The Winter Solstice, the shortest and darkest day of the year, is quickly approaching, marking the official start of winter.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes has just the solution for lighting up this dark period with its annual Winter Solstice Luminary Walk & Holiday Market this Friday, Dec. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The All Peoples’ Trail will be aglow with light from luminaries, a warm bonfire, and the connection among community members coming together to celebrate winter.

Luminaries, which can be traced back centuries among diverse cultures and religious traditions, serve as symbolic beacons lighting the paths of both secular and spiritual journeys. In many societies, candles symbolize illumination, hope, divine presence, as well as the triumph of light over darkness.

“We’re encouraging people to explore our trails outdoors, and then come inside and warm up with drinks and holiday shopping,” says Tania Younkin, Nature Center director of marketing and community engagement.

After enjoying the outdoors and luminaries, guests can then enjoy warm non-alcoholic beverages or alcoholic drinks like hot mulled Syrah or blackberry merlot hot cholate from Cleveland Urban Winery for sale, or they can stop inside the Duck Pond Gift Shop and a nature-inspired Holiday Market featuring local vendors and artists.

Vendors include Li'l Boîte Pâtisserie, Santa Rosa Stitches, Larchmere Fireworks, S’il Vous Play, Artifacets, Wendy Gray Jewelry, Handmade by Lisa, Sweet Bean Candies, Hazelmade, Drawing by Moonlight, j.ho’s Celebrations, Sarah Holmes, and Vimbayi Katso.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is at 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland 44120. The Winter Solstice Luminary Walk & Holiday Market is Friday, Dec. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.