Monroe Lake will host a winter solstice luminary walk from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 21 at Fairfax State Recreation Area.

Walkers will stroll a path lit by luminaries around a field to celebrate and reflect on the winter solstice. Stops along the half-mile path will invite people to decorate a tree with wildlife-friendly ornaments, learn about winter solstice traditions, make a candle lantern, stargaze if the weather permits and complete a winter scavenger hunt, among other activities.

Participants are being asked to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. The walk is not recommended for those with mobility concerns as the path is mostly on grass and has uneven areas.

The entrance to the luminary path will close at 7:30 p.m. to ensure all attendees are able to complete the walk by 8 p.m. The walk may be canceled if there are unsafe walking or travel conditions. Check the event page at bit.ly/wintersolsticewalk2022 for any updates.

Hot tea and cocoa will be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own travel mug.

The luminary walk and entrance to Fairfax SRA are free. There will be a donation box by the hot drinks station to support future activities at Monroe Lake.

For information, contact the Paynetown Activity Center at 812-837-9967 or email Monroe Lake interpretive naturalist Jill Vance at [email protected].