Solstice and Chanukah and Christmas, oh my!

Published 1:30 pm Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Islanders can celebrate the winter holiday season a number of ways this week and next.

Chanukah

Vashon Havurah will hold its annual Chanukah Party from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 (the sixth night of Chanukah) at the Common House of Vashon Cohousing, 10421 SW Bank Rd.

From 5-7 p.m. there will be candlelighting, Havdalah and dinner with latkes made by Darryl Shannon. Applesauce and sour cream will be provided by the Havurah — bring other potluck dishes to share. At 7 p.m., there will be a special Chanukah storytelling performance by Merna Ann Hecht. All are welcome.

Winter Solstice

Mosaic Voices, lead by local author and mythologist Michael Meade, will offer an online solstice ritual from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 (Solstice Eve). The event will “weave together songs and story, poems and prayers with rituals of remembrance and rites of forgiveness to release the past and a resounding collective prayer to light the way in these dark times.” Find out more and register to attend for free or by donation at tinyurl.com/2zs4axw2, or email info@mosaicvoices.org.

On Dec. 21 (Winter Solstice) There will be a “Spiral Celebration” hosted at 4 p.m. by The Lodges on Vashon, at 17205 Vashon Hwy SW. The family-friendly event will include a “Solstice Spiral Walk” — a candlelit ritual marking the return of the light led by local storyteller Gabrielle Wildheart. As dusk settles, participants are invited to walk the spiral path in quiet reflection — entering the center in darkness and returning carrying a small light to brighten the space. Children and adults are invited to move through the spiral together, filling the night with warmth, glow and shared intention.

After the ritual, stay and enjoy hot cider and traditional Gaelic music performed by Keltoi. There is a suggested donation is $15-$25 per family. Dress warmly, bring friends and family and celebrate the turning of the year in light, music and togetherness.

On Dec. 21 (Solstice), the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit will also open its sanctuary for an indoor luminary. Stop in from 6-8 p.m. for contemplation and music during the longest night. At 8 p.m. the evening will conclude with “Night Prayer” from the New Zealand prayer book.

Dec. 24

• Bethel Church (14736 Bethel Lane SW) holds its candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.

• Burton Community Church (23905 Vashon Hwy SW) will hold its candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.

• Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit (15420 Vashon Hwy SW) will hold a Christmas Eve service at 6 pm. Doors open at 5:30 for Christmas caroling before the service.

• St. John Vianney Catholic Church (16100 115th Avenue SW) will hold its Christmas Eve Mass at 5 p.m.

• Vashon Island Community Church (9318 SW Cemetery Rd) will hold its Children’s Nativity and Christmas Eve candlelit service at 7 p.m.

• Vashon Lutheran Church (18623 Vashon Highway SW) will host a one-hour “Candles, Carols & Lessons.” Friends and family are invited to join and sing Christmas carols at 4 p.m.

• Vashon Presbyterian Church (17708 Vashon Hwy SW) will hold a candlelit “Lessons and Carols” Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.

• Vashon United Methodist Church (17928 Vashon Hwy SW) will offer its candlelight Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m.

Dec. 25

• St. John Vianney Catholic Church (16100 115th Avenue SW) will offer Christmas Day Mass at 10 a.m.

Jan. 31

• Stillness at the Turning Point: The Puget Sound Zen Center invites everyone to attend a New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. Reflect on the passing of the old year and welcome in the new. A quiet ceremony among cedar boughs and candles including music, poetry, meditation, a luminary walk, a bonfire, and the traditional ringing of the 108 bells. A social gathering follows with cider, food, and a toast to 2026. All are welcome. 18005 Vashon Highway SW (previously Island Funeral Services). See pszc.org for details.

This article contains additional information, not published in the Dec. 18 Beachcomber’s print edition, about a Winter Solstice event at The Lodges on Vashon and New Year’s Eve observation at Puget Sound Zen Center.