The winter solstice (or yule for pagans) occurs in the Northern Hemisphere on Friday 22nd December. It marks the longest night and shortest day of the year, and focuses upon the rebirth of the sun in Pagan lore.
The most famous celebration of the winter solstice in the UK is celebrated at Stonehenge from sunrise. This mysterious and magical monument has been a popular place to mark the changing of the seasons for the last 4,000 years. There are many other locations and winter solstice events that occur across the globe as well as many winter festivals that give us a great opportunity to embrace the winter months.
If you’re looking for a last-minute escape or just enjoy visiting countries out of season book a winter break! Observe the winter solstice or embrace the season at a winter festival. Below are some of our favourite winter holiday destinations to help you get the most out of winter.
The Karnak Temple, Egypt
Although its dry and hot for most of the year, Egypt is a comfortable place to visit in December. You can stroll along golden sands and go for a dip in the Red Sea. On December 21st, witness the winter solstice when the average temperatures are 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F). You’ll only need a lightweight jumper! To experience the winter solstice in spectacular fashion, make your way to the Karnak Temple Complex at Luxor.
The Karnak Temple is a significant historical site, which was developed between the Twelfth and Twentieth Dynasties. During that time, Egyptian pharaohs added their own structures to create the awe-inspiring complex we see today. The ancient Egyptian’s believed that it was where creation began. Today it is still seen as a place of worship. It continues to draw crowds on the 21st of December at dawn.
Don’t be mistaken. Attending the winter solstice here isn’t your average sunrise. It’s a solar alignment phenomenon. Bring your camera to capture the sun entering the Karnak Temple from the east. It’s beams run along the temple’s main axis and flood into the Holy of Holies (a sanctuary where statues of the Egyptian gods were kept). The sun will then glide up to brighten the temple of Hatshepsut (built by Queen Hatshepsut).
This astronomical phenomena out in the desert lasts for 20 minutes. Stay longer to watch Egyptian folk dances, as the sun rises in the sky.
Chester, England
Saturnalia was a winter festival that took place throughout the Roman Empire to celebrate the Roman god of farming (Saturn). It was celebrated by the Romans and took place between approximately 17th – 23rd December. Some argue that the first Christian emperor replaced Saturnalia with Christmas after he grew up celebrating Saturnalia.
In honour of Saturn, everyone (including slaves and their masters) met together at a temple to sacrifice young pigs. The other festivities included eating the pigs the next day and drinking wine. Gifts were shared and games were played, so you can see the parallels with Christmas! Outside down the streets a party atmosphere existed for all where people wore ‘party clothes’. Next, everyone watched a gladiator battle in the town.
Saturnalia was a winter festival that ran across seven days. Today, it’s celebrated by reconstructionist pagans across the world. Want to celebrate it before Christmas Day? Watch the Saturnalia Parade within the Roman city of Chester. After a spot of Christmas shopping, you can meet with the locals at Chester’s Town Hall and step back in time.
Hear Emperor Domitian deliver his speech to confirm Roman rule and watch a grand procession march down the streets, led by the Roman Deva Victrix 20th Legion. Cheer as the Legion marches past you with their flaming torches in hand. The event finishes with a fire-breathing finale. Finish your weekend in Chester with a hearty roast within one of its historic pubs found along Lower Bridge Street.
Florø, Norway
Have you ever spent New Year’s Eve in St Ives, Cornwall? You may know that the locals dress in different costumes and cheer to welcome the new year, then watch a spectacular fireworks display! In Norway, within the western down of Florø the locals take their dressing up a stage further. A winter carnival called Kjippen – the Carnival of the New Year is celebrated on New Year’s Eve. It began in the 19th Century as a protest against unjust wages. Having kept this spirit there is often a spirit of rebellion with satirical undertones. Having said that, overall it is a colourful and vibrant spectacle.
Instead of fireworks at midnight – people dress as colourful characters and parade past Florø’s pretty chocolate box houses. Whether on foot or upon a lit-up float, each character carries a satirical message on a poster. You may want to do your homework beforehand to understand the jokes! Throughout the evening, pop-up street performers take turns to entertain the crowds. Then, all the characters meet to burn their placards on a blazing bonfire.
This carnival may be unusual. However, this creative tradition adds colour to Florø’s streets in winter as a unique attraction for locals and tourists. As it is far enough North, you could combine it with a winter break in Norway to witness the colourful Northern Lights. View our Norway Holidays blog to learn more.
Scotland
Scotland is worth a visit at any time of the year, if you like to admire mountainous landscape and sample rich cuisine. However, why not visit from New Year’s Eve or the second week of January? Darkness may fall in the Shetland Islands by 3pm but on the east coast of Scotland, unique mid-winter fire festivals take place!
On New Year’s Eve welcome a new year by travelling to Stonehaven, south of Aberdeen. Here, a Fireball Ceremony (pagan purification ritual) takes place. Hear the sounds of pipes and drums and watch a blaze of fireballs whizz above the heads of folk who parade down the street carrying them. The event comes to a close as the fireballs (the ghost of the old year), are flown into the sea at Stonehaven Harbour.
Then on the 11th of January, join the people of Burghead to celebrate the new year (once again) for the The Burning of the Clavie. These celebrations start by setting a cask (split in two) alight full of staves. It is carried throughout the town, closely followed by crowds – towards Doorie Hill (the battlements of an ancient fort). The cask then sits up to be refuelled and admired by all as its light dims and burns out. Then it rolls down the hill and everyone rejoices. Take a piece of the smouldering Clavie home – thought to bring good luck in the coming year!
This event has taken place since the 1750’s. Since this time, Burghead’s locals have celebrated New Year’s Eve twice a year to rebel against the new Gregorian calendar, which changed to start 11 days earlier than their original New Year’s Eve celebrations. In saying that, the origins of this traditional winter festival in Scotland may well be older. You’d have to ask a local to be certain…
Ottawa, Canada
In 1979, Ottawa’s first winter festival called Winterlude took place. Since its inception, Winterlude’s aim has been to celebrate Canada’s unique northern culture and climate – after the organisers were inspired by their Canadian ancestors who regularly met together in winter. So, the Winterlude Winter Festival was born!
Today, Winterlude is North America’s best winter festival. The free event (organised by 800 volunteers) takes place across the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau in Quebec (Canada’s French province). Experience the festival for yourself during the first three weekends in February. The festival’s activities include connecting with local indigenous people and admiring world‑class ice sculptures (the majority created during the Winterlude National Ice‑Carving Championship) alongside a cultural program.
Travelling with youngsters? Have fun playing in a snow playground dubbed ‘Snowflake Kingdom’ in Jacques-Cartier Park, Gatineau. Also, look out for obstacle races, mazes, Olympic sports, and acoustic shows within this winter wonderland. Canada never fails to provide a blanket of snow in winter. So, this place should be a hit. Youngsters (and those young at heart) will also find winter sports such as tube sliding or skating at the nearby historical skate rink. This just happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Rideau canal and is open for leisure craft outside of the winter months.
Travel insurance for winter holiday destinations
Will you be booking a holiday during the winter months? Discover the best of winter by witnessing the winter solstice, fire displays, ice sculptures or snow but don’t forget to take Free Spirit Travel Insurance. Suitable for winter holiday destinations – both sides of the Atlantic – travel, with confidence this winter.
Plus, if you wish to participate in an array of winter sports wear the appropriate clothing and add winter sports to your policy before heading out in the snow.