Ah, winter solstice.

Yep, this Saturday, December 21st marks the beginning of longer days and shorter nights. (Can I get a huzzah?)

The actual day (also known as December or hibernal solstice) itself, however, is pretty short on light and ushers in - welp - the longest night of the whole entire year.

Ancient people used to celebrate this transition by gathering family and friends for bonfires, elaborate feasts, and such, but if that all sounds a little too Game Of Thrones (I’ve never watched a single episode, but all that kinda sorta seemed to me like a scene straight outta the show.) and you’re looking for something more low key and contemplative to do to usher in the winter season, then how about exploring what I think of as one of Rhode Island’s most beautiful (and most under-appreciated*) spots?

That’s right, coming up this Saturday the 21st at 4pm, RWP is hosting an Illuminated (It’s BYOL which translates to bring your own battery-operated lanterns or flashlights…also, wear your comfiest wintertime type walking shoes and bundle up.) Solstice Stroll.

It sounds like a fantastic way to explore the park this time of year. (A well-informed guide makes a world of difference, not to mention this being a fab way to get those daily steps in too!)

As of this writing, tickets are still available for this family-friendly, FREE event. Click here to register your crew.

* For the record, someone who guest blogged on the site a few years ago wrote out a host of reasons why we need to celebrate RWP as our version of NYC’s Central Park and I still refer to her post whenever I’m chatting with someone about it.