Who needs Santa?

Atheists’ winter solstice
Just because you don’t believe in God (or Santa) doesn’t mean you’re out in the cold. “A lot of people celebrate this time of the season, not just Christians,” says Ken Bronstein, president of the New York City Atheists, who will host a winter solstice brunch party on Sunday 21. Why celebrate the solstice? It was a point of pleasure long before Christians appropriated it for their own use, Bronstein says. Plus, it’s the longest night of the year—party on!

Try it: Since nothing goes better with eggs than mystical enlightenment, Margot Adler, an NPR correspondent and author of Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today, will discuss Wicca and neopaganism at the brunch. Les Sans Culottes, 1085 Second Ave between 57th and 58th Sts (212-330-6794, nyc-atheists.org). Sun 21 noon, $35.

Kwanzaa
Jews aren’t the only ones who get to exchange presents, overeat and light a menorah. Kwanzaa hits all those heights too. Started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor African-American culture and family, the holiday’s name is a Swahili term meaning “first fruits.” It lasts seven days (December 26–January 1), one for each of its defining principles: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Try it: On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28, Flushing Town Hall (137-35 Northern Blvd at Linden Pl, 718-463-7700. 1pm, $6) hosts a celebration starring the Harambee Dance Company, who perform traditional African dance. On Sunday 28, the American Museum of Natural History holds its own fete. (amnh.org, noon–5pm)

Yule Sabbat
Wiccans all over the world will herald the solstice with a Yule Sabbat, or yule festival, at which a Yule log is set ablaze, symbolizing the transition from a dark time of year to a lighter one. NB: The log is generally ash, must be cut or given as a gift, and can be decorated with leaves and splashed with cider or ale before being torched and left to smolder for 12 days. During those days, holly and mistletoe are used to decorate homes and invite good fortune. Sound familiar?

Try it: The solstice is Sunday 21, and local groups will be celebrating in the days leading up to the solstice’s eve. Check with the New York Pagan Pride Project (nyc-ppp.org)) for announcements.

Sufi dhikr
Traditionally practitioners of a mystical form of Islam that dates back to the decades after the death of the prophet Muhammad, Sufis seek a closeness with God through intense devotion, learning and prayer. “Sufis try to devote their lives to God and have a love relationship with God,” says Tom Rippe, secretary for Tribeca’s Nur Ashki Jerrahi Sufi Order. You’re most likely to recognize the Mawlawiyah sect of Sufism. Followers of that order, founded by 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, are often called the whirling dervishes, for their dance involving spinning on the right foot.

Try it: The annual December celebration of Rumi’s birthday has passed, but you can still give Sufism a whirl (har) at the Nur Ashki Jerrahi order’s weekly dhikr (or remembrance of God) at its Dergah al-Farah center (245 West Broadway between Beach and White Sts; 212-334-5212, nurashkijerrahi.org. Thursdays, call for time), where you’ll find chanting, drumming, singing and meditative, uncostumed whirling. You can also enroll in a weekend workshop organized by the Sufi Foundation at the Feldenkrais Institute (134 W 26th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, second floor; sufifoundation.org/newyork.htm. Fri 19 7–9:30pm, $10. Sat 20, Sun 21 11:30am–6pm; $60 a day, both days $110).

Ukrainian Orthodox Christmas
Despite what your office calendar might say, Christmas doesn’t necessarily fall on December 25. Many Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, which puts Xmas Eve on January 6. The night kicks off with a Grand Compline church service, followed by a traditional meatless meal of 12 dishes (one for each apostle). But there’s a catch: You can’t eat until a child, looking out the window, sees a twinkle, signifying the Star of Bethlehem. After the feast, there’s some praying, and then, on Christmas Day, it’s back to church, followed by an exchange of presents.

Try it: Celebrate at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church’s Holy Supper on January 6 (30 E 7th St between First and Second Aves, 212-674-1615. $25). In the meantime, the Yara Arts Group presents “Winter Sun,” a festival of traditional song rituals from the Carpathian Mountains, on Friday 19 and Saturday 20. Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 E 79th St at Fifth Ave (212-475-6474, brama.com/yara/koliada-08.html). Fri 19 at 8pm, Sat 20 at 1pm. Fri $15, Sat $25; both days $30.

Hanukkah
Come on, you don’t know? Everyone in New York is Jewish.

Try it: For eight nights of fun, see our Jewish survival guide».

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