Yule / Winter Solstice

Description: Yule, coinciding with the Winter Solstice, celebrates the return of the sun, honouring the longest night of the year and the beginning of a new cycle. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and connection to the cycles of nature. Traditionally, Yule is a time for feasting, family gatherings, and preparing for the new year, with customs such as the burning of the Yule log. The celebration lasts from the Winter Solstice to January 1st, sometimes encompassing 12 days of festivities.

Where it’s celebrated: Across Scotland, particularly in rural areas like the Highlands. In cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Stirling, public markets and festive events combine Celtic traditions with modern holiday customs. The solstice is also marked in sacred sites like Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, where stone circles align with the sun’s return.