Wiltshire is home to two of the nation’s most iconic solstice spots; Stonehenge and Avesbury.

The winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year, occurs this evening (December 21) at 3.58pm.

Although not as widely celebrated as the summer solstice, the winter event is still an important fixture for many. 

Fortunately for the sunshine chasers of the county, the public will still be able to take part in events in person despite Covid conerns.

Stonehenge

Despite solstice officially occuring this evening, there will be organised celebrations at the much-loved stone circle to mark the passing of the shortest, darkest day of the year as the sun comes up just after 8am tomorrow (December 22).

Entry to the site will be from about 7.45 until 10am in the morning.

Visitors are being urged to take a lateral flow test, and only join if they test negative and are free of Covid symptoms. Visitors are also being encouraged to use public transport rather than drive over to the monument.

You can hop on the shuttle bus which goes between Salisbury New Canal Street, Salisbury Rail Station, Amesbury The Centre and the Stonehenge Car Park.

Face masks are also mandatory on the shuttle buses, and on public transport to and from the event. People are also being advised to wear them at the site as an extra precaution to keep everyone safe, and hand sanitising stations will also be provided.

But this year also comes with a twist, as the sunrise will be live-streamed by English Heritage for free on their digital channels.

This is a boon for people who cannot reach the stones, or who are choosing not to gather in groups amid fresh fears around Covid and the new variant Omicron.

You can even watch via our own live coverage taking place on our Facebook page.

Avebury

Some people will have instead taken part in the ceremony at Avebury’s sacred stone circle today, as a quieter alternative.

The day has been centred around visitors gaining an “insight into the meaning of winter solstice, taking part in a silent procession and connecting to Earth energy in the centre of the Avebury stone circle.”

“Group healing” has even been merged with ancient trees to deepen people’s partnership with the land.

Why do people still celebrate the winter solstice?

The winter solstice is the day when the northern hemisphere is tilted the furthest away from the sun. This is what shortens the amount of light on Earth, giving a total of 7 hours and 49 minutes of daylight. 

Traditionally, people marked the day with rituals of light and fire which both helped beat back the winter gloom, and acknowledgeed the brighter days which lay ahead.

The day also now acts as a moment of reflection for people amid Christmas shopping chaos and offers a chance for people to enjoy some of the traditional rituals.