Join CREA and the Topsham Public Library for our drop-in Winter Solstice Lantern Craft event this December! 

We’ll meet on Wednesday, December 15th, from 4:00pm – 5:00pm in the Children’s section at the Topsham Public Library for this hands-on solstice craft event. This is a free drop-in program, and all ages are welcome to attend with the support of a parent or guardian. 

What to bring: Please check your recycling (or ask a neighbor) for a clear plastic bottle to use for your lantern. These can be recycled plastic jars, 1 or 2 liter bottles, or other clear plastic containers in any shape. The container should be wide enough to get our little friends hands into easily, and can be clear or colored see- through plastic.

What to expect: At the event, we’ll have all the supplies needed to create your own luminary for the winter solstice. This includes: glue, tissue paper, brushes, fall leaves, yarn and more! We’ll explain how to make the lantern and give guidance along the way, and will ask parents and caregivers to assist smaller children as needed. 

How do I use my lantern? Many cultures celebrate the winter solstice, and all in different ways! Check out our read-aloud below: The Shortest Day, by Wendy Pfeffer, to learn more.  After reading, think about how you can celebrate with your family and friends, or…

Join CREA and Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust for one of our free upcoming events:

• • • Full Moon Lantern Walk | Saturday, December 18th @ Crystal Spring Farm > REGISTER HERE
    • Guided Solstice Labyrinth Walks | Tuesday, December 21 @ The Labyrinth in the Woods > REGISTER HERE

What is the Winter Solstice? The winter solstice marks the beginning of the winter season (December 21), which lasts until the vernal equinox (March 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere). After the solstice, the days begin to lengthen; because of this, the day has been celebrated in many cultures as a time of bringing back the light. Learn more by watching a read aloud of The Shortest Day by Wendy Pfeffer below with your family.

Check out our Wild Wonders: hands-on nature based activities, for additional solstice and winter exploration…

• Wild Wonders: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
• Wild Wonders: Winter Growing – Paperwhite Planting
• Wild Wonders: Adapting to Winter
• Wild Wonders: Feeding Our Feathered Friends