How Many Days Until Winter?
Winter 2025 begins on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
About Winter
Winter is the coldest season of the year, marked by the Winter Solstice which is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter brings snow in many regions, holiday celebrations, and adaptation by plants and animals to survive the harsh conditions.
The Science of Winter
The Solstice
The Winter Solstice occurs when Earth's axis is tilted furthest away from the sun in that hemisphere. This results in the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year, marking the astronomical start of winter.
Why It's Cold
Winter cold is due to less direct solar radiation hitting the Earth's surface and shorter daylight hours reducing heating time. The angle of the sun is lower, spreading the same energy over a larger area.
Snow Formation
Snow forms when atmospheric temperature is at or below freezing (0°C or 32°F), and there is sufficient moisture. Ice crystals form around tiny particles and grow, eventually falling as snowflakes when heavy enough.
Animal Adaptations
Animals adapt to winter through hibernation (like bears), migration (like birds), growing thicker fur (like deer), or changing color for camouflage (like arctic foxes).
Winter Natural Phenomena
Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights are more visible during winter due to longer, darker nights. These colorful light displays occur when charged solar particles interact with Earth's atmosphere.
Frost Patterns
Frost forms when water vapor transitions directly to ice crystals on cold surfaces. The intricate patterns we see on windows are influenced by tiny surface irregularities and impurities.
Sun Dogs
Sun dogs (or parhelia) appear as bright spots on either side of the sun, most commonly during winter when ice crystals in the atmosphere refract sunlight at 22° angles.
Snow Loading
Trees can bend dramatically under snow weight without breaking due to their flexible cell structure. Conifers' conical shapes and downward-angled branches help shed snow efficiently.
Winter Activities & Tips
Skiing & Snowboarding
- Take lessons if you're a beginner
- Layer clothing for temperature regulation
- Wear a properly fitted helmet
- Check weather and avalanche conditions
- Stay hydrated even in cold weather
Ice Skating
- Wear skates that fit properly and provide ankle support
- Bend knees slightly and keep weight forward
- For outdoor skating, check ice thickness (4+ inches)
- Bring hand warmers for extended sessions
- Consider padded shorts for beginners
Snow Sculptures
- Use wet, packable snow for best results
- Wear waterproof gloves to keep hands dry
- Use spray bottles with food coloring for decoration
- Try molds or buckets for different shapes
- Photograph your creation before it melts!
Cozy Home
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down
- Use draft stoppers on doors and windows
- Add extra blankets and throw pillows
- Consider a humidifier for dry indoor air
- Use LED candles for warmth without fire risk
Warm Beverages
- Try homemade hot chocolate with real chocolate
- Experiment with herbal tea blends
- Make mulled wine or cider with winter spices
- Consider golden milk (turmeric latte) for health benefits
- Use a thermos to keep drinks warm longer
Indoor Hobbies
- Start a winter reading challenge
- Learn knitting or crocheting
- Try jigsaw puzzles or board games
- Experiment with new recipes
- Begin an indoor herb garden
Winter Driving
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
- Clear all snow and ice before driving
- Increase following distance on slippery roads
- Use gentle acceleration and braking
- Keep gas tank at least half full
Staying Healthy
- Wash hands frequently to prevent illness
- Take vitamin D supplements during dark months
- Use a light therapy lamp for mood improvement
- Maintain exercise routines indoors if needed
- Stay hydrated despite feeling less thirsty
Winter Walking
- Wear proper footwear with good traction
- Take shorter steps and walk flat-footed
- Keep hands free for balance (not in pockets)
- Use ice cleats for very slippery conditions
- Stay visible with reflective clothing in darkness
Major Winter Holidays & Events
Christmas
December 25
A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, widely observed with gift-giving, decorations, and family gatherings.
Hanukkah
Date varies (Nov-Dec)
An eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, celebrated by lighting the menorah.
New Year's Eve/Day
December 31 / January 1
Celebrates the end of one year and the beginning of the next, often marked with parties, fireworks, and resolutions.
Valentine's Day
February 14
A cultural and commercial celebration of romance and love, often marked with gifts, cards, and special meals.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Third Monday in January (US)
A US federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Lunar New Year
Date varies (Jan-Feb)
Celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar, widely celebrated in East and Southeast Asia.
Fascinating Winter Facts
No two snowflakes are exactly alike. Each snowflake follows a unique path through the atmosphere, encountering different temperatures and humidity levels, which shapes its intricate design.
The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was -128.6°F (-89.2°C) at Vostok Station, Antarctica, on July 21, 1983.
Chionophobia is the fear of snow. While many enjoy winter wonderlands, some people experience intense anxiety related to snow or snowy conditions.
Snow isn't actually white; it's translucent. The complex structure of ice crystals scatters visible light, reflecting all colors equally, which our eyes perceive as white.