The winter solstice in 2026 falls on Monday, December 21, and it's the longest night of the year. In Broken Bow, that means roughly 14 hours of darkness, which is a lot of time for the hot tub, the fire pit and the stars. If you've been looking for a reason to slow down before the holiday rush, spending the solstice in a glamping dome is a cozy way to mark the turn toward longer days. Here's the timing, a simple plan and how to choose your dome.
👉 Check dome availability for solstice week
🌑 Winter Solstice 2026: The Key Times
✔ Solstice moment: Monday, December 21, 2026, at 2:50 p.m. Central (U.S. Naval Observatory)
✔ Sunset in Broken Bow on Dec 21: about 5:14 p.m.
✔ Sunrise on Dec 22: about 7:21 a.m.
✔ Daylight on the solstice: about 9 hours and 53 minutes
That leaves about 14 hours of night between sunset and sunrise. Times are rounded to the minute and come from U.S. Naval Observatory data for Broken Bow. Weather is never guaranteed, so check the forecast before you go.
Because the solstice lands on a Monday, a Sunday night (Dec 20) or Monday night (Dec 21) stay lines up best. A long weekend from Friday to Monday works too.
✨ Why Spend the Longest Night in a Dome?
A dome stay is built for nights like this. Big windows bring the outdoors in, the hot tub is a few steps away, and there's a fire pit waiting outside. Instead of fighting the early dark, you lean into it.
It's also a nice pause before the holidays get busy. A quiet night or two in the woods, with no to-do list and no plans beyond dinner and stars, is a good way to reset.
🗓️ A Solstice Night Plan
Afternoon: Check in, unpack and turn up the heat. If you're at the Incredi-Dome, grab the fishing poles and tackle that are provided and try the catch-and-release pond before the light goes.
About 5:00 p.m.: Watch the last light of the shortest day. Sunset is around 5:14 p.m. A pond or a deck with a warm drink in hand is a good spot.
Early evening: Light the fire pit and grill dinner. Something warm and simple works best: chili, foil-packet dinners or burgers. If you'd rather eat out, Hochatown has plenty of options, and Destination Doug on Instagram has ideas.
After dinner: Hot tub time. With about 14 hours of dark, there's no rush. Give your eyes 20 minutes away from screens and you'll see far more stars.
Late night: Back inside by the fireplace. Want a small solstice tradition? Write down what you want to leave behind from this year and what you want more of in the next. Toss the first list in the fire pit (safely) and keep the second.
Morning: Sunrise is around 7:21 a.m. on December 22, and every day from here gets a little longer. Coffee on the deck to welcome it back.
🍲 Solstice Dinner Ideas
The longest night deserves a cozy dinner. A few easy ideas for a dome kitchen or the grill:
✔ Chili or soup that simmers while you watch the sunset
✔ Foil-packet dinners cooked on the grill: potatoes, sausage and peppers
✔ Grilled steaks or burgers with a simple salad
✔ S'mores at the fire pit for dessert
✔ Hot cocoa or mulled cider to take into the hot tub (in plastic cups, not glass)
🧳 What to Pack for Solstice Night
Linens, towels and basic toiletries are provided. For a long, cold night outside, add:
✔ A warm jacket, hat and gloves
✔ Slippers and slides for the hot tub walk
✔ A red flashlight or headlamp
✔ Firewood or fire starters
✔ A thermos for warm drinks
✔ A notebook and pen if you're doing the solstice lists
🔭 Stargazing Tips for Solstice Week
✔ Bring a red flashlight or headlamp to protect your night vision
✔ Dress warmer than you think you need. You'll be sitting still.
✔ Use a free stargazing app to find the winter constellations
✔ Look for darker skies away from the dome lights
If you can come a week earlier, the Geminid meteor shower peaks December 13–14. Our Geminid stargazing guide has the details.
🏕️ Choosing Your Dome
The Incredi-Dome: for sunsets over the pond
The Incredi-Dome sits beside a private catch-and-release fishing pond. It has over 700 square feet of space, a king bed facing the view window, a loft with a queen and a twin, a full kitchen and a hot tub under a covered gazebo that seats 6. The fire pit sits right on the pond. It sleeps up to 5 and is pet-free.
The Sereni-Dome: for a quiet night in the trees
The Sereni-Dome is tucked into the forest beside a seasonal creek. It has an oversized deck, a private hot tub among the trees, a fire pit with Adirondack chairs, a hammock and an electric fireplace inside. It sleeps up to 4 (queen bed plus twin bunks), and 1 dog is welcome for a $50 pet fee per stay, plus taxes and fees.
Bringing the whole crew?
Book the whole Pine Acres property, including Bigfoot's Tinyhouse and The Starview Cabin, for up to 23 guests. Message us for details.
🎁 A Gift to Yourself Before the Holidays
December gets busy fast. Between work parties, shopping and family plans, it's easy to arrive at the holidays already worn out. A solstice night away is a small, intentional pause: no errands, no traffic, just a warm dome, a hot tub and a sky full of stars. Put your phone in a drawer for the evening, keep dinner simple, and let the long night slow you down. One quiet night in the woods can leave you surprisingly rested, and the Sweat Shack's infrared sauna on the way home is a nice finishing touch.
💞 Make It a Couples Getaway
Coming as a couple? Pair your solstice night with a day out. Hibernation Hollow's 3-day couples itinerary for Broken Bow and Hochatown is full of ideas.
💬 Book Direct
When you book on our website, you skip the big booking-site fees and can message us with questions before you book. Every guest also gets complimentary access to the Sweat Shack in Broken Bow, with a full gym, infrared sauna, cold therapy room and group fitness classes.
❓ Winter Solstice 2026 FAQ
When is the winter solstice in 2026?
Monday, December 21, 2026, at 2:50 p.m. Central time.
How long is the night in Broken Bow on the solstice?
About 14 hours, from sunset around 5:14 p.m. on Dec 21 to sunrise around 7:21 a.m. on Dec 22.
Are the domes warm enough in December?
Yes. Both domes have mini-split heating and an electric fireplace, plus extra blankets.
Which nights should I book?
Sunday, Dec 20, or Monday, Dec 21, line up best with the solstice. A Friday-to-Monday stay works too.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes at the Sereni-Dome (1 dog, $50 pet fee per stay, plus taxes and fees). The Incredi-Dome is pet-free.
🌌 Welcome Back the Light
The longest night of the year is the perfect excuse for a slow, cozy escape. Book your dome, bring a warm jacket, and let the night do the rest.