Winter Solstice Celebration

Thursday, December 21, 2020 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm outside of the Recreation Activities Center

Celebrate the most magical and darkest night of the year and the slow return of the sun with WB Parks! Learn about some of the different solstice celebrations from around the world, roast a marshmallow, create a craft and explore our lantern lit trail (self-guided hike). The Oakland Astronomy Club will be on site to teach participants about unique celestial objects. ​Enjoy a live ice carving demonstration too!

This event is entirely outside; dress accordingly. Masks will be required during the entirety of the event. If trail conditions are dangerous/icy the event will be cancelled. This is a family program, all children and adults must register. 

Fee: $7 per resident and $9 per nonresident

Lantern Decorating Contest:
​For added fun, we invite your family to make your own lantern and drop it off prior to the event so that you can find your special lantern lit along the trail. Our naturalist staff will serve as the contest judges and prizes will include a free “Zoom w/a Naturalist” program, a winter explore family adventure kit, free snowshoe rentals for a family of 4 and WB Parks swag bags.
In order to enter the contest, you must:
  • Label the bottom of the lantern with your name and email address
  • Drop it of at the Recreation Activities Center (4640 Walnut Lake Rd.) on December 8th through the 11th between 8 am and 4:30 pm. Call 248-451-1900 when you arrive and a customer service representative will come to collect your lantern curb-side (our building is currently closed to the public).
  • Register for Winter Solstice to walk and view the magical lantern lit trail and find yours along the route as well as enjoy others creative lanterns lighting the trail. You do not have to attend winter solstice to enter the lantern decorating contest.
  • Winners will be announced during the Winter Solstice event
  • You may pick up your lanterns on December 22nd if you wish to bring it back home.
Lantern decorating ideas: