Winter solstice is the shortest day of year, longest night of the year and the official first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Find out about the science and traditions behind the solstice.

Get ready to embrace the darkness during the longest night of the year ‒ the winter solstice. The solstice occurs at the same time everywhere on Earth, this year it happens Dec. 21 at 4:21 a.m. EST.

Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the official first day of winter, is on Saturday, December 21, this year. Watch Now Menu Local National Weather Sports Traffic Watch Now ...