Thousands of people gathered at the ancient Stonehenge monument to welcome the winter solstice sunrise, celebrating themes of renewal, rebirth, and unity. The site opened its Monument
Field at 07:45 GMT, allowing visitors to witness the sun rise over the iconic stones despite the windy Wiltshire morning. This annual event marks the shortest day of the year, heralding the gradual return of longer days as the nights begin to shorten.
At approximately 08:09, the sun rose to cheers and applause from the crowd. With sunset expected at 16:02, the day offers just under eight hours of daylight.
Chris Smith, a 31-year-old civil servant attending the event for the first time, shared his perspective:
“This is about renewal and moving forward into the new year while reflecting on what’s happened in the past. The atmosphere here is incredible—such good energy. People from all walks of life are coming together, creating a sense of community that’s truly special.”
The event drew an estimated 4,500 people to Stonehenge, while more than 100,000 viewers joined online via English Heritage’s live stream. Steve Bax, Stonehenge director at English Heritage, noted:
“It was wonderful to see so many people celebrating peacefully and enjoying the monument, even though the sun didn’t make an appearance. Families, friends, and visitors from around the world came together for a memorable event.”
Stonehenge, believed to have been constructed around 2,500 BC, aligns with the sun’s movements during the solstices, marking seasonal transitions. While general access to the stones is restricted, the site is opened to large crowds during the summer and winter solstices.
Other Celebrations Across the Region
The nearby Avebury stone circle also drew visitors, with two men dressed in cloaks blowing horns to welcome the sunrise. The surrounding beech trees, adorned with ribbons, reflected the pagan tradition of “wishing trees,” where people offer prayers or commemorate loved ones.
In Somerset, Glastonbury Tor was another focal point of celebration. Crowds climbed the 518-foot hill, home to the remains of the 15th-century St. Michael’s Church, to watch the sunrise over the Somerset Levels. A fire was lit at the summit, accompanied by singing and a communal sense of spirituality.
As these historic sites continue to inspire awe and foster community, the winter solstice remains a moment to reflect, celebrate, and embrace the promise of longer days ahead. Photo by Stefan Kühn, Wikimedia commons.