Winter Solstice 2024 New Zealand Events. This ancient tradition marks the rebirth of the sun. As the longest night of the year approaches, communities around the world come together to celebrate the winter solstice.

Winter solstice — is the day of the year when the sun passes through the southernmost point of the ecliptic in the northern hemisphere (or through the northernmost point in the southern. Solstices take place twice a year — whenever the earth’s axis is closest to (summer) or furthest away (winter) from the sun.