We’re delighted to share a beautiful new video created by our very own Bill Brantmeyer, capturing the magic, stillness, and quiet joy of Winter Solstice at the Ashokan Center.

👉 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/B6gK6lnwilc?si=yQhATAwdmeHpKINX

The Winter Solstice marks the moment when the Northern Hemisphere tilts farthest from the sun, giving us the shortest day and longest night of the year — and beginning the gradual return of longer days and growing light. It’s a powerful reminder of cycles in nature, reflection, renewal, and the hopeful turning toward brighter seasons ahead.

At Ashokan, the Solstice inspires us to pause, gather, make music, walk the land, and appreciate the deep beauty of winter — the bare trees, the soft quiet of the forest, the warmth of community, and the promise of longer days to come.

Bill’s video beautifully honors all of that — the peace, the music, the light, and the deep sense of connection people feel here.

Looking Ahead: Join Us at Ashokan in 2026

As we step into a new year, we look forward to welcoming you back to the land we love. Whether you come to learn, play music, dance, connect with nature, or relax and recharge — there’s a place for you here.

Here are just a few of the wonderful gatherings coming up in 2026:

🎻 Grappelli-Django Weekend

Feb 20–22, 2026
A brand-new fiddle & guitar weekend led by Tim Kliphuis and Jimmy Grant — inspired by the legacy of Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.

🪕 Old-Time, Bluegrass, Swing, Scottish & More

Join us throughout the year for:
• Scottish String Fling
• Old Time Rollick
• Bluegrass Camp & Open House
• Western & Swing Week
• Northern & Southern Weeks
• Banjo Weekend
…plus concerts, dances, and community events!

🎶 Ukulele Weekend & Uke Revue

Strum, sing, connect, and grow your skills in a joyful, supportive environment.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Camp

A cross-generational celebration of music, nature, arts, laughter, and memory-making.

And that’s just the beginning — there’s a camp or event for everyone.

You can explore the full lineup and register here:
https://ashokancenter.org/events

A Warm Invitation

Whether you’ve been coming to Ashokan for decades or you’ve always wanted to visit, we’d love for you to be part of our community in 2026. Come walk the forest trails, share a meal in the dining hall, sing around a campfire, or dance under the pavilion as the sun goes down.

Together, we’ll welcome the light — in every season.


With gratitude,
The Ashokan Center Team