When is Winter Solstice?
The Northern Hemisphere winter solstice falls around December 21–22, the shortest day of the year. In 2026 it falls on Monday, December 21, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Tuesday, December 21, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 70 days to go, which is about 10 weeks and 0 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 21 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21 | Tuesday |
A little history
The solstice is when the North Pole tilts farthest from the sun. Many cultures held festivals of light around it, from the Roman Saturnalia to Yule in Scandinavia, and some Christmas customs come from those traditions.
How people celebrate
Some people watch sunrise at Newgrange in Ireland, where light enters the ancient tomb on solstice mornings. Others light candles, have a cozy dinner or go for a sunset walk. After the solstice, days start getting longer again, which always feels like good news.
Closures and practical notes
It's the start of astronomical winter in the north and summer in the south.
Planning tips
Astronomical seasons follow the Earth's position around the sun, so the exact moment can land on a slightly different date depending on your time zone. Meteorologists use simpler dates (the first of March, June, September and December) to make weather records easier to compare.
Changes in daylight affect sleep and mood more than most of us expect. Getting outside in the morning, keeping a steady bedtime and eating dinner at a regular time all help your body clock adjust.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Winter Solstice 2026?
Monday, December 21, 2026.
What day of the week is Winter Solstice in 2027?
It's a Tuesday (December 21, 2027).
What is the shortest day of the year?
The December solstice, around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.