The Best Places to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

The winter solstice brings the longest night of the year to the Northern Hemisphere, and with it comes a powerful moment that cultures have honored for thousands of years. On December 21, the light begins to return slowly, and the world feels a little more magical.

For travelers, it is the perfect reason to seek out places filled with ancient traditions, glowing candlelit festivals, and natural wonders that shine at their brightest in winter. From the Arctic Circle to the Egyptian desert, these destinations offer a chance to witness something unforgettable. Here are some of the best places to celebrate the winter solstice in 2025.

1. Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard is one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth, and winter here is as dramatic as it gets. The solstice arrives during the polar night, when the sun never rises and the sky stays dark around the clock. The darkness gives everything a dreamlike feel, and even daily routines become surreal.

Travelers come for the deep quiet, the frozen landscapes, and the rare chance to see the northern lights at any hour of the day. Dog sledding, snowmobile trips, and watching the moonlight hit the glaciers turn this remote archipelago into a once in a lifetime winter escape.

2. Stonehenge, England

Stonehenge remains one of the most famous places on Earth to experience the solstice. As the sun rises, the light aligns perfectly with the stones, filling the monument with a warm golden glow. The moment feels ancient and intentional, even though the true purpose of the structure is still a mystery.

Crowds gather before dawn to sing, dance, play drums, and celebrate the return of the light. The atmosphere is joyful and spiritual. For many visitors, it feels like stepping into a ritual that has existed for centuries.

3. Brighton, England

Brighton lights up the darkest day of the year with a festival known as Burning the Clocks. Locals create handmade lanterns decorated with clock designs, then carry them through the streets in a glowing parade that ends at the beach. The lanterns are placed on a large bonfire to represent the passing of the year.

The celebration blends art, community, and renewal. It offers the perfect escape from winter gloom and gives travelers a cozy seaside experience with the added sparkle of a meaningful tradition.

4. St Lucia’s Day in Scandinavia

Across Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, St Lucia’s Day marks the arrival of the solstice with glowing candles, warm baked treats, and a deep sense of comfort. Entire towns glow with soft light as children dressed in white sing traditional songs.

The holiday blends folklore, spirituality, and family traditions. Winter is long and dark here, but St Lucia’s Day brings brightness in the most peaceful way. Visitors who brave the cold are rewarded with one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful seasonal celebrations.

5. Karnak Temples, Luxor, Egypt

Few places capture the solstice as dramatically as the Karnak Temple complex. At sunrise on the solstice, the sun aligns perfectly with the ancient sanctuary of Amun Ra, filling the stone corridors with golden light.

It is a breathtaking moment that connects the present to a piece of history that stretches back thousands of years. Travelers describe the experience as powerful and almost unreal. It is one of the most impressive examples of ancient engineering linked to the sun.

6. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik may only have a few hours of daylight during the solstice, but the city feels alive with celebration. Locals embrace the season with candlelit walks, concerts, long meals, and a warm sense of community.

Low light creates ideal conditions for northern lights sightings, and the city’s colorful streets look even more charming under the soft winter sky. Visitors often leave with lasting memories of a night that feels both festive and peaceful.

7. Choimus Festival, Kalash Valleys, Pakistan

Deep in the Hindu Kush mountains, the Kalash people celebrate the winter solstice with the Choimus Festival. It is one of the most unique cultural events in the world. The celebration lasts several days and features dancing, singing, bonfires, and local wine.

The Kalash community is small and their traditions are rare. Travelers who attend experience an intimate, authentic celebration that feels far removed from modern tourism. It is a chance to witness an endangered culture and take part in a ceremony that has survived for generations.

Why the Solstice Is Worth Traveling For

The winter solstice invites us to pause, look upward, and embrace a moment that humans have honored since ancient times. Whether you choose a polar night in Svalbard, a glowing sunrise in Egypt, or a candlelit festival in Scandinavia, there is a solstice celebration that fits every travel style.

Here are a few more inspiring seasonal travel stories you may want to explore next:

• Top 10 Celebrity Winter Getaways
• Christmas By the Sea: U.S. Towns That Sparkle in the Winter Light
• The Quiet Magic of Winter in Ireland
• The Most Christmas-Obsessed Towns in America You Need to See for Yourself
• 15 Beautiful Caribbean Islands That Will Transport You to Paradise