by Emily Cotterhill, Villa Plus Content Strategy Manager
The winter solstice is a time to embrace nature’s quiet magic. It marks the shortest day of the year, when one of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. This celestial moment signals the start of astronomical winter and the gradual return of longer days. As the season turns, it offers a chance to pause, reflect, and welcome a sense of renewal as we look forward to brighter days ahead.
Villa Plus has a fantastic range of properties available throughout the winter season, including Madeira and three key Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura). From nestling around the fire to spending time in nature, here are some traditions and activities to celebrate the winter solstice in the comfort of a winter villa.
Prepare a festive feast
Stop by the local market to pick up quality meat and fresh vegetables, and prepare a feast in your villa’s indoor or outdoor dining area. Slow evenings around the table, rich with laughter and storytelling, offer the perfect chance to savour seasonal delights and treasure each other’s company.
Light candles
Honour the return of light and the darkness of winter with the powerful ritual of lighting candles. The flickering wicks create an enchanting atmosphere that invites individual contemplation or shared heartfelt conversations through the long winter nights.
Immerse yourself in nature
Many of our European villas are surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, from olive groves and stretches of soft sand to sky-skimming mountains. Your villa offers an ideal base for spending time outside, reinvigorating your senses and feeling at one with the stillness of the winter landscape. Whether you decide to climb a mountain as dawn breaks or watch the sun dip below the horizon at dusk, seek sunlight on your face, soak in its healing powers, and return from your villa holiday feeling restored.
Keep a journal
Bring a notebook with you on your villa holiday and take a moment to put pen to paper – reflect on the year that has been, let go of anything that no longer serves you, and set intentions for the year ahead. This mindful activity helps you pause and acknowledge the people and experiences that have brought you joy. It also creates headspace to accept new opportunities and start the new year with a sense of optimism.
JOMO
You might have heard of the word “FOMO”, or ‘the fear of missing out’. But during the winter solstice, celebrating “JOMO”, or ‘the joy of missing out’, is welcomed! Practising the art of saying no and allowing yourself to slow down can be incredibly restorative. Why not snuggle up under a blanket in your villa, read wintry books and enjoy a self-care routine? A bit of quality ‘me time’ can be so liberating.
The 13 wishes ritual
Take a seat at your villa’s breakfast bar, dining table, or on a sunny lounger on the private pool deck, with a piece of paper and a pen. Write down thirteen individual wishes or intentions for the coming year, and on each day of your holiday following the winter solstice, burn one slip, releasing them into the ether. The final wish remaining after the 12 days is the one you are personally responsible for manifesting through your own actions. Enjoy this fun seasonal ritual, and see which ones come to fruition in the new year…
Practice yoga
Yoga is an ancient, soulful practice that encourages a sense of alignment and inner peace. Find a quiet space inside or on the decking outdoors, then flow through some simple stretches, or follow a winter solstice sun salutation class on YouTube. It will help you to feel grounded and in tune with the turn of the season.
Happy winter solstice! Feeling inspired? Discover our winter villas for your next escape here.
Q&A
What is the winter solstice?
Winter solstice is the longest night of the year when the Earth’s axial tilt is at its maximum away from the sun. While it brings the darkest day, it symbolises the return of light, new beginnings and the cyclical nature of the seasons.
What winter solstice traditions are there?
Winter solstice can be celebrated in many ways, as mentioned in the article above. Traditionally, Yule is an ancient 12-day pagan winter festival that celebrates the winter solstice, including traditions like decorating with evergreens, feasting, gift-giving and lighting a yule log.
When is the winter solstice?
In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice usually falls on the 21st or 22nd of December each year.
What Villa Plus winter villa destinations are there?
Villa Plus offers winter villas in Madeira and the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.