The seasonal interplay of light and darkness is never more spectacular than with the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, is a prime spot for viewing the natural light show and welcoming longer days.
Solstice celebrations —
The seasonal interplay of light and darkness is never more spectacular than with the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, is a prime spot for viewing the natural light show and welcoming longer days.
Peter Grant/Getty Images/File
Kite festivals are often associated with Makar Sankranti in India. Unlike people in other places in the Northern Hemisphere that mark the solstice in December, Hindus celebrate one of the most important festivals of the year in January.
Solstice celebrations —
Kite festivals are often associated with Makar Sankranti in India. Unlike people in other places in the Northern Hemisphere that mark the solstice in December, Hindus celebrate one of the most important festivals of the year in January.
Ajit Solanki/AP
Vancouver, British Columbia, hosts the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival to mark the year's shortest day.
Solstice celebrations —
Vancouver, British Columbia, hosts the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival to mark the year's shortest day.
Courtesy Secret Lantern Society
People gather in front of the Temple of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza, Mexico, on December 21, 2012. The Maya calendar ended without incident last year, so now is a good time to experience the amazing cultural sites in relative peace.
Solstice celebrations —
People gather in front of the Temple of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza, Mexico, on December 21, 2012. The Maya calendar ended without incident last year, so now is a good time to experience the amazing cultural sites in relative peace.
Israel Leal/AP/File
The Montol Festival is a fun mix of pagan customs and more recent Christmas traditions that were once common throughout Cornwall, England.
Solstice celebrations —
The Montol Festival is a fun mix of pagan customs and more recent Christmas traditions that were once common throughout Cornwall, England.
Courtesy Montol Festival