Plethora of events celebrate the longest night

With the winter solstice falling on a weekend, there’s plenty of ways to welcome it on Whidbey.

By Kira Erickson • December 10, 2024 1:30 am

With the winter solstice falling on a weekend this year, there’s plenty of ways to welcome it on Whidbey Island.

Kids can create lantern lights for the darkest day of the year 10-11 a.m. on Dec. 21 at the Freeland Library, located at 5495 Harbor Ave. Light the season with a colorful lantern during this event supported by the Friends of the Freeland Library. There will be supplies provided to craft a variety of luminaria. Kids ages 5 and up will enjoy this free event the most.

In the mood for music? There are several opportunities that fall on the solstice. “Emanations,” a solstice concert with Dinah Stinson, is later that day 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Music Barn, which is located at 2280 E. Cricket Lane in Freeland. Bring a suggested donation of $20 and carpool with your friends for this unique concert, “where the words of mystics are spoken and sung straight into your own light resonant being.” Bring your own meditation cushion if preferred.

Little BIG Fest invites the community to a party and bonfire at the Boatwright Barn, which can be found at 4785 East Harbor Road in Freeland. The family-friendly event runs 6-10 p.m. and features musical performances by The Wax Lips and Celia Farran. Seating is limited so bring your own chair and prepare for chilly weather. Beverages and bites will be available. Admission is free for kids ages 12 and under. No dogs are allowed on site. Visit littlebigfest.org/pages/winter-solstice to purchase tickets, which cost $15.

Put on your dancing shoes and head over to Bayview Community Hall, 5642 Bayview Road in Langley, where the Solstice Dance and Fundraiser for HEAL Palestine kicks off at 7 p.m. with live music by Window Goya and later at 8 p.m., dance tracks with D-KA$H. There is a suggested donation of $20 to $50. The event hosted by Solidarity with Palestine Whidbey includes dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, a cash bar and a raffle with prizes from South Whidbey businesses. Visit facebook.com/share/18BgD9u1Wu/ to RSVP.

Also beginning at 7 p.m., Ott & Hunter Winery Tasting Room, located at 204 First St. in Langley, presents live music from A Love Electric. The power trio hailing from Mexico City plays a dynamic blend of genres, including power psychedelic, punk jazz, post-genre or freak rock. Galen Clark, a Portland-based keyboardist, is accompanying A Love Electric. A limited number of tickets can be purchased online for $25 each at otthunter.orderport.net/wines/Live-Music.

Meerkerk Gardens hosts its Solstice Walk at 1 p.m. the next day, Sunday, Dec. 22. The gardens are located at 3531 Meerkerk Lane in Greenbank. The event begins at the gatehouse and lasts approximately an hour and a half. Dress in warm layers, hats, gloves and waterproof shoes. Enjoy the quiet wonders of the off-season with this guided walk through the curated gardens and legacy forest. Walks are free for Friends of Meerkerk Members and children under age 13. Cost is $15 for non-members. Pre-register at meerkerkgardens.org/events.