The winter solstice is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted the farthest away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and closest to the sun in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstice usually takes place on December 20 or 21.
For centuries, the winter solstice has been celebrated by many cultures around the world, and often symbolizes a time of rest and renewal. Holidays like Yule (Germanic & Scandinavian), Shab-e Yalda (Persian), and Saturnalia (Roman) continue to be observed today. You can celebrate the solstice by sharing a meal with family, exchanging gifts, and lighting a candle for the longest night of the year. Learn more about the winter solstice with your little one by browsing titles from our collection:
- A Coyote Solstice Tale by Thomas King (also available on Hoopla) – Coyote is having a celebration with friends when an unexpected visitor arrives.
- The Last Pomegranate by F. Nakhaei – An Iranian folk tale about Shabe Yalda, the Persian celebration of the winter solstice.
- Shortest Dayby Susan Cooper – A poem about the winter solstice.
- Special Gifts by Cynthia Rylant – Three cousins stay busy during winter break by learning to sew, documenting their adventures together, and helping prepare for a winter solstice party with their Aunt Lucy.
- Weiwei's Winter Solstice: A Dongzhi Story by Michelle Jing Chan – Weiwei celebrates Dongzhì—the winter solstice—in a new home and discovers that warmth can be found through togetherness, even when you’re surrounded by snow.
- Winter: A Solstice Story by Kelsey E. Gross – A story about animal friends coming together for the longest night of the year.
- Winter Light by Aaron Becker – Learn about winter traditions while exploring the light and colors of the season.
- Winter Solstice Wish by Kate Allen Fox – A community comes together to celebrate the longest night of the year at the local garden.
Interested in learning more about the night sky? Check out a Stargazing Kit from the library—equipped with a telescope, guide books, and a star-finding wheel—to take a closer look at the wonders above!