The Winter Solstice is a natural phenomenon that occurs once a year when the North Pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun, resulting in the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year, in the Northern hemisphere. This event has been celebrated in festivals and rituals throughout recorded and pre-recorded history as signifying the middle of the winter season, and as the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun.

This Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the businesses within the Caribou Village Shopping Center on 20 Lakeview Drive will be celebrating the “slow return of the light” with special sales and events.

Wild Bear Nature Center (WBNC) will be hosting events from noon to 3 p.m., including a presentation from Nature’s Educators featuring live “Owl Ambassadors.” Those who attend can expect to learn about the routines of the majestic hunters, as well as their importance to the mountain ecosystem.

For the admittance fee of $5 per person, attendees at WBNC will also be able to attend a hands-on Beeswax Candle Making demonstration, and will be treated to live music provided by folk artists Sarah Banker and Saoirse Jordan Watters. WBNC will also be providing an interactive Astronomy Exhibit and a Winter Crafts table for free to the public between December 18 and 24.

Children will have two chances to meet Santa Claus. At noon Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by The Train Cars. Attendees are encouraged to stop inside The Train Cars for some freshly made donuts topped with “the works.”

The Shop will be providing kids with temporary tattoos during the celebration, as well as hosting a cookie exchange. The Shop will also be hosting holiday caroling with Nederland Elementary School kids starting outside their doors at 4 p.m., with a special appearance from Santa Claus.

For the adults, Augustina’s Winery will be serving a special hot mulled wine for the Winter Solstice Celebration. Tres Gringos will be serving their infamously fierce margaritas, and Backcountry Pizza will be providing a plethora of libations.

Very Nice Brewing Company (VNBC) will be serving their thirst-quenching classics, alongside a new collaborative brew with Busey Brews called Spruce Willis. VNBC will also be hosting a holiday cookie exchange starting at 3 p.m., and live music from the Brassaholics beginning at 4 p.m.

Kaleidoscope Fine Arts Gallery will have cookies and other holiday goodies, and Wild Poppy Hair Salon will be selling flower arrangements, flower ornaments, jewelry, and knit hats. Spinning Silica will have some beautiful glass ornaments, and Tadasana Mountain Yoga will be open as well, providing holiday gifts for sale and a chance to win a gift card for five free yoga classes.

Brightwood Music will have a special sale on Banjos, other instruments, and accessories. Banjos can be purchased at $299, including special deals on banjo cases. The Mountain-Ear will also be present, handing out free newspapers and special holiday subscription deals.

The Winter Solstice represents so much for many people; for the mountain folk of Nederland it comes with the hope of more moisture and snow. For some it may represent the end of the shoulder season, the beginning of peak ski season. The Winter Solstice may represent to some a more natural, earthly celebration of the season, than other festive activities around this time of year.

Regardless of what it may mean to you, the businesses in the Caribou Village Shopping Center are working together to provide a Winter Solstice Celebration that is truly for everyone to enjoy.