The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year and celebrates the rebirth of the Sun. It represents the triumph of light over darkness and the beginning of the Sun's journey towards summer.
When is Yule?
- Yule 2026: Monday, December 21, 2026 (Northern Hemisphere)
- Yule 2027: Wednesday, December 22, 2027 (Northern Hemisphere)
Yule falls on the solstice, so the exact date shifts by a day from year to year. In the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are reversed, so it is celebrated around June 20-22.
History of Yule
Ancient Germanic peoples celebrated Yule as a midwinter festival spanning 12 days. The tradition of the Wild Hunt, led by Odin, was believed to ride through the winter sky during this time. Many modern Christmas customs originate from Yule celebrations.
Yule traditions
- Burning the Yule log for 12 days
- Decorating the Yule tree with solar symbols
- Creating evergreen wreaths
- Lighting candles at midnight
- Exchanging presents representing the gifts of the God and Goddess
How to celebrate Yule today
- Winter Solstice Feast with Friends and Family
- Create a Nature-Based Advent Calendar
- Decorate with Symbols of the Season
- Host a Longest Night Meditation Circle
- Create Sun Wheels and Solar Crafts
Yule ritual ideas
- Dawn Sun Salutation Ritual
- Yule Log Blessing Ceremony
- Midnight Candle Ritual for the Return of Light
- Solar Blessing of Goals for the Coming Year
- Holly King/Oak King Meditation
Gods & goddesses of Yule
- The Holly King — Winter's Power. The ruler of the dark half of the year who surrenders to the Oak King at Yule.
- Freya — Norse Goddess of Love and Winter. Associated with winter mysteries and Yuletide celebrations.
- Odin/Wodan — All-Father of Norse Mythology. Leader of the Wild Hunt during the Yuletide season.