Solstice Celebrations

For millennia, people around the world have recognized the winter solstice as a moment for commemoration, renewal and celebration. It's perhaps no surprise, then, that so many cultures celebrate holidays around this time of year. As the season unfolds, check out just a few of unique opportunities to experience the festivities from the University of Arizona this December!

Hot Cocoa Cart and Scavenger Hunt

The Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum invites you to celebrate with a unique fusion of natural history and festive cheer. The museum, a testament to the enduring relationship between nature and human discovery, showcases a rich tapestry of minerals and gems, highlighting the our planet's evolutionary journey.

This holiday season, their special Holiday Scavenger Hunt on Dec. 21 will feature "Rockhound" for adults and "Pebble-Pup" for children for a fun, educational experience within the marvels of the Earth's geology. As you wander through the Mineral Evolution, Arizona Gallery, and Gem Gallery, you'll be enveloped in a world where the past meets the present!

Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium Holiday Shows.

Snuggle up in the planetarium for a journey into the stars — and music — of the season! Among this year's Holiday Shows at the planetarium is Season of Light, which traces the many festivals of light that celebrate the spirit of renewal around the Winter Solstice.