Winter Solstice Night Hike and Planetarium Show

Description

Enjoy a planetarium show and night hike at the Wilderness Center during the longest night of the year. Learn about the history of the winter solstice and why it is celebrated. 

Planetarium Show Description:

Join us for this seasonal favorite. Explore the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice — not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. Learn how these ancient rituals changed over time to become many of the world's most endearing Christmas and New Year’s holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, festive Christmas tree lights and sparkling candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias and setting off fireworks in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah.