When is the winter solstice? The shortest day of 2024 is almost here

For some, winter begins as soon as the mercury starts to dip below a certain chilly level. For others, it’s once the days have gotten to a certain length, with the darkness closing in before you’ve even left the office.

But there are actual a few proper, official dates that mark the start of winter – and they depend on your calendar. Two of those dates have already passed, and another is coming up pretty soon. 

When is the shortest day of the year in the UK in 2024?

Also known as the winter solstice, according to the astronomical calendar, the UK's winter begins on the shortest day of the year. So mark your calendars, because autumn is officially over on December 21 this year.

For those that go by the meteorological calendar (which is what the BBC Weather uses) winter begins on December 1. Meteorologists use three-month periods to define each season, so naturally, winter is the three coldest months - December, January and February. 

There’s also a Celtic calendar still used in some parts of the UK, which recognises the start of winter as November 1. 

What is the astronomical calendar? 

While the meteorological calendar tracks the year based on seasons, the astronomical calendar follows what's happening up there with the planets. 

Winter begins on the shortest day of the year according to the astronomical calendar because this is when the northern hemisphere is tilted the furthest away from the sun. It officially marks the day with the fewest hours of daylight.

How long does winter last?

According to BBC Weather, which uses the meteorological calendar, winter ends on the last day of February. Because winter solstice kicks off a little later according to the astronomical calendar, winter comes to an end on the 20 March 2025.

Is it too early to start counting down? 

Events to celebrate the winter solstice in the UK

There are loads of events happening across the UK this Saturday to mark the winter solstice. Here are a few of our favourites – yes, including Stonehenge. 

• Stonehenge – the ancient stones will host a winter solstice ceremony, with crowds able to see the sunrise over its stones. It opens at 7.45am GMT. 
• Stonehenge (virtual) – can’t or don’t want to make it all the way down to Somerset? English Heritage will stream the solstice at Stonehenge. 
• Burning the Clocks – crowds in Brighton gather to watch processions carrying paper and willow lanterns, which are then burned on a bonfire.
• Winter Solstice at Greenwich Park – Greenwich in southwest London will host an afternoon of winter solstice celebrations, with live performances, craft markets and live science experiments. 

Get outside with Time Out

Just because it’s dark and cold out, that doesn't mean you have to hide away inside (well, maybe you should this weekend – beware Darragh!). There’s plenty to do, from getting your Christmas shopping done or indulging in mulled wine at a festive market. And if you need something to look forward to, Boomtown and Reading festival have just released their line up and we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know, including how to get tickets.