The nights are long and the days are short. But look on the bright side: Monday is winter solstice—marking the longest night of the year; meaning that longer days are coming soon. Get into the solstice spirit!

What's big and inky and filled with bright, bold spectacles? The winter sky, when viewed from the three giant telescopes at the Chabot Space and Science Center. On Friday and Saturday nights Chabot opens its doors for winter stargazing 1,500 feet above the Bay. Your hosts: Leah, Rachel and Nellie—three world-class (and massive) telescopes designed to bring you closer than ever to the stars. Leah, the 8-inch refractor, and Rachel, the 20-incher are usually tipped up towards planets. Jupiter looks really good at this time of year—and beautiful star clusters like Pleiades really shine in the winter sky. Nellie is the new telescope on the block; she's a 36-inch reflector that's usually focused on the "faint and fuzzy," giving you a clearer perspective of the solar system. Up to six experienced operators are on hand working the telescopes and answering questions, so the sky's the limit with astronomical inquiries. Winter is one of the best times for stargazing so bring a warm coat and get glowing!

The telescopes at Oakland's Chabot Space and Science Center are open for public night viewing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting. There is no cost to attend.

Perhaps because it's a volcano; or because it harbors a hidden labyrinth. Either way, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland Hills is a good place to contemplate the solstice (maybe even New Year's resolutions). The area still has debris from its fiery past: Ten million years ago this part of the Bay Area was an active volcano. Today, tucked into the preserve's backside, there's a quiet little labyrinth that's nice for some easy solstice strolling. Reach it by walking .75 mile on the preserve's wide fire road. Stop at the overlook and peer down at the labyrinth, framed by Mount Diablo, before descending a gentle path leading directly to it. Wind your way around the mini-maze, or engage in an a-maze-ing race by having your friend start in the center of the labyrinth and you start at the beginning: ready, set, loopy! When you're finished, hike out and head back to the parking lot on the Round Top Loop Trail.

Check out the Sibley Volcanic Regional Park Preserve Web site for directions. Pick up a map at the staging area. The labyrinth is off the Round Top Loop Trail. From the parking lot, the trailhead is just left of the restrooms (take the dirt trail rather than the road). Hike the Round Top Trail in a clockwise direction. Go .25 mile until you reach the water tank and go left, continuing on the Round Top Trail. When the trail intersects the Volcanic Trail, go right to stay on the Round Top Trail. In about .1 mile you'll see a wooden fence overlook with a "warning steep cliff" sign. The labyrinth is down below. South of the sign is a wide fire road that goes down to it. Hike back up to continue the Round Top Loop back to the parking lot.

Once a year Muir Woods is transformed into a luminous nighttime landscape. Late on the afternoon of the winter solstice, the trails are lit by luminarias, and hikers are invited to stroll along candlelit paths through some of the oldest and tallest trees on the planet. This annual winter solstice event is a family-friendly celebration of one of the Bay Area's most beloved parks. The occasion includes stage performances, story telling, and a special menu that typically features hot apple cider and other bone-warming beverages. Bring your favorite mug, winter jacket, and blanket, and savor some solstice enchantment.

TIP: Want to stay in the city for a solstice stroll? Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is leading a winter solstice night walk Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Presidio. Register to join the free family-friendly event that starts at the little-known Lobos Dunes and meanders to Baker Beach (limited registration; call 415-561-2805).

The Muir Woods winter solstice celebration is Dec. 21 from 3 to 8 p.m. Parking is limited, so it's wise to arrive early and carpool. No dogs.