Winter Solstice 2026
Cultural · Global
Shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere
About Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice around December 21–22 is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It has been celebrated for millennia with festivals of light, including Yule (Germanic), Dongzhi (Chinese), and Shab-e Yalda (Iranian).
Traditions & Customs
- Yule log (Germanic)
- Dongzhi festival (Chinese)
- Shab-e Yalda (Iranian)
- Stonehenge sunrise gathering
- Winter festivals
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Winter Solstice in 2026?
Tuesday, 22 December 2026 In India Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30), the holiday begins at midnight (12:00 AM IST) on this date.
What is Winter Solstice?
The Winter Solstice around December 21–22 is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It has been celebrated for millennia with festivals of light, including Yule (Germanic), Dongzhi (Chinese), and Shab-e Yalda (Iranian).
Is Winter Solstice a public holiday in India?
Winter Solstice is observed in Global.