Celebrate Winter Solstice 2025 in Charlotte with campfires, labyrinths, a drum circle and more

Winter solstice takes place when one of the Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. When that happens, we experience the shortest number of hours of sunlight in the year.

Winter solstice marks the beginning of the winter season. After winter solstice, the days start getting longer, with a little more sunlight each day.

Winter solstice takes place on December 21, 2025.

Winter Solstice Fire and Celebration

Celebrate winter solstice at Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. Return of the Light: A Community Solstice Celebration takes place Friday, December 19, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Discover the magic by participating in a few nature connecting activities as we celebrate together. Activities will include mindful connecting practice, fire building and intention setting.

Tickets are $5 for Mecklenburg County residents and $6 for non-residents. Registration is required and space is limited. Age 12+.

Nature’s Stillness — A Solstice Meditation

Also, Reedy Creek Nature Center will host Nature’s Stillness — A Solstice Meditation on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Embrace the Winter Solstice through a meditative walk and sit spot experience. Connect with breath and body before a silent walk on a nature trail and then settle in around a fire for a meditation. The walk is less than a mile. Free, but registration is required. Ages 10+.

Winter Solstice Celebration

Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte, 234 N Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting a Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

This event is open to the whole community and is free to attend. Honor the changing season and welcome the light with reflection, joy and community spirit.

“Rhythm Remedy” with DrumStrong

DrumStrong is presenting A Winter Solstice Rhythm Remedy on Sunday, Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Myers Park Baptist Church. It will take place at Heaton Hall, the domed social hall at 1900 Queens Road. The street address of the church is 1931 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina.

This is a free, family friendly drum circle. Drums will be available, but feel free to bring your own if you have one.

Winter Solstice Bonfire and Communal Dinner at Greatwoods Zen

Greatwoods Zen, at 2631 Buckleigh Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, is hosting its annual Winter Solstice Bonfire on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by a communal dinner.

It’s free to attend, but donations are welcome.

Walk a Labyrinth

Winter Solstice is a time for reflection for many people. Walk one of these 9 labyrinths in the Charlotte area to help you tap into the calmness of the season. If the labyrinth is part of a church or other organization, make sure to contact them first to make sure the labyrinth is available to visitors.

Go on a Hike

We’ve put together a list of 50+ hikes and walks in and near Charlotte. There are hikes of all distances and all difficulties. There’s a walk for any fitness levels.