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Dongzhi

Embrace the warmth of family gatherings at Dongzhi, as we come together to celebrate both the Winter Solstice and the year's harvest!

Monday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDecember Solstice (Meeus)

OBSERVED INChina

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYOther Religion

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Prepare your tastebuds for the delicious festivities of Dongzhi, also known as the Winter Solstice Festival, which falls on December 21! Dating back to the Han Dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE), this centuries-old Chinese tradition has been a time to celebrate the year's hard work and the bounty of the harvest, all while ushering in the winter season. At the heart of Dongzhi are family reunions, joyful celebrations, and, most importantly, tantalizing food! As the most significant solar term in Chinese culture, Dongzhi brings with it a wonderful sense of togetherness and feasting, a joyous and heartwarming tribute to family and home. Whether you're a fan of the seasonal dishes or the warm family gatherings, Dongzhi promises a warm celebration in the heart of winter!

TIMELINE

Dongzhi Timeline

Dongzhi Origins

The Han Dynasty begins, marking the origin of Dongzhi Festival, celebrated as the Winter Solstice.

Dongzhi and Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty, a high point in Chinese civilization, sees cultural advancement, including Dongzhi Festival.

Song Dynasty Dongzhi Celebrations

During the Song Dynasty, Dongzhi becomes more embedded in the everyday life of the Chinese people.

The Ming and Dongzhi

Dongzhi festival continues to be a significant celebration during the Ming Dynasty's rule.

Wider Celebrations

Dongzhi Festival begins to spread across other East Asian cultures, including Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Dongzhi

Cook Tangyuan together

One of the main ways to celebrate Donghzi is by making and eating Tangyuan, round dumplings made of glutinous rice flour. Gather your family in the kitchen and enjoy making these little delights together. You can experiment with different fillings like black sesame, peanut butter or red bean paste.

CREATE

Create homemade decorations

Get into the festive spirit by creating your own Chinese-inspired decorations. Use traditional winter colors like white and blue to make paper lanterns, or try your hand at crafting intricate paper-cut designs to hang around your home.

TAKE

Take a hot spring bath

A hot spring bath is a favorite activity during Dongzhi for its warmth and therapeutic benefits. Soak in a nearby hot spring spa with your loved ones, or if there's none nearby, a relaxing warm bath at home can suffice too!

HOST

Host a storytelling session

Bring everyone together in an evening and share stories about Dongzhi. It is a great way to pass on cultural traditions to younger generations while reminiscing the good old times with the elderly members.

VISIT

Visit a winter lights festival

Celebrate the year's longest night by visiting a winter lights festival or any places adorned with beautiful displays of twinkling lights. It's a magical way to celebrate Dongzhi and the beauty of winter.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Dongzhi

The food is delicious

At the heart of the Dongzhi celebration is a feast of tantalizing dishes, such as Tangyuan, a type of sweet dumpling made from glutinous rice flour. These delectable treats, often filled with black sesame, peanut butter or red bean paste, are a highlight of the Dongzhi festivities and offer a festive culinary experience.

Dongzhi brings families together

One of the primary joys of Dongzhi is how it brings families together. This ancient tradition is still practiced widely and is centered around the warmth and love that comes from sharing time with loved ones. From cooking Tangyuan together to shared storytelling sessions, Dongzhi fosters a deep sense of togetherness within families.

Allows for creativity and artistic expression

The holiday encourages everyone to get creative with crafting homemade decorations, such as traditional Chinese paper lanterns or intricate paper-cut designs. These activities not only offer a fun and productive way to pass time but also results in beautiful, personal decor that can be used to adorn your home and make the celebration feel even more special.

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