The winter solstice · Monday 21 December 2026
Yule: the Return of the Light
On the longest night of the year, our ancestors lit fires and candles to welcome back the sun. Bring evergreens indoors, light a gold candle at dusk and celebrate the turning of the year with simple, joyful Yule rituals.
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Shop Christmas gifts →A Yule candle spell by Rowan HartA personal candle spell for the new year and the returning light, written for you and sent as a beautiful PDF. £9.99.
Request your spell →Scents, candles & stones of Yule
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The resin of kings and the sacred scent of midwinter, burned for blessing and the returning light.
Shop frankincense (35) →Cinnamon & cloveWarm winter spice for comfort, abundance and a cosy, welcoming home.
Shop cinnamon & clove (40) →OrangeBright and sunny, like the sun itself returning. Dried oranges are a classic Yule decoration.
Shop orange (23) →Pine & firThe evergreen scent of the forest in winter, a promise that life endures.
Shop pine & fir (18) →Gold candlesFor the sun, warmth and the light growing stronger after the longest night.
Shop gold candles (27) →Tiger’s eyeGolden and warm, like sunlight in stone. A lovely Yule gift.
Shop tiger’s eye (38) →Frankincense
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Cinnamon & clove
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What is Yule?
Yule is the old midwinter festival of the winter solstice, the longest night and shortest day of the year. In 2026 the solstice falls on Monday 21 December. From this night on, the days slowly begin to grow longer again, which is why Yule has always been a celebration of the return of the light.
The name comes from the Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon midwinter feasts. Many of our best-loved Christmas customs began here: bringing evergreens and holly indoors, burning the Yule log, lighting candles in the dark, wassailing, feasting and giving gifts. Today Yule is one of the eight festivals of the Wheel of the Year, and many people celebrate it alongside Christmas.
The meaning of the solstice
In folklore, the solstice is the moment the old year turns. In some British traditions it is when the Holly King, who rules the dark half of the year, gives way to the Oak King of the growing light. It is a time to rest, to look back with gratitude, and to set gentle hopes for the year ahead, like seeds waiting under the snow.
Colours, scents and stones of Yule
Gold and white candles honour the sun; red and green bring the warmth of holly and evergreen. Frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, clove, orange and pine are the traditional scents of the season. Golden stones such as tiger’s eye and clear quartz are kept for the returning light.
A simple Yule candle ritual for the longest night
- At sunset on 21 December, turn off the lights and sit for a moment in the dark, the longest night of the year.
- Light a gold or white candle in a safe holder to welcome back the sun. Add evergreens, an orange or a sprig of holly beside it.
- Burn a little frankincense, or warm a few drops of cinnamon and orange oil in a burner.
- Think of one thing from the past year you are grateful for, and one hope you would like to grow as the days lengthen. Write the hope on a slip of paper.
- Keep the paper on your altar until spring. Snuff the candle when you are ready, and never leave a candle burning unattended.
Other ways to celebrate Yule
- Bring in the green: holly, ivy, pine and fir have been brought indoors at midwinter for centuries as a promise that life returns.
- Make a Yule log: decorate a log with evergreens and candles for the table, or enjoy a chocolate one.
- Orange pomanders: stud oranges with cloves and hang them with ribbon for a sweet, spicy scent.
- Watch the sunrise on the morning after the solstice, the first day the light begins to grow.
- Give small gifts of candles, crystals or homemade treats, an old midwinter custom.
Want a ritual written just for you? Request a personal candle spell by Rowan Hart.
Yule: questions and answers
When is Yule 2026?
Yule falls on the winter solstice, which in the UK is on Monday 21 December 2026. Many people celebrate on the evening of the 21st, and some keep the festivities going for twelve days.
What do you do at Yule?
Traditionally, people bring evergreens indoors, light candles or a fire on the longest night, burn a Yule log, share food and give small gifts. A simple candle ritual to welcome back the sun is a lovely way to mark it.
Is Yule the same as Christmas?
No, but they are closely linked. Yule is the much older midwinter festival of the solstice, and many Christmas traditions, such as evergreens, holly, the Yule log and candles, come from it. Many people happily celebrate both.
What colours are used for Yule?
Gold and white for the sun and the returning light, with red and green for holly and evergreens. Silver is sometimes added for winter and the stars.
What are good Yule gifts?
Gold or red candles, frankincense and myrrh, cinnamon and orange oils, sunny crystals such as tiger’s eye, altar pieces, angels and stars, or a small ritual set. Our Christmas gift guide has ideas for every budget.
Do you deliver before Yule and Christmas?
Yes. For UK delivery in time for the solstice and Christmas, we recommend ordering by Thursday 17 December. Orders are dispatched within 1 to 2 working days, with free UK delivery over £50.
See also the wheel of the year, our Christmas gift guide, moon rituals and our guide to candle magic.