Five summer solstice festivities in the northern hemisphere

In many regions, the summer solstice signifies the official beginning of summer, celebrating the longest day and shortest night of the year with local customs and historical traditions.

In 2024, the summer solstice officially occurs on June 20, but festivities in the northern hemisphere take place from June 20 to June 23. Here are some distinctive ways this event is celebrated.

1. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England

The magnificent stone formations of Stonehenge remain shrouded in mystery, yet they provide a stunning setting for one of the most renowned sunrise and sunset celebrations. Long believed to be a gathering place for ancient Druid solstice rituals, it has attracted visitors for generations.

Visitors gain one-day access to the ancient stone circle, allowing them to stand before the Heel Stone and witness the sunrise over the massive boulder.

As the appeal of the free event has surged, thousands of attendees often camp nearby (though camping is not allowed on-site) days ahead, dressed in traditional Celtic garments. English Heritage broadcasts the event live on its YouTube channel, enabling viewers from around the globe to participate. The festivities commence with sunset on Thursday, June 20, and continue with sunrise on Friday, June 21.

2. Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival – Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa’s three-day Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, running from June 21 to 23 this year, showcases a rich tapestry of cultures, blending the longest day of the year with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. This area was once the traditional land of the Algonquin people before Queen Victoria designated Ottawa as Canada’s capital.

The festival features culinary delights from renowned Indigenous chefs, traditional attire, and a variety of cultural events. A dazzling Pow Wow highlights the finest talents from the region, all competing for $75,000 in prizes. While admission is free, there are fees for workshops and special events.

3. Fairbanks and Anchorage – Alaska, US

With roughly one-third of Alaska situated above the Arctic Circle, solstice celebrations can be found across the state. In Fairbanks, the Alaska Goldpanners host the Midnight Sun Baseball Game, a beloved tradition dating back to 1906. The game begins at 10pm and takes a pause near midnight for the Alaska Flag Song.

Further south, Anchorage enjoys 22 hours of daylight, which they fully embrace with the Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon and Half Marathon on June 22, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the marathon in 2024.

4. Midsummer – Stockholm, Sweden

Midsummer in Sweden is infused with romance, highlighted by traditional maypole dances and the gathering of wildflowers for floral crowns. According to tradition, placing seven different types of flowers under your pillow on Midsummer will lead to dreams of your future spouse. But who has time for sleep?

During the weekend of the solstice, the streets are alive with festivities as people celebrate with pickled herring, dill-flavored new potatoes, and spiced schnapps, accompanied by raucous drinking songs—preferably the cheekier, the better. The celebrations are family-friendly and often take place in the countryside. For those without an invitation, the open-air Skansen Museum in Stockholm offers three days of activities from June 21 to 23 as a delightful alternative.

5. Mountaintop Bonfires – Tyrol, Austria

As the summer solstice approaches, Austrians embrace fire with their tradition of lighting bonfires on mountaintops. This stunning display has medieval roots, originally intended to repel evil spirits.

In the 1700s, these fires were repurposed to signal resistance against Napoleon’s impending invasion, and following their victory, Austrians dedicated themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since then, the Tyrolean mountains have been dramatically set ablaze each year, save for a brief period when the Nazis banned the tradition. Today, Austrians continue to celebrate the shortest night of the year, incorporating religious symbols like crosses into their festivities.