Various properties managed by The Trustees will host Winter Solstice Celebrations on December 21.
The earliest event (4:30 – 7 pm) takes place at Long Point Wildlife Refuge in Martha’s Vineyard. Follow the luminaries on a a self-guided trail walk through the woods at Long Point. The path begins and ends at our visitor center where we’ll have a fire pit complete with s’mores and warm beverages to keep you toasty. Trustees members $5, nonmembers $10.
Join Musketaquid Arts and Environment and the Old Manse in Concord from 6 – 9 pm to celebrate the shortest day of the year There will be a roaring fire, smores, and hot cider to warm us, and music from the Voices of the Earth Chorus. Warm up inside the Old Manse during our free open house.
If you are in Ipswich, take a leisurely hike through the dunes of the Crane Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the winter solstice. On this, the shortest day of the year, we’ll take advantage of the dark with a stroll beneath the stars. We’ll warm up after our walk with hot cider, rum, and refreshments in the Tavern at the Inn at Castle Hill. The perfect balance to counteract the bustle of the holiday season! Please note: We will be hiking up and down dunes, through soft sand, for approximately 2½-3 miles – a fairly strenuous hike. $32 Trustees members, $40 nonmembers.
The William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington, from 6 – 7:30 pm, will have a small bonfire to burn the yulelo. You will share some favorite 19th century winter poems and learn about the history of the Christmas tree. Afterwards, enjoy hot cocoa and a 19th century baked treat in the dining room (or stay at the bonfire!). Feel free to bring your favorite poem, too! $5 suggested donation.
On a different note, Powisset Farm in Dover will host a Solstice Fondue Dinner from 6 – 8 pm. Fondue is a tradition dating to the 18th century, based on the classic combination of melted cheese and wine. Enjoy the camaraderie of cooking at your table as you prepare classic fondue — inspired by the contemporary bounty of the farm — for yourself and your tablemates. Learn about the fondue tradition from our local Swiss food historian. Bring your friends for a delicious evening out in the warm environment of Powisset’s farm kitchen. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Please note space is limited and pre-registration is required. Email powissetfarm@thetrustees.org or call 508.785.0339 to find out if there is space remaining. $40 adult members, $50 nonmembers. This event is part of the Powisset Cooks! program.
In Milton, at Governor Hutchinson’s Field, from 6 – 8 pm, come together with family and friends on the darkest day of the year, and celebrate the return of the light. We’ll gather around fires to make s’mores, tell stories, and watch a talented fire dancer perform to music. $9 Trustees members, $15 nonmembers.
For complete details on all these celebrations, visit http://thetrustees.org.
