Join us for a Winter Solstice event jointly hosted by Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science. Your $10 admission (members are free however, pre-registration required) gives access to the activities at BOTH venues!
Winter Solstice Celebration at CIS
The Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year, has long been a time of celebration – of the pushing back of light against the darkness. This event draws upon historical and scientific interpretations with activities and programs that culminate in a lantern-lit parade around the campus.
Things to Do:
- Join an ongoing workshop to create your lantern for the evening parade.
- Add to our community Solstice display of traditional natural elements -- branches, pinecones, seasonal fruits and more – and make a wish for the New Year.
- Design a holly leaf and berry spray that reflects age-old customs.
- Hear the historical importance of winter citrus fruits and make a dried orange-slice ornament.
- Explore shadow puppets, which rely on light and darkness, and make your own puppet to take home.
- Try a light-focusing activity based on the design of a Neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange, Ireland and the Mission Churches in California.
- Gain a new view of minerals with a mini flashlight tour of the Mineral Gallery.
- Enjoy a late afternoon musical performance of medieval Christmas carols and wassails by the costumed Roaring Wastrels.
- Gaze into the night sky through the lens of the Observatory telescope.
- At 6:00 pm, join us for a culminating outdoor parade/processional as we bring light into the darkness!
- Seasonal snacks, specialty drinks and adult beverages will be available for purchase in the Reflections Café.
- Tickets for Planetarium shows, with seasonal and event-related programs, will also be available for purchase.
- Dinosaur programs, and access to our newest traveling exhibit, The Science of Archimedes, are available for an extra charge.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Pre-registration required. Walk-ups welcome but due to capacity limits, not guaranteed.
Questions? Contact us at 248-645-3210 or cisreservations@cranbrook.edu.