In short: The Twelve Nights, known in German as Rauhnächte, are an old Central European tradition: the nights between the years, usually from 25 December to 6 January. Right before them comes the winter solstice, in 2026 on 21 December at 9:50 pm CET. Here are twelve nerdy ideas for twelve nights, from Middle-earth to Westeros and the Wild Hunt.
I have a soft spot for Viking stories and old Celtic legends. And I know: not everyone is into Christmas. That is fine. The darkest time of the year has a lot more to offer, and nerds have always had their own rituals.
After the longest night of the year come the Twelve Nights. According to old legends, the Wild Hunt rides across the sky and in the Alps the Perchten, shaggy masked winter spirits, roam through the villages. Sounds like fantasy? Exactly. That is why it suits us so well. Everything you need for a few cosy winter evenings is right here with us.
Winter solstice 2026: Lights on for the longest night
In 2026 the winter solstice falls on 21 December, and at exactly 9:50 pm CET the sun reaches its lowest point. The simplest ritual for the longest night: lights on. A few candles, a nice lamp, done. From tomorrow it gets lighter again.
A little bonus for everyone who loves Celtic legends: in the Irish passage tomb of Newgrange, the light of the rising sun reaches all the way into the chamber only around the winter solstice. And according to legend, that is exactly where Aengus lives, son of the Dagda, from the divine Tuatha Dé Danann. In the world of The Witcher this night is special too. There the winter solstice festival is called Midinváerne and it is said to be especially magical.
Twelve Nights rituals for nerds: Middle-earth, Westeros, the Wild Hunt
The first nights belong to the great sagas, and my rituals for them are quickly explained. According to Tolkien's timeline, the Fellowship sets out from Rivendell on 25 December. A Lord of the Rings marathon could not ask for a better start, ideally under the Middle-earth Map Fleece Blanket. Then all of Middle-earth lies in your lap and the road to Mordor is comfier than expected. How to build your own hobbit hole for it is in my Shire article.
On the next night the Wild Hunt rides. According to legend its ghostly host sweeps through the Twelve Nights, and in The Witcher 3 it is hot on Ciri's heels. So fire up Geralt, pour tea into the Geralt of Rivia Mug and bring the washing in first. Old custom, so the Hunt does not get tangled up in it.
Then it gets icy. In Westeros the Long Night is the greatest fear, for you it is a good excuse for a rewatch. The House Stark Mug already knows the motto: Winter is coming. More from Westeros is waiting at Game of Thrones.
If you like it even colder, take on the Fimbulwinter. In Norse mythology, three winters without a summer come before Ragnarök. In God of War Ragnarök, Kratos and Atreus ride straight through it on their wolf sled. You would rather stay inside, with hot apple punch from one of our drinking horns.
The Twelve Nights at the gaming table and for Christmas grumps
Hogwarts celebrates winter too. The Yule Ball is all the dance floor a living room needs. Dress robes on, music on, and the Hagrid Yule Ball Funko Pop! Figure watches. The rest of the Wizarding World is waiting at Harry Potter.
The long nights also scream for a session until three in the morning. In the Forgotten Realms, Midwinter is even a holiday. Between rounds, your dice rest in the Beholder Dice Storage Box, the rest is at Dungeons & Dragons and Pen & Paper. Wind howling outside? Then keep rolling, or bring out the board games and puzzles.
Every Christmas grump has a patron saint. Jack Skellington never quite understood Christmas either, and mulled wine still tastes great from the Jack Skellington Mug. More Halloween Town is waiting at Nightmare Before Christmas. Wednesday Addams would probably have skipped Christmas anyway. If you would rather celebrate the dark than chase it away, put the Nevermore Window Lamp on the shelf and drop by Wednesday.
New Year's Eve and the last of the Twelve Nights
New Year's Eve is one of the Twelve Nights too. And nobody does fireworks like Gandalf at Bilbo's birthday party in the Shire. Raise a toast with the Gandalf the Grey Mug Deluxe, dragon rocket optional.
During the Twelve Nights, dreams were seen as omens for the new year, with each night standing for one month. So put a notebook next to your bed, for example the Marauder's Map Notebook. I solemnly swear that I will write everything down.
Last come the Perchten. In the Alps they parade through the villages in fur and carved wooden masks, especially around 6 January. If you would rather have them on your shelf than at your front door, take a look at Spooky Merch.
Frequently asked questions about the Twelve Nights
What are the Twelve Nights?
The Twelve Nights are the nights around the turn of the year, usually from 25 December to 6 January. In German and Alpine folklore they were a time between the years when spirits roam and dreams show the future. Some traditions start counting with St Thomas' Night around the winter solstice.
When are the Twelve Nights in 2026?
The Twelve Nights 2026 begin on the night of 24 to 25 December 2026 and end on the night before 6 January 2027. Depending on the region, the count starts one night later.
When is the winter solstice in 2026?
The winter solstice is on 21 December 2026 at 9:50 pm Central European Time. It is the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. After that the days get longer again.
Why should you not hang out washing during the Twelve Nights?
According to old folk belief, the Wild Hunt could get caught in the washing line as it races across the sky during the Twelve Nights. If you do not want to anger it, leave the line empty. Gamers know the Wild Hunt from The Witcher 3, where it hunts Ciri.
What are the Twelve Nights called in German?
In German they are called Rauhnächte or Raunächte. Raunächte follows modern spelling rules, Rauhnächte is the older form and still the more common one.
What is Midinváerne?
Midinváerne is the winter solstice festival in the world of The Witcher. The name comes from the Elder Speech and the night is considered especially magical.
And now: bring the washing in
Celebrating Christmas? Sure. Skipping it? Also fine. The longest night and the twelve nights after it belong to everyone who is up for stories, candlelight and a bit of magic. The Wild Hunt rides past either way. Best bring the washing in first and grab something cosy.
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