I dreaded the arrival of winter for most of my life. The cold, dark days left me feeling claustrophobic and daydreaming of sunnier days. For years, I fled the Northern Hemisphere during the darkest and coldest months of the year, chasing warmer climates. Eventually my winter escapism caught up to me. I realized I was missing a crucial time of the year: the season we use to rest, turn inwards, and reset. Nature goes through periods of hibernation, so shouldn’t people do the same? 

And so, over the last few years, rather than running for the sun, I’ve begun to embrace winter with intention and gratitude. I’ve learned to listen to the lessons the darker, quieter days have to offer. As the official start of winter is also upon us, I encourage you to do the same. 

1. Mindful events that celebrate the longest night

Combine gentle movement with intention-setting with The Mountaineers on December 20. The entire day is primed to calm your mind and body, aligning you with the shift in seasons. Start the morning with a yoga session and chakra-aligning meditation before sinking into deep relaxation during a sound bath. After you’ve reached a state of complete bliss, top off the day with an easy urban walk. 

Embrace ritual and ease into the new season mindfully, surrounded by community, during the Longest Night celebration on December 21 at King Street Station. Aligned movement, herbal workshops, tea ceremonies, and sound baths are among the rituals that await to prepare you for the winter season. 

2. Join a solstice yoga class

At its roots, yogic culture is tied to the cycles of nature. And inherent in yogic tradition are rituals to transition into the new season. Join yoga studios around town for yoga classes specific to the winter solstice. 

Dragonfly in West Seattle is holding a special candlelit restorative yoga class the evening of December 21, while Bhakti Studio near Gas Works has crafted a solstice workshop on the same night, blending mindful movement with mandala art. Release stress and balance your energy at Blosm Studio in Lake City, which offers Kundalini yoga and a gong bath session that evening as well.

3. Walk along an illuminated pathway

To brighten the darkest day of the year, take a nighttime stroll among illuminated pathways. Several experiences across the city and beyond have created special solstice walks to bring people together in the glow of flickering lights. 

Take a self-guided stroll during the Arboretum Luminaria Walk on the evenings of December 19, 20, and 21. Wander through the path of glowing luminarias while taking in the winter scene of the gardens and sample cocktails crafted from gin with Arboretum botanicals—two drinks are included with each ticket. 

Book your spot for Astro Lumina nightly throughout December at the Seattle Chinese Garden. While not solstice-specific, the multisensory experience inspired by the cosmos will transport you to the stars with its magical, otherworldly light installations. 

If you’re up for an adventure further afield, hop on a ferry and welcome winter from the San Juan Islands. On December 21, partake in the Winter Solstice Luminary Parade on Orcas Island. Handcrafted lanterns illuminate Eastsound, while dancing and singing bring community and joy to the longest night. 

4. Go for a twilight snowshoe

Experience the magic of the mountains by dark on a twilight snowshoeing adventure. Tune into all your senses as you carefully and quietly move across crunchy snow through the dark forest beneath a sky full of stars. Make sure to pack a headlamp and research your destination ahead of time to check for weather and trail conditions. If you prefer to join a guided adventure, White Pass runs twilight snowshoe tours each Saturday leaving from the Nordic Yurt. 

5. Create personal rituals to celebrate the solstice

One of the best things about the winter solstice? The opportunity to get creative and celebrate how you wish. Take a sunset walk along your favorite local beach or park. Build a crackling fire at home and set intentions with journaling, reading, or meditation. Cook a feast and invite friends and family over for a candlelit dinner, or have a bonfire in your backyard. There’s no one way to celebrate—no matter how you choose to welcome the winter solstice, infuse the occasion with a spark of your own magic.