For many the Winter Solstice is more than an astronomical occurrence once a year. 2018 should be spectacular.

The Northern Hemisphere will pass through the Winter Solstice at 5:23 PM.

December 21, 2018
By Katia Hetter, Forrest Brown and Autumn Spanne

For six months now, (click here) the days have grown shorter and the nights have grown longer in the Northern Hemisphere -- but that's about to reverse itself.

Winter solstice, the shortest day of 2018, is Friday, December 21.

The solstice this year will be extra special because it will be followed the next day by a full moon known as the Cold Moon, and you might be able to see a meteor shower to boot.

First, CNN meteorologists Dave Hennen, Judson Jones and Brandon Miller help us understand the science behind the solstice.

Then we'll take a closer look at that special moon. Finally, we'll explore some traditions and celebrations around the world that could inspire a travel adventure:...