Winter Solstice 2025 Brings the Shortest Day of the Year Across the Northern Hemisphere

The winter solstice of 2025 will occur on December 21 at 10:03 a.m. ET, marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. This astronomical event happens when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky and signals the official start of winter.

The solstice occurs because Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees, causing the Northern Hemisphere to lean away from the sun in December. After this moment, daylight hours gradually begin to increase, bringing hope for longer days ahead.

Daylight varies significantly by location. Cities near the equator experience minimal change, while cities farther north, such as New York City, get just over nine hours of light. Some parts of Alaska see only a few hours, and areas above the Arctic Circle experience no sunrise at all.

The winter solstice also marks the beginning of astronomical winter, which differs from meteorological winter that starts on December 1. The sun’s low position creates the year’s longest shadows at noon, offering a visible sign of the seasonal shift.

Across cultures, the solstice inspires traditions and festivals celebrating the “return of the sun,” while others observe the day for quiet reflection. Though the increase in daylight is gradual, each extra minute is a reminder that spring will eventually return.