Winter Solstice Celebration

FREE and open to the public!

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

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 Stories by the Fire—entertainment by Storyteller Sam Little 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, thanks to the support of Martin’s Grocery Store.

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

Vendors include The Boro Baking Co., offering cookies and holiday snacks for purchase, Four Sons Farm with handcrafted wool creations, and The Native Niche, featuring bird food bundles, outdoor winter decorations, and natural “solstice crowns” of winter foliage for sale. More vendors expected soon.

This year we’ll also have a raffle for chances to win one of two delightful “snowman baskets”!

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

Thank you to our lead sponsor, Steel Warehouse.

Additional support by our Today’s Horizon contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; Alma W. Oyer; Marge Kiersz; APX Enclosures; 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.

Lead sponsor is Steel Warehouse.