First Day of Winter

All about First Day of Winter ❄️

The first day of winter is the December solstice, around December 21 — the shortest day of the year. It happens just days before Christmas, so the two countdowns finish almost together.

After the solstice the days start getting longer again, even as the coldest weather is still on the way.

How people celebrate First Day of Winter

• Sledding, snowball fights, and snowmen
• Hot chocolate and cozy blankets
• Ice skating and skiing
• Holiday lights against the early dark

Fun facts

• The shortest day can have under nine hours of daylight.
• No two snowflakes form exactly the same way.
• Winter in Australia starts in June.

The countdown above updates live in your own time zone, so the days, hours, minutes, and seconds always match your local clock.