Old Forge Library’s Annual Winter Solstice Celebration
The Old Forge Library invites community members of all ages to gather for an annual Winter Solstice Celebration!
Friday, December 19, beginning at 4 pm.
Now in its sixth year, this beloved tradition offers a peaceful space to honor the turning of the season, the quiet beauty of winter, and the symbolic return of the sun on the shortest day of the year.
Event Details:
- Festivities will begin inside the library, as participants create Orange Pomanders.
- The fragrant and time-honored solstice craft made by pressing whole cloves into fresh oranges.
- All materials will be provided.
- The simple act of creating together has become a cherished part of the celebration and invites conversation and neighborliness among neighbors, friends, and families.
- At 4:30 pm, the gathering will move outdoors for a contemplative solstice ceremony shaped by fire, light, and shared intention.
- Participants will be invited to reflect on themes of renewal, stillness, hope, and the gradual return of daylight. The ceremony is designed to be accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of background or belief.
For many cultures throughout history, the winter solstice has been a moment to pause, to honor darkness, and to celebrate the promise of returning light. The Library observes that these traditions remind us of our deep connection to one another and to the natural world. This year’s celebration is offered with our neighbors at Niccolls Memorial Church and Weaving Home and community partners who have walked alongside the event since its earliest years. Their presence has shaped the gathering into the gentle and meaningful experience it is today. There will be music provided by the participants - the best kind.
Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and to bring a light, such as a lantern or flashlight, for the outdoor portion of the evening.
