Winter Solstice Guide to Boulder

Greet the Day with a Sunrise Hike

Boulder's typically bluebird skies and snow-capped evergreen forests make the perfect backdrop for an early morning solstice hike. Put on your layers (even on the most sunny and mild of winter days, mornings are cold!), bring a thermos of your favorite hot beverage and celebrate the sun's return on the trail. A few ideal sunrise hikes include those at Chautauqua Park, Mount Sanitas and Betasso Preserve, which have gorgeous views and exposure to the rising sun’s warm rays. Read more about Boulder’s top winter hiking trails.

Fiske Planetarium's Winter Solstice Show

If you're seeking a more educational and immersive experience, or if you have little ones in tow, every year Fiske Planetarium hosts Colorado Skies: The Winter Solstice Show, taking you on a cosmic journey to explore the science and significance of this celestial event.

Solstice Yoga Classes

The winter solstice represents new beginnings and fresh starts. Embrace this symbolism with a special winter solstice yoga experience in Boulder – studios across town offer special workshops and solstice-centered classes for the occasion. Or, if you’d prefer to spend time in a bit more solitude, you can do 108 sun salutations to welcome the rising of the sun from your own hotel room. Many cultures believe this ritual is a powerful way to welcome a change of seasons. Learn more about yoga in Boulder.

Enjoy a Solstice Feast at a Local Restaurant

As the shortest day shifts into the longest night, consider treating yourself to a solstice feast at one of Boulder’s more atmospheric restaurants, dimly lit and ideal for cozying up. Try Bramble and Hare, River and Woods or The Kitchen (there's a quaint bar area tucked away upstairs), all of which have charming booths, candles and warm wood furnishings. For a more celebratory vibe, gather around the light and warmth of a fire to enjoy drinks or food at one of Boulder’s restaurants and bars with fire pits.

Stroll and See the Holiday Lights

Boulder's downtown holiday lights add a sprinkling of magic to the season and make for a lovely solstice activity. Warm your hands with a local hot chocolate, tea or coffee as you meander through downtown to see the city aglow.

Practice Presence with Tea

Boulder's tea spots offer an opportunity to practice presence and reflection on the solstice, a time for introspection and ritual. Let the warmth of a cup of tea guide your contemplation. Bring a book or journal to spend some time turning inward at a local teahouse like Ku Cha, Dushanbe, Pekoe or Boulder Tea Hut.

Go Hear Voices Singing

Bring warmth and light to the dark night by listening to Boulder's brightest voices sing out. You'll find an array of performances happening during the winter season by groups like Boulder Chorale, Ars Nova Singers, Boulder Opera, Rocky Mountain Corral, the CU Buffoons (CU's acapella group—catch them every Tuesday night under the University Memorial Center arches) and more. Check out our live music page for more ways to incorporate music into your solstice festivities.

Brave the Cold Plunge

Note: Portal is temporarily closed and will reopen with a brick-and-mortar location in the summer of 2025.

For the adventurous soul, consider a cold plunge as a unique way to mark the winter solstice – embrace the cold! Cold plunging has numerous health benefits, including helping stave off the winter blues. PORTAL and Isolate Float Center offer cold plunge and sauna experiences. There's even a local Wim Hof group in Boulder/Denver for those interested in this unique practice of cold water immersion.

Engage in Rituals and Reflection

Lean into the spiritual aspects of the solstice through rituals and reflection. Many winter solstice traditions center around light, and one way to do that is with a lantern. You can buy a lantern, which doubles as a meaningful and gorgeous souvenir, from shops like Canova Home and Lolo Rugs and Gifts. Or you could even create your own lantern using craft supplies from local art stores like Two Hands Paperie or Art Parts Creative Reuse Center. Whether you’re using a lantern or simply lighting a candle, use this time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year to come.

Seek Guidance with Tarot and Psychic Readings

Add a touch of mysticism and that quintessential Boulder-woo to your solstice celebration with a tarot or psychic reading. Check out the Boulder Psychic Institute or pop in to see the resident astrologists, tarot readers and psychics at Lighthouse Bookstore on Pearl Street.

2024 Winter Solstice Events

Songs and Stories for the Longest Night
December 20, 2024, 7:30pm
Featuring Carla Sciaky, Danny Shafer, Martin Gilmore and Ingrid Avison, this event promises an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling to uplift spirits during the year’s longest night.

Winter Solstice Folk Tunes w/ Nicolette Andres + Guests
December 21, 2024, 6pm
This solstice show will include traditional Norwegian folk music, original tunes and improvisation. Nicolette will be joined for portions of the show by Graeme Danforth on cittern and Ted Stevens on guitar. 

Crystalline Solstice
December 21, 2024, 7pm
StarHouse celebrates the Solstice with a celebration to include dances of Universal Peace, meditation, singing and more. Adults only, $35 per person.

Restorative Yoga with Signing Bowls at Yoga Pearl
December 21, 2024, 4pm
Restorative yoga accompanied by the soothing sounds of singing bowls to honor the Winter Solstice.