Solstice Bells Project

We live in a time of extraordinary connection and fragmentation. Every day, we face challenges that cross borders—social, environmental, spiritual, and political. Constantly, we are reminded of what divides us. Far less of often what unites us.

Solstice Bells is an invitation to join people in more than 160 countries in the Northern Hemisphere—5 million people ringing 1 million bells—in a global event on December 21, the Winter Solstice.

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have marked the Winter Solstice as a turning point—the moment when darkness reaches its furthest reach and the Earth begins its return toward the light. On that day, people everywhere are invited to ring a bell. Any bell. Together, we will create a global chorus of hope. 

The Solstice Bells Documentary follows individuals and communities as they prepare for this shared global chorus—the stories they carry, the traditions they inherit, the losses they have endured, the hopes they hold, and the reasons they choose to participate.

Whether you are sounding a meditation bell in Kyoto, ringing church bells in Oulu, Finland, performing with a handbell choir in Chicago, bringing students together in Seoul, marking the solstice around a fire in the Scottish Highlands, or ringing a single bell from an apartment balcony in Mexico City, we would love to hear your story.

At the heart of Solstice Bells is a new musical composition by Darren Zhu, created specifically for this global performance. Inspired by the changing relationship between the Earth and the sun, the composition transforms the rhythms of light into music that anyone, anywhere can play.

The timing of each bell strike follows the changing length of daylight throughout the year, creating a living composition shaped by the movement of our planet through space. Across continents and cultures, participants become part of a shared global performance.

Handbells and bicycle bells. Temple bells, hospital bells, school bells, and dinner bells. Bell towers and carillons.  No musical training is required. You can ring a single bell or join the composition. Everyone is welcome.