Boambee East Community Centre
Winter Solstice Family Festival

What is the winter solstice?

The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the point when one of Earth’s poles is tilted farthest away from the Sun. It happens once a year in each hemisphere:

• Northern Hemisphere: Around December 21st or 22nd
• Southern Hemisphere: Around June 20th or 21st

On this day, the Sun appears at its lowest point in the sky at noon, and locations near the poles experience very little daylight—or even complete darkness for 24 hours. After the solstice, days gradually begin to get longer again.

The winter solstice has been celebrated for centuries in many cultures, often as a time of renewal and hope, since it marks the return of longer days and more sunlight.