While temperatures are starting to take a plunge and holiday festivities are underway , we have yet to officially reach the winter season, at least in the astronomical calendar.

The end of fall is marked by the winter solstice , the day with the fewest hours of sunlight, making it the shortest day and longest night of the year. While this occurrence marks the first day of winter in the astronomical calendar, the start of the meteorological winter begins Dec. 1. Meteorologists break down the seasons into groups of three months, which helps track seasonal statistics.

Here's everything to know about the official start of winter:

When is the first day of winter 2025?

The first day of winter is marked by the winter solstice, which happens at 8 a.m. MT/9 a.m. CT on Sunday, Dec. 21.

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