Love Summer. Here’s how to celebrate the summer solstice in Sydney.
The Summer Solstice marks the 1st day of summer for Australia. The date is always the same, 21st December, and it’s considered the longest day of the year, with the sun sitting at its highest, making the night shorter as well.
Astrologically, this is when true summer starts for the southern hemisphere, not on the first day of December, which is the popular belief. Cultures around the world celebrate the summer solstice with festivals, celebrations and gatherings
In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice is on the 21st June, and it is hugely celebrated as it marks the end of a bitter cold winter, the beginning of sunny days and more light and longer days, shorter nights.
In Finland, the summer solstice is called Juhannus, it is one of the most important festivals of the year. It is always celebrated on the weekend to allow everyone to celebrate . The celebration takes place in the countryside and normally by the water, with bonfires lit across the country as a tribute to the ancient tradition, where locals would cast spells to increase fertility.
In the UK, every year at Stonehenge, thousands of people flock to the standing stones to witness the alignment of the summer sun which shines through the ancient structure, to the center of the stones. Resulting in the illumination of Stonehenge.
Similar traditions happen across other parts of the UK, Scotland and Ireland, as significant standing stone locations, where the sun is in perfect alignment with the ancient landmarks.
Here are 4 ways to celebrate the summer solstice in Sydney for 2024:
Heads on Photo Festival at Bondi:
When: 8th November to 1st December 2024
Head On Photo Festival is Australia’s premier photography event and one of the world’s leading photography festivals. For the last twelve years, Head On Photo Festival has showcased local and international photographers across the city— transforming Sydney into a cultural hub for photographic practitioners and enthusiasts.
This is a FREE event.
Glenn Innes Highlands Summer Solstice Festival:
When: 21st December 2024
If you are looking to get out of Sydney for the summer solstice, Glenn Innes is a beautiful heritage town of rural NSW to visit.
The town is located around 6 hours north of Sydney, inland from Coffs Harbour, and is located in the beautiful mountains ranges of the New England Region also known as the northern tablelands.
With deep roots in Celtic and Scottish traditions, standing stones have been erected in the town, and every year a festival is held to celebrate the first official day of summer, with bagpipes being played to open the festival, food stalls and many other ancient Scottish traditions being held at the event.
Bondi Beach Babes Christmas Party
When: 7th December 2024
It’s time to get our community together to come and celebrate Bondi Beach Babes reaching 20k members. Celebrate on a luxury boat with 3 levels of entertainment, live music and DJs, Open-Air Rooftop Bar, food and drinks. Tickets include all inclusive drinks ( beer, wine and spirits and mixers)
Click HERE to book now
Wine Island:
When: 29th November to 1st December 2024
Sydney’s premier food and wine festival, Wine Island, is back to elevate your summer. Escape to a hidden paradise at Gap Bluff, Watsons Bay, for an unforgettable weekend. Surrounded by swaying palms and panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, indulge in exquisite beverages and savour delectable dishes in the Flavour Fiesta.
Click HERE to book.
Outdoor Cinema – Bondi Park Dolphin Court:
When: 14th November to 21st December 2024
Experience enchanting evenings at The sunset outdoor cinema, where you can catch your favorite films like Joker, The Princess Diaries, Gladiator, and Finding Nemo, among others in The Dolphin Court, located right next to the Bondi Pavilion, for an unforgettable cinematic escape under the stars.
Click HERE for tickets.
Bondi Beach Party – Sydney Mardi Gras Edition:
When: 24th February 2024 – 2pm to 10pm
Following on from the spectacular sell-out event from World Pride 2023, the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is holding the Bondi Beach Party again in 2024. Catering for 15,000 people, the sun and sand of Bondi Beach will be home to international DJ’s and performers as the sun sets on one of the most famous beaches in the world.
Click HERE to purchase tickets.
