. This Winter Solstice party tradition involved toasting with spiced cider.
Recreate this charming tradition by hosting a solstice party with warm drinks and singing.
Here is a simple wassail recipe to keep you warm all solstice long.
Traditional Wassail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey (or to taste)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole allspice
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1 fresh orange (sliced into rounds)
- 1 fresh apple (sliced into rounds)
- Optional: 1 cup brandy or rum (for adults)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and honey. Stir well to dissolve the honey.
- Add Spices: Tie the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice in a piece of cheesecloth to make a spice bag, or add them directly to the pot. Grate the nutmeg over the mixture.
- Add Fruit: Place the orange and apple slices into the pot for added flavor and decoration.
- Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 30–60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Optional Alcohol: If using alcohol, add the brandy or rum to the pot during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Strain (if needed): If you didn’t use a spice bag, strain the wassail to remove the whole spices before serving.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the wassail into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or an orange slice, if desired.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, skip the brandy or rum.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more honey or reducing the amount if the cider is already sweet.
10. Indigenous Winter Moon (North America)
Many Indigenous tribes in North America celebrate the Winter Moon with storytelling, honoring the earth’s cycles, and offering thanks.
Host a family storytelling night, focusing on nature-inspired myths and legends to connect with this meaningful solstice tradition.
5 New Traditions to Start This Year
11. Candlelit Storytelling Night
Turn off the lights and gather around candles to share stories. Choose tales about the Winter Solstice, like;
- The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits by Ulf Stark, Eva Eriksson, and Susan Bear
- The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer and Jesse Reisch
- The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson and Jan Davey Ellis
These books were a few of the books recommended for celebrating the winter solstice, and more recommendations can be found in our FREE Winter Wonders Weekends guide.
12. Solstice Lantern Walk
Create lanterns with your family using paper and mason jars, then take a nighttime walk to celebrate the beauty of winter.
This simple yet meaningful activity honors the return of the light and can be a cherished yearly tradition.
13. Solstice Resolution Jar
Instead of New Year’s resolutions, start a Solstice Resolution Jar. Have each family member write or draw something they want to let go of from the past year and something they wish to grow in the coming year.
Seal the jar, and revisit it next solstice to reflect on your progress.
14. Winter Solstice Feast
Host a Winter Solstice feast featuring foods inspired by Yule traditions worldwide.
Include saffron buns (recipe can be found in our Winter Wonder Weekends guide), hearty soups, and desserts like Yule log cakes or pomegranate tarts.
Incorporate candles and greenery for a festive touch.
15. "Wish Upon a Star" Night
Spend the longest night of the year stargazing. Teach your children about constellations visible in winter and encourage them to make wishes on stars.
Share the mythology behind constellations, such as Orion or the Pleiades, to connect with ancient solstice traditions.
How to Celebrate with Our Winter Wonder Weekends Guide
These solstice traditions are just the beginning. Our Winter Wonder Weekends guide is a FREE 152-page resource designed to make your winter magical.
With 12 weekends of activities, including storytelling, crafts, recipes, and printable games, this guide helps you connect with your family and explore seasonal traditions from around the world.
Add it to your cart and receive it instantly by email—completely free!
Make Your Winter Solstice Celebration Memorable
Whether you embrace ancient solstice traditions or create your own, the Winter Solstice is a time to gather, reflect, and celebrate. From lighting candles and sharing stories to starting new family traditions, there are countless ways to bring meaning to this special time of year.
Join us at Season to Gather for more inspiration, and don’t forget to share your solstice party moments using the hashtag #WinterWonderWeekends.
Happy Solstice, and may your winter be filled with warmth and wonder!