BROOKLYN — Longer days and shorter nights are just a few days away.
The winter solstice is this Wednesday, Dec. 21. And to celebrate the turn of the new year, you’ve got options.
Relax in a meditation circle or yoga class, call up the sun with a percussion performance at Grand Army Plaza or see the stars in a Kensington community garden. There’s lots to do in Brooklyn; to help you decide how to mark the new astronomical year, we rounded up seven cool solstice events in the borough, listed below.
Happy Midwinter!
► READ: How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice Like a Real New York Wiccan
Tuesday, Dec. 20
► Winter Solstice Circle
Where: Minka, 1120 Washington Ave., Prospect-Lefferts Gardens
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Join this ritual meditation where participants will visualize their intentions for the new year in a 90-minute exercise using essential oils, mindfulness meditation, nature-based chants and a candle ritual, organizers said. Admission is $25.
Wednesday, Dec. 21
► Sunrise Solstice Ceremony
Where: Fountain at Grand Army Plaza
When: 7 a.m.
Come see the sunrise with “urban shaman” Mama Donna Henes, who will “drum up” the sun in this free ceremony open to kids and dogs. Henes says the event will happen “rain, snow or shine.”
Where: Sundial at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights
When: 11:30 a.m.
Walk along with baritone Christopher Dylan Herbert who will lead a roving musical performance through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, accompanied by original piano music played on handheld radios given to participants. The 75-minute performance is free and open to the public.
Where: Starts at 354 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Heights
When: 4 to 10 p.m.
Join Make Music New York on this musical “flatfooting” parade with live music and a free foot-stomping workshop held at various locations around Flatbush Avenue. Then, join the afterparty at Rose’s (295 Flatbush Ave.) for live music and square dancing from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: 1 Old Fulton St., DUMBO
When: 4:32 p.m.
Take part in a call-and-response vocal piece inspired by African vocal traditions as part of Make Music New York. The march starts in DUMBO, passes under the Manhattan Bridge and ends at the 68 Jay Street Bar for a happy hour.
Where: East Fourth Street Community Garden, Kensington
When: 7 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy hot drinks, solstice stories and stargazing with local astronomer Irene Pease at this free winter solstice celebration. Attendees are encouraged to bring cookies to share, according to the Ditmas-Park Corner.
Where: McCarren Play Center, 776 Lorimer St., Williamsburg
When: 7 to 9 p.m.
Join this parks department-sponsored open meditation and vinyasa yoga session to “welcome the season,” organizers say. The event is free and open to the public; participants are encouraged to bring their own mats, blankets and props. RSVP is encouraged.
