The Trustees will lead a guided walk in the Leland Cooperative Garden with herbalist and arborist Alex Klein to learn key characteristics that will provide you the skills to identify any tree, even in the winter months. Stick around after the walk for the Leland Garden’s winter solstice celebration. 2:20 – 4 is the Tree ID walk (meet at 4 Leland Street in Jamaica Plain), 4 – 5 hot cider, 5 pm solstice circle. Sliding scale registration required. Scan the QR code below.
The Trustees are celebrating the Winter Solstice on December 17, 18, and 19 at a number of different venues. Appleton Farms in Hamilton and Ipswich is the site of a Winter Solstice Family Fun, and Fruitlands Solstice Stroll in Harvard features a candlelit walk followed by hot chocolate and s’mores around the outdoor firepit. The deCordova Museum presents a solstice clay candle lanterns workshop. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich is where you’ll get to participate in a Winter Solstice Hike. Powisset Farm in Dover will hold a Winter Solstice Supper, and for those near Governor Hutchinson’s Field in Milton, enjoy a fire dance performance at Solstice Illumination Night. Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough holds a Solstice Celebration. This is just a sampling, Fees and times vary, so to check them all out visit www.thetrustees.org for details.
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.
Make the most of the shortest day of the year! Get outside and take a walk along the Charles River with the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, starting at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street, on Wednesday, December 21 from 1 – 3.
Mass Hort Educator Katie Folts will lead a walk on the trails at Elm Bank, identify plants, and discuss how these plants have adapted to survive cold winters. $12 for Mass Hort members, $20 for nonmembers. Telephone 617-933-4973 to register, or for more information, and dress warmly.
Welcome the Winter Solstice with haunting legends of light, evergreen traditions and entertaining tales accompanied by traditional songs and music. The event will feature Diane Edgecomb, accompanied by Margot Chamberlain and Tom Megan, and will be held at the Loring-Greenough House in Jamaica Plain on Friday and Saturday, December 19 & 20, beginning at 8 pm. Featured stories include the beautiful Scandinavian tale “Legend of the Mistletoe,†a humorous English Wassail story, and the poignant Greek Solstice legend “The Coming of the Days of Peace.†Lovely instrumental melodies, evoking the warmth of the season, round out the event. Traditional refreshments, including a Wassail Bowl, will be served. Tickets are $25, which includes traditional refreshments. To order tickets visit http://www.livingmyth.com/Solstice.
Join The Trustees of Reservations for a leisurely hike through the dunes of the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich 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 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. Dress for the weather to maximize comfort and minimize misery! Water is always good to have along. $20 for TTOR members, $25 for nonmembers. Pre-registration required at 978-810-5892, or email dantczak@ttor.org.
The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy is pleased to announce plans to bring more light and cheer to the Greenway beginning December 21, the winter solstice, and continuing through the spring equinox.
Bright Lights for Winter Nights will feature creative lighting elements that highlight the Greenway’s four distinctive park designs while unifying over a mile of the Greenway’s natural beauty with a varied display of festive lighting.
The first display will begin Monday the 21st at 4 pm in the Wharf District Parks when the iconic Light Blades will display a newly choreographed rhythm of color and pattern. The display will change each week for the next three months, so keep coming back!
