Honor the night -- and the light
Observe the longest night of the year and the return of the sun with winter solstice celebrations Friday and Saturday throughout the Fox Valley.
MCCD: The McHenry County Conservation District offers a "Solstice Celebration" from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday for those ages 14 and older at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake. Registration is required.
The winter solstice brings the longest, darkest night to the northern hemisphere. For centuries this event has been a call for celebration; come find out why. Participants will investigate old and new ways to celebrate this celestial event, and learn traditions hands-on to bring home for a family solstice celebration. Participants will make their own Yule log. Come prepared for both indoor and outdoor activities, weather permitting. The fee of $5 per person must accompany registration.
There is a separate but simultaneous "Why Winter Begins" program for children, ages 6 to 12. For details, call (815) 338-6223 or visit www.mccdistrict.org.
Elgin Public Museum: The Elgin Public Museum in Lords Park welcomes you to an informative evening on the history of the winter solstice at 7 p.m. Friday. Registration is required.
The winter solstice is a dark time of year -- the longest nights in the northern hemisphere. Since ancient times, many cultures chose the solstice as a time to celebrate the seasonal cycle of nature with fires, lights and gatherings.
Come gather around a glowing campfire to learn about the astronomical significance of the winter solstice, along with tales of long-ago cultures. Visit the bison, deer, elk and the oaks in their wintry nocturnal homes in the darkest period of the year. Enjoy the warmth of hot cider and treats on a cold winter night.
Meet at the Lords Park Pavilion, 100 Oakwood Blvd., Elgin. Then stroll over to the Lords Park Zoo for this enjoyable evening outdoors. Dress for the weather and wear warm comfortable shoes.
The fee for the event is $5 per person and includes treats. Participants will gather inside the pavilion at 7 p.m. and return to the pavilion at the end of the event. For registration, call the Elgin Public Museum at (847) 741-6655.
Kane County Forest Preserve District: Don't let the shortest day of the year get you down -- stop by Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve in St. Charles for the Winter Solstice Sunset Stroll.
During this naturalist-led hike, participants will watch the sunset, observe wildlife in the twilight, and learn about the interplay of cultural and ecological events on the winter solstice. Come herald the return of the sun and longer daylight hours.
The Winter Solstice Sunset Stroll will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
All ages are welcome at this free Kane County Forest Preserve District event. In the event of inclement weather, call (847) 741-8350 for cancellation update.
Tekakwitha Woods is at 35W076 Villa Maria Road, off Route 25, one mile north of Army Trail Road in St. Charles Township. For information on Tekakwitha Woods, the Nature Center, or other forest preserve district programs, visit www.kaneforest.com.
Morton Arboretum: Saturday's winter solstice will be heralded at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle with an informative walk. The stroll will begin at 4 p.m. at 4100 Route 53, Lisle.
Visitors will splinter into four groups, each visiting one of four stations in turn. The first station includes a lesson in how holly, ivy and mistletoe became associated with the winter season. At the second station, walkers will learn the astronomical details about the earth's rotation on its axis and the angle of its tilt as it orbits the sun. Walkers at the third station will hear about how other cultures, such as Cherokee tribes, welcome the winter solstice. At the fourth station, walkers will visit a fir tree. Then the four groups will rejoin.
The walk is about a mile over paved and unpaved terrain and takes about an hour. In case of bad weather, the walk will be canceled and a nature lesson will be offered indoors.
The cost is free with museum admission of $9 for adults, $8 for seniors or $6 for ages 3 to 17. For details, call (630) 968-0074 or visit www.mortonarb.org.