What is the significance of the winter solstice?
Learn more about the winter solstice.
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Did you Know? The Winter Solstice
The winter solstice is the day the Sun travels the shortest path through the sky. It marks the beginning of winter. The winter solstice occurs on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and on June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. In either hemisphere, the day of the winter solstice has the fewest hours of sunlight and the longest night. After the solstice, the days start to get longer again. The winter solstice is celebrated as a day of rebirth in many cultures, and many believe Christmas is celebrated in December to be close to the solstice.
The winter solstice is the day the Sun travels the shortest path through the sky. It marks the beginning of winter. The winter solstice occurs on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and on June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. In either hemisphere, the day of the winter solstice has the fewest hours of sunlight and the longest night. After the solstice, the days start to get longer again. The winter solstice is celebrated as a day of rebirth in many cultures, and many believe Christmas is celebrated in December to be close to the solstice.