The longest night of the year is December 21, the Winter Solstice. Here's what happens to celebrate Midwinter in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities.
Events are on December 21 unless otherwise noted.
The Cedar Cultural Center holds an annual celebration of the winter solstice with drums and fire dancing. Open to all ages, and guests are invited to bring their own drum and join in with the drum jam.
Wood Lake Nature Center holds several winter events and classes, including snow sports, nature programs and their Winter Solstice celebration on December 21. This family event has organic treats and hot cocoa around a campfire, winter walking, and solstice stories.
Merriam Park Neighbors for Peace organize a candlelit vigil to quietly wish for peaceful solutions to world problems. Bring your candle to the corner of Snelling and Summit Avenues in St. Paul between 5.30 - 6.30 p.m.
The Holidazzle parade's last night is traditionally the last weekend before Christmas. In 2008, the final parade is on December 21.
Radical co-operative bookstore Arise! in Minneapolis has free vegan food in the morning, live music in the evening, and everything in the store is at least 10% off.
Belly dancing, a light show, fire dancing, tribal drumming celebrate the Winter Solstice at Minneapolis' 414 Soundbar on December 20.
The First Universal Church celebrates the Winter Solstice after sundown with music in the evening.
Two family programs on Saturday 20 December at this park in Bloomington. There will be live music, a bonfire, a craft project and holiday treats in the afternoon, which will be followed by a sundown celebration to "tie down the sun" with drumming, storytelling, and song. Reservations are required for both programs.
