What Winter Solstice is

The shortest day in the northern hemisphere, when the sun reaches its lowest arc. Days begin lengthening again immediately afterwards, though the coldest weather usually follows weeks later.

Many midwinter festivals, including elements of Christmas, sit close to this point in the calendar.

When it falls, and why the date moves

The countdown at the top of this page is live, and the date beneath it is the next occurrence. This is a fixed date: it falls on the same day of the month every year, so only the weekday changes.

It is grouped here under Astronomy, alongside the other observances that share its calendar.

What is coming up next

Once this date passes, the countdown moves on according to the recurrence rule described above. Calculated lunar dates remain estimates until the relevant calendar or local authority confirms them. See the full list of upcoming events, or use the countdown timer for a duration of your own.