First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis looks forward to celebrating this special time of year together! Our Winter Solstice Celebrations are fast approaching. Below you will find all the important details about the events: the dinner menu, our program, how to purchase tickets, ticket prices, childcare availability, livestream option, and the UU Animal Action Team’s annual pet food collection!
Winter Solstice Celebrations
We are offering two nights of celebration with slightly different schedules.
| Friday Dec. 19th | Schedule of Events | Saturday Dec. 20th |
|---|---|---|
| None | Kids’ Activities Chalice Room | 4:30pm |
| 6:00 pm | Solstice Dinner Lower Assembly Hall (Tickets required. Menu below.) | 5:00pm |
| 6:45 pm | Caroling Lower Assembly Hall (Free and open to the public. Childcare available.) | 5:45pm |
| 7:30 pm | Midwinter Revels Program Upper Assembly Hall (Free and open to the public. Childcare available.) | 6:30 pm |
| 8:30 pm | Dessert, Folk Dancing/Yule Fire Lower Assembly Hall/Patio | 7:30 pm |
Solstice Dinner
Our festive Solstice Dinner features a gluten-free/vegan entrée with an optional side of pulled chicken. Salad and bread will be on the tables. We will have macaroni and cheese available to satisfy our younger guests. We have marked items gluten-free and/or vegan as appropriate on our menu below.
Sparkling cider will be provided with dinner. Bring your own wine or beer if desired.
All desserts are vegetarian, some are vegan, and there will be fruit and chocolate options for those who eat gluten-free. Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea will be available.
Ticket Information
Tickets are REQUIRED FOR DINNER. Seating capacity is limited, so please purchase your tickets IN ADVANCE. We sell a limited number of tickets at the door ONLY IF there is space and food available.
Early bird ticket pricing is effective through THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11. Note that price expires several days earlier than usual because of our catering deadline.
- EARLY BIRD Adult – $25 (until 12/11)
- REGULAR Adult – $30 (starts 12/12)
- Kids/Youth (grades 12 and under) – FREE with purchase of at least 1 adult ticket
A grant from the Foundation of FUS has enabled us to offer free tickets for all kids. We also have several need-based scholarships available. Please contact Rev. Jullan at the FUS Office if you have any trouble covering the cost of your ticket.
We will close online sales before the event if we reach capacity. Don’t wait to reserve your spot! Tickets can be purchased online or in person at FUS on Sundays, December 7 (early bird price) and December 14 (regular price) before and after the assembly. You can also call the FUS office at (612) 377-6608 and purchase your tickets by credit card.
Child Care
We welcome children in all parts of our intergenerational celebrations! If needed, drop-in childcare is available at no cost during the following time periods:
Friday evening— 6:45 – 8:45 pm
Saturday evening — 5:45 – 7:45 pm
Can’t make it for dinner or dinner sold out?
If dinner tickets sell out – or if you are unable to make it to FUS by the scheduled dinner time – please know that all after-dinner activities – caroling, Midwinter Revels program, dessert, dancing, and yule fire – are FREE and open to the public both nights. (Donations to help cover program and dessert costs are greatly appreciated! A collection jar will be available.) We hope that many FUS members and friends will join in on the fun!
Livestream Option
The Midwinter Revels program will be livestreamed at 6:30 pm CDT on Saturday, December 20. To view remotely on our webste, go here or you can watch it on our YouTube channel.
The recording should be available on the FUS YouTube channel in time for viewing on the actual Winter Solstice, Sunday, December 21!
UU Animal Action Team Pet Food and Supply Collection
The Seasonal Celebrations Team is again collaborating with the UU Animal Action Team for their December Pet Food and Supply Drive. They are collecting the following items for the North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center:
- Unopened and not expired pet food
- New or gently used pet supplies
A collection table will be available in the FUS gallery during both Winter Solstice events as well as on Sundays, December 14, 21, and 28.
We look forward to celebrating the return of light with you – Happy Winter Solstice!