6 Ways to Celebrate Winter Solstice in Vancouver

December 12, 2018
YH
ByYasmine Hardcastle
4 min read

Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 this year, but there are several events in Vancouver leading up to and on the actual day. Whether you’re celebrating the dance of the sun and the Earth, or simply the fact that it’s the longest night of the year, there’s a way for everyone to experience Winter Solstice in the city!

Indigenous Winter Solstice Dinner (Dec 14)

Photo Credit: ItzaFineDay/Flickr

Warm up with mulled wine, Indigenous song, and a full-course dinner as we celebrate the longest night of the year with Coast Salish flair. This fundraiser evening’s narratives tell the story of solstice through a First Nations perspective. Have a night with your significant other… or meet someone new! This event has a set menu with locally-sourced, Indigenous dishes. Please advise us of any dietary restrictions in advance. Tickets are $75. Purchase your tickets and find more info here.

Celebrating Solstice Discovery Walk (Dec 15)

Photo Credit: ItzaFineDay/Flickr

The chestnuts are roasting and holly has been hung. But where do these traditions originate? Explore the history and customs of mid-winter festivals on this two-hour walk. See the plants that have played pivotal roles in the traditions and decorations that we associate with the holiday season and hear stories from different cultural traditions surrounding the shortest day of the year. Tickets and more info for this outdoor learning session can be found here.

Nerd Nite 2018 Solstice Spectacular (Dec 19)

Photo Credit: ItzaFineDay/Flickr

The Fox Cabaret’s Nerd Night is bringing back it’s popular speakers from 2018, and invites you to celebrate the Solstice in tandem with your nerdiness. And perhaps play Powerpoint Roulette?! They will also have YouTube scientist Kurits Baute on hand to give a classic Nerd Nite talk! Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.

Winter Solstice Moving Meditation (Dec 20)

Photo Credit: ItzaFineDay/Flickr

In this class at Semperviva Yoga, you’ll be led through a series of movements that incorporates one of the most impactful meditations of the Kundalini Yoga Tradition to aid in breaking destructive habit patterns and addictions. Don’t let 2019 be another year of broken promises and unfulfilled intentions. Prepare for the New Year now, on this symbolic day of moving from darkness to light. Click here for registration and more info.

The 25th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival (Dec 21)

Photo Credit: ItzaFineDay/Flickr

Honouring many cultural traditions, the annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival illuminates the darkest night of the year with lanterns, fire, singing, drumming, music and dancing! Come celebrate the 25th year of this free community event with a glowing constellation of lanterns shining in four Vancouver neighbourhoods. Whether a local or a visitor, you will feel the community spirit of the occasion. More info can be found here.

Yoga Class (Various Dates/Times)

Photo Credit: ItzaFineDay/Flickr

If you’re simply wanting to find some zen on Winter Solstice, Vancouver’s yoga studios are a wonderful option. Many will have classes themed towards the change in season, and you’ll leave feeling refreshed and grounded.

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Share your #VeryVancouver Winter Solstice activities with us by tagging us @inside_vancouver on Instagram!

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