Winter Solstice Walks

$18 adults, $12 students/seniors, free for members and children under 12
Timed, advance tickets are required for entry. Last entry at 9 p.m.

Celebrate the winter solstice and experience the Garden like never before on an illuminated, self-guided evening walk.

On these two special evenings, Celtic music and atmospheric lighting accompany your journey through the northern end of the Garden. Plus, learn how the ancient Celts used plants and trees as part of their solstice celebrations.

Stop by the Visitor Center to get a hot beverage, spiked or not, and finish (or start!) your holiday shopping at the Garden Shop. All shoppers receive a 10% discount on these evenings.

Buy tickets

Lighting Consultant: Cha See. Lighting provided by PRG.

Make-and-Bring Crafts

Make these crafts at home and bring them to the Garden for the Winter Solstice Walk!

Show larger version of Bottle Lantern Craft

Lantern

Make a lantern to light your way.

Materials

Small glass jar, 2 feet of wire, glue, scissors, wax paper, battery-powered light to put inside jar, and any materials you want to use to decorate with—tissue paper, dried flowers, stickers, crayons, etc.

Instructions

1. Cut out a piece of wax paper to fit on the inside of your jar.
2. Decorate your wax paper! Glue tissue paper and dried flowers or anything you like.
3. Wrap wire around top of jar to form a handle.
4. Place decorated wax paper inside your jar.
5. Place light in jar and turn on!

Show larger version of Nature Crown Craft

Nature Crown

The tradition of wearing leaves and flowers as a headpiece dates back to ancient times. To make the darkest day of the year more joyful, make a pagan-inspired nature crown! There are still many beautiful natural materials to be found in the winter that can be collected and added to your crown.

Materials

Wire, materials to attach to crown—flowers, herbs, leaves, ribbon, feathers, etc.

Instructions

1. Wrap wire around your head 3 times. Add 2 inches more and then cut the wire.
2. Shape your wire into a headband, and use additional wire to secure it together.
3. Attach materials to wire using small pieces of wire to secure them. Continue to add decorating materials until you’re happy with it!