# Winter solstice gifts and traditions > The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Its traditions, UK sites linked with it, and solstice gift ideas in stock. URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-guides/winter-solstice-gifts-and-traditions Updated: 2026-10-30 The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Its traditions, UK sites linked with it, and solstice gift ideas in stock. ## Solstice gift ideas - **[White Crescent Moon Oil Burner with Gold Dish](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/white-crescent-moon-oil-burner-with-gold-dish) (£20.99)** - **[Moonphase Moth Trinket Dish](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/moonphase-moth-trinket-dish) (£17.99)** - **[Positive Glow - Crystal Infused Ritual Candle Set](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/positive-glow-crystal-infused-ritual-candle-set) (£14.99)** - **[Purple Moon Phase Incense Ash Catcher](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/purple-moon-phase-incense-ash-catcher) (£20.99)** - **[12cm Moon Phase Crescent Ceramic Trinket Tray](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/12cm-moon-phase-crescent-ceramic-trinket-tray) (£18.99)** - **[17cm Moon Phase Ceramic Trinket Tray](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/17cm-moon-phase-ceramic-trinket-tray) (£19.99)** - **[Glitter Angel Wing Candle Holder](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/glitter-angel-wing-candle-holder) (£18.99)** - **[Celestial Cottage Oil Burner](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/celestial-cottage-oil-burner) (£20.99)** ## About the solstice In the UK the winter solstice falls on 21 or 22 December, when the Sun reaches its lowest point in the midday sky. ## Questions **When is the winter solstice in the UK?** The winter solstice falls on 21 or 22 December in the UK, depending on the year. It is the shortest day and longest night, after which the days slowly start to lengthen. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. **What happens at the winter solstice?** At the solstice the Sun reaches its lowest midday height of the year in the northern hemisphere. Astronomically it marks the start of winter; in tradition, the rebirth of the sun. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. **Which ancient sites are linked with the winter solstice?** Stonehenge is aligned with the midwinter sunset and Newgrange in Ireland with the midwinter sunrise. Opening arrangements change, so check with the site before travelling. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect. **What is a good winter solstice gift?** Sun and star decor, a candle to light on the longest night, citrine or clear quartz, or a journal for new-year intentions all suit the solstice. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect. **How can I mark the winter solstice at home?** Many people switch off the lights at dusk, light a candle, reflect on the year and greet the sunrise the next morning as a symbol of returning light. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. **Why do people light candles at the winter solstice?** Lighting candles on the longest night is an old custom across many cultures, a way to keep the dark at bay and welcome back the sun. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect. **Is the winter solstice the same as Yule?** In modern pagan practice Yule is celebrated at the winter solstice, so the two are closely linked; Yule also names a wider midwinter season. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect. **What crystals are linked with the winter solstice?** Sunny stones such as citrine, sunstone and clear quartz are traditionally linked with the returning light, and dark stones such as obsidian with the long night. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. We share these meanings as tradition and belief, not as advice or a promise of any effect. **What is a winter solstice intention?** It is a short wish or goal for the coming year, often written down and kept on an altar or burned safely, as a way to welcome the returning light. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. **Why is the solstice a good time to stargaze?** The long nights around the solstice give the most hours of darkness of the year, so it is a good time for stargazing if the sky is clear. Read about [Yule](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/wheel-of-the-year/yule) and [UK dark skies](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/dark-skies). Customs vary between families and traditions. ## Related - [Christmas gifts by town](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/christmas-gifts) - [All gift guides](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-guides) - [Crystal gift finder](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/gift-finder) --- Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.