The church's second annual winter solstice celebration heralds the rebirth of the light following the longest night of the year.

Meredith Sue Willis, a novelist from South Orange, is one of the organizers of the society's solstice celebration next Sunday.

This is his 25th solstice celebration, and it promises to be the most theatrical, complete with an appearance by the aerialist Philippe Petit.

With percussionist Michael Zerang he performed a solstice celebration semiannually since 1991.

Amsterdam Ave. at 112th St. (212-929-4777)-Dec. 15-17: The Paul Winter Consort is in town for its annual solstice celebration.

Castlerigg has a solar alignment and is used in solstice celebrations.

"After we're finished with the New York events," he said, "I'm resonating with the solstice celebration, and on Christmas Day, Chez and I simply fast."

In 1600, with the Scottish application of the January 1 New year and the church's persistent suppression of the solstice celebrations, the holiday traditions moved to December 31.

Last weekend, the ever-cheerful solstice celebration accented Celtic traditions and featured some spectacular Irish step dancing.

The American Atheist Society also supports the solstice celebrations.