Embracing the UK's shortest day

Shetland’s position at the northernmost tip of the UK means the islands enjoy the biggest contrast between summer and winter anywhere in Britain.

At the winter solstice on 21^st December, the sun rises at around 9am and sets at 3pm, with the sun skidding along the horizon through the daylight hours. This contrasts with the famous simmer dim, the period around the summer solstice when the sun sits high in the sky and Shetland shimmers in almost perpetual daylight.

Experiencing and making the most of those long summer days is well-documented. But what is less known is how Shetlanders and those who visit during the shortest day embrace the darkness, celebrate together and explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife.

In Shetland, like the rest of the UK, people prepare for Christmas and the festive season throughout December. That means it’s one of the busiest times of year for social gatherings.

The Christmas season unofficially begins with the lights switch-on and Christmas Parade in Lerwick. Santa arrives on the RNLI Lerwick lifeboat and leads a procession including school bairns, the Lerwick Brass Band, and the Lerwick Jarl’s Squad Vikings, through the town.

Following the celebrations, Shetland moves into festive mode, with businesses around the islands gearing up for Christmas.

That means late-night opening, and a Santa’s Grotto in Lerwick, while arts and crafts businesses, and food and drink producers get set up for a busy time. There are always loads of exceptional gift ideas available from talented makers around the islands. Check out the Shetland Arts and Crafts Association for inspiration.

Shetland Food and Drink Association members also have a great range of excellent food and drink – either for fuelling any festive gatherings or sharing as gifts. One Shetland speciality that appears at this time is reestit mutton – salt cured to preserve and flavour the native Shetland lamb. It’s a favourite for Shetlanders at home and the diaspora around the world – used as a key ingredient in tattie soup.

Learn how Shetlanders reestit mutton is made and check out the recipe here.

Of course, Christmas and the festive season involve many social gatherings. In Shetland, those occasions nearly always involve music – from traditional music sessions to sweaty rock concerts.

Some of the busiest weekends are in the run-up to Christmas, and around the winter solstice. Community halls around the islands host various parties including some for families, when Santa can be expected to appear!

There are always lots of concerts taking place around Shetland. In 2024, this includes the Peerie Xmas Spree Weekend on 13^th-15^th December with Shetland fiddlers Kevin Henderson and Ross Couper leading the musical celebrations (playing in the South Mainland, North Mainland and Lerwick).

Riffmass 2024 over the same weekend fills the gap for anyone into heavier music – with an excellent array of rock from the most-loved local bands. If you love a festive mosh pit – the Gulberwick gig is the one for you.

For more traditional Christmas music, then the Shetland Aid Trust Christmas concert featuring the gospel harmonies of the North Ness Boys and others; or live music with accordionist Brian Morrison and Colin Sutherland might be more up your street. Both these concerts take place in Lerwick.

On 14^th December there’s traditional dancing, traditional music sessions, and festive covers with one of Shetland’s favourite bands First Foot Soldiers.

A week later, you can take your pick, with live music nights of various genres, at bars and halls in communities across Shetland. Wherever you are and whatever your musical taste, there’s something for you.

The partying continues in the week between Christmas and New Year, when Hogmanay celebrations and first footing take centre stage.

After Hogmanay you don’t have to wait long for another memorable celebration. Shetland Fire Festival season begins in Scalloway (10^th January 2025) when the first torchlit procession, galley burning, and night of celebrations take place.

Discover more about Up Helly Aa by visiting our Fire Festivals page.

Of course, the winter is not all about festive sprees. It’s also an incredible time to venture outdoors and feel invigorated by Shetland’s stunning scenery, spectacular storms and wonderful wildlife.

For many Shetlanders, winter is their favourite time of year partly because of how the weather switches from peaceful calm to wild winds, and back again, presenting an ever-changing picture.

On a crisp, calm day, you’ll find many people out making the most of the hours of daylight with walks. We have pulled together a list of suggested routes that are ideal to walk at this time of year.

In contrast, the wildest days present opportunities to feel nature’s power and witness spectacular waves coming ashore at beaches around the islands or crashing into cliffs at iconic locations like the Eshaness cliffs. Please remember to check the weather and tide and keep a safe distance from the water and the shoreline.

Plenty of wildlife remains in Shetland through the winter, and the season offers up excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

Orcas are spotted around Shetland all year round, and it’s always worth keeping an eye on social media groups including Shetland Orca & Cetacean Sightings on Facebook.

Another marine mammal present year-round is otters. Shetland has the highest density of Eurasian otters of anywhere in northern Europe. December is a good time to see otter families, with mothers and cubs exploring and feeding on the shoreline.

The natural world doesn’t stop providing attractions after dark – and sometimes the hours of darkness can present the most memorable opportunities.

It’s easy in Shetland to get away from light pollution and on a clear night that presents the opportunity to marvel at the Milky Way. You’ll see countless stars, constellations, planets, the moon and maybe meteor showers. Or when the conditions are right, there’s a great chance to witness northern lights – known locally as mirrie dancers.

As the most northerly part of the UK, Shetland offers the best viewing opportunity in the UK, and the aurora borealis can put on stunning displays that wow locals and visitors alike.

There’s never a guarantee, but if there’s a chance of mirrie dancers there are plenty of aurora tracking tools and communities including Shetland Aurora Hunter on Facebook. It’s worth remembering that aurora is caused by the emission of charged particles by the sun, which is entering a peak phase of its 10- to 12-year cycle.

You can read more about the science behind the northern lights here.