Days Until December 21st
About December 21st
December 21st is one of 365 days on the calendar — and like every date, it has its own mix of facts, observances, and history. December 21st is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. The countdown below shows how many days remain until the next December 21st, with notes on what the date is known for, the traditions associated with it, and notable events that have happened on this day.
📚 Interesting Facts
December 21st is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year
People born on December 21st are on the Sagittarius-Capricorn cusp, combining adventure with ambition
Ancient monuments like Stonehenge and Newgrange were built to align with the winter solstice sunrise
This is day 355 of the year, with 10 days remaining until New Year's Eve
The winter solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years across cultures worldwide
🎊 Traditions & Celebrations
Watching the sunrise at Stonehenge is a popular modern winter solstice tradition, attracting thousands of visitors
In China, the Dongzhi Festival involves families gathering to eat tang yuan (rice balls) for good fortune
Japanese people celebrate Toji by taking warm yuzu-scented baths and eating kabocha squash for good health
In Iran, Shab-e Yalda is celebrated with families gathering to eat pomegranates and nuts through the longest night
The Kalasha people of Pakistan celebrate Chaomos with ritual baths, torchlight processions, and festive feasts lasting seven days
📜 Historical Events on This Day
Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower came ashore at Plymouth Rock in present-day Massachusetts for the first time
The first crossword puzzle was published in the New York World newspaper by Arthur Wynne
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the world's first full-length animated feature film, premiered in Los Angeles
Apollo 8 astronauts became the first humans to orbit the Moon, broadcasting a Christmas message to Earth
Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people aboard and 11 on the ground
Ancient times - Stonehenge was constructed with its primary axis aligned to the winter solstice sunset
Newgrange monument in Ireland was built so sunlight enters only on winter solstice mornings
Roman Emperor Aurelian made December 25 the birthday of Sol Invictus, influenced by solstice celebrations
Why Count Down to December 21st?
Whether you're planning ahead, celebrating a tradition, or marking a personal milestone, tracking the countdown to December 21st helps you prepare and build anticipation. Use CountDay.org to:
- Never miss important dates and plan accordingly
- Build excitement as the day approaches
- Share the countdown with friends and family
- Set reminders and prepare for celebrations
- Track multiple countdowns in one convenient place