12 Summer Solstice rituals to celebrate the longest day

The Summer Solstice, also known as Midsummer, marks the official start of summer. Around June 20–21 in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun hits its highest point in the sky, and we’re invited to slow down, soak it in, and celebrate everything that’s been growing—both around us and within us. For centuries, cultures around the world have honored this time as a celebration of light, life, fertility, and abundance. From ancient pagan festivals to modern yoga practices, Summer Solstice rituals help us connect to the earth’s rhythms, honor our inner fire, and pause to witness the beauty of this golden season.

You don’t need a flower crown or a sacred grove (though we’re not against either). All you need is a willingness to be present and a few simple ideas to bring a little magic into your day. These Summer Solstice celebration ideas are easy, meaningful, and infused with a bit of sunshine.

Easy Summer Solstice Rituals

1. Brew a solar-powered infusion with sun tea

There’s something alchemical about steeping herbs under the sun’s rays. Making sun tea is one of the simplest (and most delicious) Summer Solstice rituals. All you need is a large glass jar, fresh water, and a few herbs or tea bags. Set your mixture in a sunny spot for a few hours and let the solar magic do its thing. Once your tea has steeped, strain it, pour it over ice, and sip slowly with gratitude. This is solar energy, made drinkable.

For a seasonal twist, try Calendula—a golden, solar herb known to cool the body and support skin health. St. John’s Wort is another traditional midsummer plant, often harvested on the Solstice. It’s believed to protect against negative energy and support mood balance. Vervain, long associated with blessings and healing, can add a mystical touch to your blend.

2. Practice 108 sun salutations (or a few)

In the yoga world, the Summer Solstice is often honored with a moving meditation of 108 sun salutations. This traditional sequence has been used for 1,000s of years as a traditional salute to the sun during sunrise. The number 108 holds sacred significance in many traditions—it represents wholeness, cosmic unity, and the relationship between the self and the universe. Practicing sun salutations helps you align with the energy of the sun and your own vitality. As you repeat the movement, you may notice that the mind becomes quiet, the body feels warm, and a sense of inner clarity emerges. If 108 feels intimidating, don’t stress. Even a handful of sun salutes can be meaningful.

3. Create a Solstice altar that celebrates the season

An altar is simply a space to pause, reflect, and anchor your intentions. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. A shelf, a corner of your desk, or a windowsill can become sacred with the right touches. For your Summer Solstice altar, think bright and golden. Add sunflowers, marigolds, or wildflowers from your yard. Light candles in hues of yellow, gold, or red to represent the solar fire. Place seasonal fruits like strawberries, citrus, or peaches as offerings. If you love crystals, try citrine (for abundance), carnelian (for courage), or sunstone (for vitality and joy). You might also include symbols of the sun, handwritten intentions, or a card pulled from your favorite tarot deck. It’s your space—let it be personal, powerful, and alive.

4. Gather your people for a garden party or backyard BBQ

One of the most joyful Summer Solstice rituals is simply gathering with friends. Host a garden party, backyard BBQ, or picnic in the park. Serve fresh, seasonal foods—think salads with herbs, grilled veggies, fruit platters, and plenty of lemonade or spritzers.

Decorate with twinkle lights, flowers, or handmade sun wheels. Put on a playlist that feels sunny and nostalgic. You can add ritual elements too: open with a toast of gratitude, pass around a journal where guests can write what they’re calling in, or light a candle together as the sun sets.

Need inspo? We’ve got a full guide on how to host a Solstice celebration—complete with party themes and easy recipes.

5. Watch the sunrise and sunset with intention

This one’s deceptively simple—and incredibly powerful. On the Summer Solstice, the sun’s journey feels extra significant. Try setting your alarm early to watch it rise. Wrap yourself in a blanket, bring your coffee outside, and just be. Feel the warmth on your face. Breathe deeply. Let it be a quiet offering. Then, at the end of the day, watch the sunset with the same reverence. As the light fades, reflect on what’s blooming in your life. Say thank you. Whisper a wish. These simple acts of presence are ancient, sacred, and wildly grounding.

6. Go on a picnic and soak up the light

Sometimes, celebration just means getting outside and doing absolutely nothing. Pack a few snacks, your journal, and a blanket. Head to a park, the river, or your favorite sun-drenched spot and just… be. Let your body stretch out on the earth. Let the sun warm your skin. Read a book, eat fresh fruit, and give yourself permission to slow down. This is what the Summer Solstice is all about—presence, pleasure, and rest.

7. Make a fairy garden in your yard or windowsill

Add a little enchantment to your outdoor space. A fairy garden can be as whimsical or low-key as you like. Think tiny doors, painted rocks, miniature toadstools, and crystals tucked between plants. You can paint old bricks to look like your favorite books or tuck gemstones in the soil for an extra touch of magic. The idea is to create a space that feels playful, intentional, and welcoming to the unseen world. It’s a perfect way to honor the light and life of the Summer Solstice in a tactile, creative way.

8. Try making your own dandelion honey

If you’re into kitchen witchery, this one’s for you. Dandelion honey is sweet, earthy, and sun-colored—literally made from flowers that bloom under the sun’s reign. It’s also shockingly easy to make. Gather dandelion heads (make sure they’re from a pesticide-free spot), simmer them in water and citrus, and add sugar to reduce them into a syrup. The result is a golden nectar that’s perfect on toast, in tea, or drizzled over summer fruit. This recipe from The Spruce Eats walks you through the steps. It’s a slow, meditative process—and a beautiful way to bring more of the season’s sweetness into your home.

9. Pick your own strawberries or other local fruit

This is peak berry season, and one of the sweetest Summer Solstice rituals is to pick your own fruit. Find a local farm, grab a basket, and head out early before it gets too hot.

Strawberries are especially sacred at this time of year—many cultures associate them with the goddess and the heart. Bring your bounty home and turn it into something beautiful: strawberry shortcake, infused water, or just a bowl of fresh berries with cream. Bonus points for sharing with someone you love.

10. Make a sun wheel to honor the turning of the year

Sun wheels are traditional symbols used to honor the solstice and the changing seasons. They’re typically round (like the sun), woven with herbs, flowers, or twigs, and often hung as offerings or altar decor.

Making one is a peaceful, creative ritual that helps you connect with nature and intention. Gather what you find outside—think wildflowers, rosemary, lavender, or vines—and weave them into a small hoop. Let it dry in the sun and place it somewhere meaningful.

Need inspiration? This DIY sun wheel guide walks you through it beautifully.

11. Journal on what abundance means to you

The Summer Solstice is a celebration of fullness. The Earth is blooming, the sun is generous, and everything feels a little more possible. Take time to journal on themes of growth, gratitude, and abundance.

Try these prompts:

• What is nourishing me right now?
• Where does life feel joyful?
• Where do I want to direct my time and energy moving forward?
• What is exciting me?
• Where have I seen the most growth in the past six months?
• What am I calling in as the season continues?

You don’t have to write a novel—just a few honest reflections can shift your energy and set the tone for a season of joy.

12. Stay up late with a Solstice bonfire

If you’ve got the energy (and access to firewood), a bonfire is a time-honored way to celebrate. Fire represents transformation, passion, and light—it’s the perfect element to honor the sun.

Invite your friends over for an evening fire. Bring out the s’mores, pour some drinks, and play music. Share stories. Dance barefoot. You could even stay up all night to greet the sunrise together in a modern-day vigil. It’s dramatic, yes—but also deeply connecting and incredibly fun.

You don’t have to be a practicing pagan or seasoned witch to celebrate the Summer Solstice. These rituals are invitations. To pause. To celebrate. To witness. Whether you’re lighting a candle, dancing under the moon, or sipping sun tea on your porch, know that you’re participating in something ancient and sacred. And in a world that often rushes us past these moments, maybe that’s the most magical ritual of all.