Celebration at Chippewa Nature Center honors winter solstice

On a cold December evening, lanterns lined the trails at Chippewa Nature Center as families and neighbors came together to mark the winter solstice. The center’s annual Winter Solstice Celebration took place Saturday, Dec. 20, one day before the solstice itself on Dec. 21. The night gave Midland residents a chance to pause at the darkest point of the year and share in the community spirit our city is known for.

While the event was distinctly local, it reflected traditions that go back centuries. Long before modern calendars, people across cultures marked the winter solstice as a turning point. Visitors moved along the Arbury Trail, lit by luminaries and lantern light, stopping for fireside stories and outdoor activities.

Inside the visitor center, children and adults alike participated in hands-on crafts, including rolling beeswax candles, crafting small Yule logs, and creating evergreen wreaths to take home. The “Fire by Friction” station was popular with young kids who learned how to make fire the way our ancestors did.

Elements like candlelight, greenery, and gathering during winter’s darkest days are common themes for solstice celebrations.

At Chippewa Nature Center, those ideas were translated into a family-friendly, outdoor setting. Warm drinks, indoor activities, and small fires provided comfort against the cold, and the Nature Center Store remained open during the event for holiday shopping.

Although the celebration is over, I’m marking my calendar for next year’s solstice. Taking a moment to reflect and enjoy the warmth of community makes the longest night of the year much brighter.