Midwinter Day: Antarctica’s answer to Christmas

21/06/2025

Christmas celebrations may be far from our minds at this time of year, but 21 June has always been a noteworthy day in the Antarctic calendar as those south mark the shortest and darkest day of the year, Midwinter Day.

Base A, Port Lockroy, was established over eight decades ago, in 1944, and marks the moment when Britain’s research on the continent began. Today is an opportunity not only to celebrate but to reflect on the remarkable strides that have been made in polar science at this time. 

In 1944, the nine men at Port Lockroy endured two months of twilight with no sun to lift their spirits during the continuous, drab, grey days. Midwinter Day, Antarctica’s answer to Christmas, dawned cold but fine. The men treated themselves to a lie-in followed by a pleasurable afternoon ski session and a slap-up meal in the evening courtesy of Berry and Blyth. The menu was both impressive and extensive, all washed down with “a few drinks to enliven the proceedings”.

• Hors D’Oeuvres 
• Puree of Pea 
• Fried Pilchards 
• Asparagus au Buerre 
• York Ham 
• Potatoes: Baked and Croquette 
• Garden Peas 
• Plum Pudding – Hard Sauce 
• Macédoine Fruit en Jelly 
• Mince Pies 
• Coffee 

The 1944 Midwinter Menu (Credit: BAS Archives)

Amid the celebrations, a message arrived for Marr that his wife had given birth to his second child. With a further excuse to celebrate, the revelry lasted far into the night.