Updated November 2025
The cold winter is longest in mid-December when the days have grown short and the earth’s northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun. The darkness can bring a sense of peace, quiet, and solitude. Some composers find inspiration in the bright winter moon and the twinkling stars above. Others look to hope and renewal with the changing season.
In the midst of the cold months and the holiday season, the winter solstice marks the turning point when the long nights begin to shorten again on the journey toward spring. Many take this moment to contemplate, celebrate, and share this special moment with loved ones.
Listen for two hours of winter solstice reflection hosted by Patty Painter-Wakefield: the poetry of song, peace, beauty, and warmth found in the longest night of the year on "December Solstice."
Thursday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, December 21, 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Look through your 'Sound of the Season' guide to see what else you can hear and when
Hear CPR Classical by clicking “Listen Live” at the top on this website, or download the Colorado Public Radio app for free in the Google Play or Apple stores. Listen on your radio to CPR Classical at 88.1 FM in Denver, and at radio signals around Colorado. You can also tell your smart speaker to “Play CPR Classical."
