Winter Solstice Celebration
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Experiences at Cranbrook Institute of Science during this event include:
Lantern Lit Parade: Light up the night by creating your own lantern for our magical campus parade
Solstice Display: Add fruits, pinecones, and your wishes to our festive display for the New Year
Minerals in the Dark: Embark on a glowing tour of our Mineral Gallery for a whole new perspective
Christmas Carols: Enjoy live medieval carols and wassails performed by the costumed Roaring Wastrels
Orange Ornaments: Craft your own dried orange-slice ornament while learning the sweet history of winter citrus
Light-Focusing: Experiment with light-focusing techniques inspired by Neolithic tombs and Mission Churches
Seasonal Snacks: Treat yourself to delicious snacks, seasonal drinks, and festive cocktails at Reflections Café
Solstice Spray: Create a holly leaf and berry spray that brings to life age-old solstice traditions
Shadow Puppets: Craft your own shadow puppet that plays with light and dark to take home
Stars of the Solstice: Gaze at the night sky through a telescope at Cranbrook Observatory
Extra Experiences: Double the fun with seasonal shows at the Acheson Planetarium, dino programming at exploreLAB, and our brand-new traveling exhibit, The Science of Archimedes for an additional charge.
Experiences at the Cranbrook Art Museum during this event include:
Join Lisa Wolfgang (CAA Sculpture ’26) at the Peristyle to sing a seasonal song and wear an artist-made musical instrument during recurring processionals between the Art Museum and Institute of Science, starting at 1:00pm. Suitable for all ages—everyone is welcome!
In deSalle Auditorium, enjoy traditional and modern Swedish music by En Gång Till, with performances at 1:00pm, 1:50pm, 3:00pm, and 3:50pm. Create a colorful wire crown inspired by St. Lucia or your own design to wear during the festivities.
In the Art Lab, celebrate the solstice and our illuminated moon by painting a moon phase ornament to take home.
At Fika Café, savor Scandinavian-inspired treats, Swedish gummy candies, unicorn hot chocolate, and coffee favorites. A cash bar downstairs offers beer, wine, and spiced Glögg!
Tickets are $10 for non-members and free for members, granting access to activities at both venues. Pre-registration is required.
Let’s light up the night together!
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.