Olana’s Annual Winter Solstice Celebration Returns on December 21

HUDSON, NY – The Olana Partnership and New York State Parks invite the community to join in celebrating the changing season during its annual Winter Solstice Celebration at Olana. Visit the site on Saturday, December 21, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM for a series of free opportunities to experience the Hudson Valley‘s beautiful winter landscape.

The Winter Solstice Celebration will include free access to the historic interiors, a bonfire, a live set with DJ Jared, drop-in activities and games, refreshments for purchase from Citiot in Catskill, The Cookie Board, and Nine Pin Cider, a special visit from everyone’s favorite miniature donkey, Hank, back by popular demand, and much more! Special events will take place throughout the afternoon at both the Frederic Church Center for Art & Landscape and the East Lawn near the Historic House.

Derek James Smith of Constellation in Catskill will share a presentation and discussion around the Astrology of Frederic Church and Olana to kick off the afternoon at 1:00 PM. This introduction will study Church’s natal chart to provide an introduction to Astrology’s possibilities for aficionados and beginners alike. From 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Derek will offer interactive outdoor Astrological readings for those curious to learn more about the craft.

Local outdoor educator Nature Sarah will lead two family-friendly walks at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM sharing information about solstices and sunsets. A nature-themed scavenger hunt will be available for younger participants. Each hike will start from the Historic House and follow the Ridge Road (0.6 mi). The route is considered easy with minimal elevation gain and short distances of steep grade. Strollers are welcome.

From 1:00 PM until sunset, participants can view the sun directly through specially equipped solar telescopes. Amateur astronomers from the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association will help point out sunspots and other solar features using specially designed filters.

The day will finish with a sunset performance by the Hudson Community Choir and sunset from one of the best views in the Hudson Valley.

House entry will be available on a first come first served basis beginning at 2:00 PM. Last house entry will be at 4:00 PM. Outdoor bonfire until 5:00 PM provided by the New York State Parks. A FREE shuttle will be available to Olana from Hudson with pickup and drop off at the Hudson Area Library every hour beginning at 12:30 PM until 4:30 PM. This free community event is presented in collaboration with The Olana Partnership and New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, and generously sponsored by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and Price Chopper/Market 32. To learn more visit, OLANA.org/solstice.

Looking to extend your Solstice fun? Clermont State Historic Site will also be offering an open house on December 21 and the Village of Catskill Winter Solstice Stroll will begin on December 21 at 5:00 PM.