The winter solstice, December 21, is the shortest day of the year, with about nine hours of daylight. It's the time of year that the sun reaches the lowest point in the sky. Because the North Pole is tilted away from the sun, less direct sunlight reaches the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in the chilly winter weather.
In the past, civilizations celebrated the winter solstice by having a huge feast. Today, many people celebrate the solstice by spending time in nature.
Come on a late hike, the night before the solstice:
Friday, December 20 � 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Brecksville Nature Center � Brecksville Reservation
Solstice Eve
Join Naturalist Pam Taylor on a hike among the hemlocks. Celebrate the lengthening of the days and enjoy a tasty treat. Registration, beginning December 1, and $3 fee are required. Brecksville Nature Center is located off Chippewa Creek Drive, off the Route 82 entrance of Brecksville Reservation in Brecksville. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 440-526-1012.
And, join Cleveland Metroparks on the winter solstice with these programs:
Saturday, December 21:
7:15 - 8:15 a.m.
Lake Picnic Area Shelterhouse � Huntington Reservation
22nd Winter Solstice Sunrise
Winter officially begins at 12:11 p.m. on December 21. Join Naturalist Ken Gober to savor the last sunrise of autumn, then enjoy a home-baked �solstice muffin� on your way home or to work. Bring a sunrise photograph or experience to share. Lake Picnic Area Shelterhouse is located in Huntington Reservation, above Huntington Beach in Bay Village. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 440-734-6660.
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Watershed Stewardship Center parking lot � West Creek Reservation
Solstice Dog Stroll
Bring a well-behaved, leashed canine pal for a nature outing the whole family can enjoy. Celebrate the solstice and explore everything nature has to offer. Watershed Stewardship Center is located off West Ridgewood Drive, between State and Broadview roads in Parma. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 440-887-1968.
1 - 3 p.m.
Edgewater Park � Lakefront Reservation
Winter Walk
Enjoy a winter solstice walk throughout Edgewater Park. Meet at the beach picnic shelter for a brisk walk around the park. Dress for windy weather. Edgewater Beach is located at 6700 Memorial Shoreway, off of OH-2 in Lakefront Reservation in Cleveland. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 216-206-1000.
7 - 8 p.m.
Look About Lodge � South Chagrin Reservation
Solstice Concert
Welcome winter with an evening at Look About Lodge. Sit back in the warmth of the Lodge and relax to the music of acoustic guitarist Brian Henke. Look About Lodge is located at 37374 Miles Road in South Chagrin Reservation, between SOM Center Road/Route 91 and Chagrin River Road in Bentleyville. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 440-247-7075.
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Nature Education Building � North Chagrin Reservation
Winter Solstice Campfire
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. Following ancient beliefs, campfires lure the sun back into the sky. Explore the winter night with a short hike and them warm yourself around the crackling campfire with hot chocolate. The Nature Education Building is located behind the North Chagrin Nature Center, off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Sunset Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Mayfield Village. For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 440-473-3370.
Welcome winter back to Cleveland with winter solstice programs in Cleveland Metroparks - Discover, Enjoy, Protect!
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338, sja@clevelandmetroparks.com
ALYSSA COOK-ALEXANDER - 216-635-3274, aca@clevelandmetroparks.com
