With a number of events and church services taking place on the winter solstice, there are plenty of ways to spend the shortest and darkest day of the year on South Whidbey.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland is hosting a special worship service called “Blue Christmas” at 2 p.m. on Dec. 21. This special service acknowledges that for some people, the holidays can be a time of loneliness and grief. Parishioners are invited to reflect on that sadness while looking forward to the joy and hope of the coming Christmas.

The Whidbey Island Fairgrounds and Events Center in Langley will be a lively place 4-8 p.m. during “Bring the Light – Winter Solstice Gathering.” Come dressed in illuminated costumes, LEDs, glowsticks, headlamps or any other light source to brighten the darkness. The gathering takes place around the Turning Building on the fairgrounds. Attendees will have the chance to meet two real live mermaids thanks to Whidbey Ren Faire, or get their photo taken with Lady Klinkerbell, Krampus of Whidbey Island. Chef in the Black Bandana will provide hot food and attendees are welcome to bring their drums to join in the drum circle. The family-friendly, alcohol-free event is open to all. There is a suggested donation of $10.

Attend a winter solstice holiday concert at 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Dancing Fish Vineyards in Freeland. Whidbey multi-instrumentalist Eric Vanderbilt-Mathews will be playing with a quintet made up of Katyrose Jordan, Miles Harris, Greg Feingold and Julian MacDonough. Reservations must be made in advance at dancingfishvineyards.orderport.net/wines/events.

The Langley United Methodist Church is hosting “The Longest Night Service” at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. It’s a time to pause and reflect during this busy holiday season.

End the day with “Solstice Under the WICA Star,” a concert of winter music at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley. Vocalist Ada Faith-Feyma will be joined by special guests Trio Improviso, which includes violinist Linda Vogt, guitarist Andre Feriante and pianist Sheila Weidendorf. Tickets are available at wicaonline.org.