Illustration of a cook stirring pudding in an old historic house kitchen with copper pans and garlands (Winter Solstice Celebration)
Other Christmas Activities

Winter Solstice Celebration

Guests celebrate the longest night of the year outdoors around bonfires and pose for photos with live reindeer. Indoors, visitors can enjoy Swedish carols, dance and musical performances, try shadow puppets, and make holiday crafts. The historic Turnblad Mansion showcases its holiday exhibit, while FIKA Café serves warm glögg and Swedish treats.

Fri, Dec 18, 2026 All ages

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Food & Drink

FIKA Café serves Swedish concession-style foods such as hot dogs, charcuterie boxes, soups, breads, cookies and pastries, along with coffee, cocoa, and glögg.

Parking

Free surface lot at 27th Street and Park Avenue, with unmetered street parking on most surrounding blocks when it's full. No buses or large trailers.

Accessibility

Elevators connect campus levels, and complimentary transport wheelchairs are available to borrow at the front desk.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and visitors interested in swedish holiday traditions

Vibe

Festive and cultural

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Register ahead for one of the half-hour entry windows, because entry to the celebration is arranged in timed slots early in the evening.
  • Dress warmly, because the bonfires and reindeer photos are outdoors, while the performances, crafts and shadow puppets are inside.
  • Grab a glögg, coffee or cocoa from FIKA Café and take it out to the bonfires before your photo with the reindeer.
  • Save time to walk through the historic Turnblad Mansion, where the holiday exhibit is on display during the celebration.
  • Park free in ASI's lot at 27th Street and Park Avenue, or use the unmetered street parking around ASI if the lot is full.

Links & Contact

Run by Johnson County Park & Recreation District

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Winter Solstice Celebration good for kids?

Yes, it's for all ages. Family crafts, a shadow play station, live reindeer and kid-friendly food options are all part of the night.

What is there to do?

Outside, you can warm up by the bonfires and pose for a photo with the reindeer. Inside, there are music and dance performances all night, Swedish carols, a solstice craft and shadow puppets. The holiday exhibit is also on display in the Turnblad Mansion.

What food and drink is available?

FIKA Café serves a concession menu of Swedish specialties: hot dogs, charcuterie boxes, soups, breads and kid-friendly options. There's also coffee, cocoa, glögg (Swedish mulled wine), and homemade cookies and pastries.

Do I need to register ahead of time?

Yes. Entry is by registration for half-hour entry windows early in the evening, so choose your slot when you book.

Where do I park?

ASI's surface lot at 27th Street and Park Avenue is free. When it fills up, there's unmetered street parking on most of the surrounding blocks. Buses and large trailers aren't allowed in the lot.

View More FAQs

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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