There are many ancient winter celebrations that occurred during the month of December.
The Romans would celebrate Saturnalia, a week of festivities that would include a banquet and gift making. Epona, the Celtic horse goddess would be celebrated on the 18th of December. The Winter Solstice, which is normally around the 21st, would be a time of celebrating the end of the days shortening, while the feast of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, the Unconquerable Sun, would take place on the 25th of December. It has therefore been argued by scholars that the church deliberately chose this date to provide a Christian alternative to the pagan festivals that were already occurring. The Gospels did not provide a specific date for the birth of Christ, and it is thought that Pope Julius I was one of the first to formulise the date, the theological significance being more important than accuracy.
We certainly love our own winter celebrations within the cave. The festive lights and winter greenery of our Christmas tours, and then the spiritual time of new beginnings during the winter solstice meditations.
For more details please book your tickets online: www.roystoncave.co.uk/event
Emma, Royston Cave Manager
For more information: info@roystoncave.co.uk | www.roystoncave.co.uk | FB @roystoncave
Public tours are closed during the winter, and will re-start in April 2026. Private tours and group bookings are available year round.
To find out more and book a tour, visit: www.roystoncave.co.uk
Royston Cave, Melbourn Street, Royston SG8 7BZ
