The December solstice is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is the shortest day of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the summer solstice and the longest day.

In 2017, the solstice is on Thursday, December 21, at 16:28 UTC. Because of Time Zone difference, in some parts of the world, it is on Friday, December 22.

Most people count the whole day as the December solstice. However, it is actually the specific moment when the Sun reaches its most southerly declination. In other words, when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun.

3-2-1: New Year Countdown

Countdown to New Year 2018 for all time zones around the world. We also have Countdown apps for iOS and Android, so you can greet the new year at precisely the right moment no matter where you are.