Join us for the second annual Winter Solstice Celebration with music and making! December 21 marks the official beginning of Winter yet, traditionally, this was a time of celebration and renewal – marking a gradual but steady return of the light.
This celebration will be a modern twist on the traditional Scandinavian practices featuring art projects that celebrate the longest and darkest night of the year by bringing light and joy.
A special price of $10 per person includes admission to BOTH Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science – AND all of the activities listed below!
At Cranbrook Art Museum from 1-5pm:
- Join Lisa Wolfgang (CAA Sculpture ’26) at the Peristyle to learn a joyful song of the season and don an artist-made musical instrument for recurring processionals from the Art Museum to the Institute of Science. This activity is suitable for all ages and all voices are welcome. The first group will gather at 1pm and there will be several chances throughout the day to participate.
- In deSalle auditorium, enjoy traditional and contemporary Swedish compositions by En Gång Till for multiple performances throughout the afternoon. Performance times will begin at approximately 1pm, 1:50pm, 3pm, and 3:50pm. There you will also make your own colorful wire crown inspired by a traditional St. Lucia crown or your own design to wear throughout the festivities.
- In the Art Lab, we celebrate the dark night of solstice and our beautifully illuminated moon. Paint your own shining moon to create a moon phases ornament to display at home.
- At Fika Cafe, you’ll find treats inspired by Scandinavian holiday specialties, gummy candies from Sweden, unicorn hot chocolate, and coffee favorites. A lower-level cash bar will feature beer, wine, and fragrant spiced Glögg!
Last-minute gifts? Members enjoy a double discount (30%!) on all shop purchases!
At Cranbrook Institute of Science from 1-7pm:
- Join an ongoing workshop to create your lantern for the evening parade.
- Add to our community Solstice display of traditional natural elements — branches, pinecones, seasonal fruits and more – and make a wish for the New Year.
- Design a holly leaf and berry spray that reflects age-old customs.
- Hear the historical importance of winter citrus fruits and make a dried orange-slice ornament.
- Explore shadow puppets, which rely on light and darkness, and make your own puppet to take home.
- Try a light-focusing activity based on the design of a Neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange, Ireland and the Mission Churches in California.
- Gain a new view of minerals with a mini flashlight tour of the Mineral Gallery.
- Enjoy a late afternoon musical performance of medieval Christmas carols and wassails by the costumed Roaring Wastrels.
- Gaze into the night sky through the lens of the Observatory telescope.
At 6pm, join us for a culminating outdoor parade/processional as we bring light into the darkness!
Seasonal snacks, specialty drinks and adult beverages will be available for purchase in the Reflections Café.
Tickets for Planetarium shows, with seasonal and event-related programs, will also be available for purchase.
Dinosaur programs, and access to our newest traveling exhibit, The Science of Archimedes, are available for an extra charge.
Tagged: 2024
