Winter Solstice Celebration 2026

FREE and open to the public!

Buttonwood Nature Center is hosting its seventh annual Winter Solstice Celebration.

Location for this event is to be announced.

The winter solstice is the longest night—or shortest day—of the year, and typically falls around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. After the solstice, the days get gradually longer. Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this astronomical occurrence and celebrated the “return of the sun” in a variety of ways.

“Again this year, we are having our celebration on the very day of the solstice, December 21, so we can all experience ‘the shortest day’ together,” said Jessica Watson, Buttonwood assistant director and event organizer.

The solstice event is a family-friendly celebration of the season, and includes entertainment by a storyteller around a winter bonfire.

Other activities for kids include making garlands of popcorn, berries and edible ornaments for animals, and a winter-related craft.

Fire pit stations provide warmth—plus a Hot Chocolate Station.

Members of the Tri-State Astronomers club will be on hand with telescopes to view the celestial features of the winter sky.

Vendors for 2026 will be announced later. 

For questions, email us at Jessica@buttonwoodnaturecenter.org. The entire event is outdoors, so dress accordingly.

Last year our lead sponsor was Steel Warehouse.

Additional support by our Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; the late Alma W. Oyer; Mary Marshall Buckey in memory of her parents, the late George and Marty Buckey; Marge Kiersz; Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson; and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin. Facility support courtesy of Washington Township.