Winter Solstice Date 2024. So, what is the winter solstice, and why does it happen? Learn all about the shortest day of the year—and tell us.

The winter solstice, which marks the first day of winter 2024, occurs on saturday, december 21, 2024 at 4:21 a.m. 21, marking the official beginning of winter and ushering in the season’s characteristic cold fronts and holiday traditions.