Though temperatures have fluctuated in Western North Carolina in recent weeks, the winter solstice is on its way, bringing the longest night and shortest day of the year.
Here are the answers to a few common questions.
When is the winter solstice 2024?
In 2024, the winter solstice falls on Dec. 21 at 4:21 a.m. EST.
What is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice also marks the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the Earth’s axis tilts farthest from the sun, bringing the longest night and shortest day of the year.
During the winter solstice, we are tilted as far away from the sun as possible. This also means that the sun’s path across the sky is as low as it gets.
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Who celebrates the winter solstice? Winter solstice events in Asheville, NC
Many cultures and religions celebrate the winter solstice; the same goes for the summer solstice and both equinoxes. In fact, there are several winter solstice celebrations in Asheville alone. Here’s a few of the events taking place on Dec. 21 this year:
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Calling of the Bears – A traditional Cherokee (Tsalagi) winter solstice ritual and ceremony at The Horse Shoe Farm. $40 registration fee with sliding scale options, 5-8 p.m.
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Makerspace: Winter Solstice Lanterns – A drop-in art activity led by museum staff at The Laurel of Asheville. Participants can create an artwork inspired by on-view exhibitions, with all ages and abilities welcome. Included with general admission, 1-5 p.m.
Motorists on the snowy Blue Ridge Parkway in 2017.
How many hours of daylight will North Carolina get on the winter solstice?
The sunrise in Asheville on Dec. 21 will be 7:36 a.m., with sunset occurring at 5:21 p.m. according to timeanddate.com.
That gives us about 9 hours and 45 minutes of sunlight on the winter solstice – on June 20, this year’s summer solstice, the same area saw about 14 hours and 34 minutes of sunlight.
What are the astronomical dates for the four seasons of 2025?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the astronomical start dates for the seasons are:
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Spring: March 20, 2025 (vernal equinox)
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Summer: June 20, 2025 (summer solstice)
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Fall: Sept. 22, 2025 (autumnal equinox)
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Winter: Dec. 21, 2025 (winter solstice)
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: When is the winter solstice? What to know about 2024’s shortest day
