Photo: Secret Lantern Society
Like many events this year, the popular Winter Solstice Lantern Festival has gone digital to commemorate the first day of winter and celebrate the light. Vancouverites can join in the fun on Monday, December 21 from the comfort of home with lantern and food video tutorials, and a live stream celebration.
Usually celebrated with live entertainment and lantern walks on Granville Island, Yaletown, and other neighbourhoods in the city, the 27th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival will be virtual on December 21. Secret Lantern Society artists stayed home this year and developed a series of virtual workshops for making lanterns, headdresses and sun-coloured food.
From their homes to yours, watch the tutorials here.
On the 21st, Vancouverites can settle in and share their creations on the solstice livestream celebration from 6-10 pm PST. In the new world of virtual connection, this year’s community will be treated to:
- Interactive Lantern Dance Party,
- Virtual walk through the Labyrinth of Light
- Dark tales of solstice past
- Live music
- Headdress making with plants
- Astonishing astronomy
Join the Solstice Livestream, Mon Dec 21, 6-10pm PST
When you enjoy the workshop series, consider making a donation to Secret Lantern Society. (The Society is not a charitable organization and is not able to provide a tax receipt for your gift.)
Winter Solstice Fun Facts
Curious about the winter solstice? Here are some fun facts:
- It’s the shortest and darkest day of the year and the official start of the winter season.
- This year, the solstice is on December 21 — it can occur on December 20, 21, 22 or 23.
- It is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is the darkest day of the year.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.
- The year 2020 will end with a special astronomical event: the closest great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 397 years. On December 21, the two planets will almost touch in the sky.
- In Vancouver, this will mark a 27-year tradition of making lanterns and twirling into the winter light.
How will you celebrate the winter solstice?
