The Winter Solstice marks the one day a year with the shortest period of daylight and longest night. This year, the astronomical phenomenon occurs on December 21st and South Carolina is celebrating with events that will light up your soul in all that darkness. Here are a few ways you can celebrate in the Palmetto state!
1. The Light in Me Honors and Recognizes the Light in You: A Cafe Conversation, Greenville
Get cozy at West End Coffee Shoppe with reflection and conversation surrounding the themes of light and illumination. The Center for Spiritual Living is hosting the event to honor all paths and celebrate how we honor and share the light within ourselves on the day we are furthest from the sun. From 2pm to 3pm, all religions and philosophies can come together. Register here!
2. Winter Solstice Celebration and Artisan Market, North Charleston
Sanfu Brewing Company in North Charleston is hosting a Winter Solstice party you won’t want to miss! If you are in the lowcountry foe the holidays, stop by for craft brews, local artisan goods, live music and food from Greekin’ Out and Sabor CubaRican Cuisine. They’re even having beer and cookie pairings. Pups are invited for a “paws and claus” photo op.
3. Schema Winter Solstice Party, Charleston
A few days before the actual solstice, Charleston Pour House is hosting a show to celebrate. The night starts early on the shortest day of the year Tickets are $10 and the doors open at 8:30pm. The show begins at 9:30pm. Snag tickets here:
4. Winter Solstice Cruise at the Salty Dog, Hilton Head
From 4pm to 6pm the day of the Solstice, the Salty Dog Cruise is hosting a two-hour boat ride around the Calibogue Sound. Onboard, you’ll find a full bar and gallery full of food, drinks, libations.
Take note: this is only open to adults age 21 and over. Book online at cruise.saltydog.com to ring in the longest night of your year!
5. Winter Solstice Candlelight Flow, Charleston
Meditate on all the solstice with some yoga and live music at Urban Yoga downtown. The solstice is celebrate in cultures all over the world. For thousands of years, it has been seen as a time to celebrate light and rebirth within the soul. Flow through sun salutations to still your mind, find inner peace and let go to ready yourself for a new year. Sign up here to get energized for the solstice.
6. Winter Solstice Lantern Parade, Columbia
The Lights Fest takes place all over the country at different locations the night of the Winter Solstice. In South Carolina, the festival, which features a lantern parade, takes place at Riverfront Park in Columbia. From 5pm to 7pm, gather with friends and family to enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment, all building up to nightfall when paper lanterns are released in the sky. Bring chairs and blankets to snuggle up and take in this once-a-year celebration. Head here to save your spot!