Enjoying Exclusive Tours of the Northern Lights Over New Year’s Eve

When we think of New Year’s Eve, we imagine sparking fireworks lighting up the night sky, a chilled glass of champagne, music, and dancing with our loved ones to mark the end of one year and the new beginning this occasion signifies.

If you’re hoping to make this New Year a night to remember or want to celebrate the end of a year that has been memorable, significant or special, there is little better than planning a tour of the Northern Lights, seeing nature’s own incredible fireworks.

The Aurora Borealis is one of the world’s most magical phenomena. Set against a backdrop of soaring snow-clad mountains, the beauty of the icy tundra stretching as far as the naked eye can see, and the crystal clear cold night air, it is a marvel best seen at this time of year.

Let’s summarise some of our most popular Northern Lights tours over New Year’s Eve to share a glimpse of the activities, excursions, and luxury accommodations available.

Planning New Year’s Eve Celebrations With a Northern Lights Tour Package in the Arctic Wilderness

Let’s start with our Arctic Wilderness New Year trip, a five-day, four-night adventure that will take you into the heart of the Norwegian countryside. It includes private transfers, flights from your selected airport, and a huge selection of accommodations, from traditional Sami tents to exclusive chalets and romantic Aurora cabins.

Travelling to Tromso, your driver will take you directly to your hotel, where you can relax, explore the wooden homes and narrow streets, or sit back in your hotel to soak in the stunning views over the fjords and mountains.

From there, you’ll head out on day two for your preferred excursion, with options including:

• High-octane winter activities like reindeer sledding and snowmobiling
• Nature excursions to try ice fishing or whale watching
• Cultural trips to see the many museums and sites around the town

In the evening, you will be collected for your transfer to the wilderness camp, which offers warming local cuisine, cosy overnight accommodation, and the option to travel far from light pollution by husky sled to see the Northern Lights in all their glory.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to have an uninterrupted view of the Aurora all night long, including a special New Year’s Eve evening dinner in this remote wilderness, often called the Gateway to the Arctic Circle.

Northern Lights Tour Packages Over New Year’s Eve in Southern Iceland

Our next package, The Land of Northern Lights, takes you to Southern Iceland, beginning in the fabulous city of Reykjavik. It includes shuttle transport from the airport and plenty of recommendations for exploring the countless restaurants, attractions, cultural sites, and photo opportunities within the city.

We’ll take you to the famous Blue Lagoon, a hot mineral spring, and transport you to the Reykjanes Peninsula, where you’ll see the awe-inspiring views of the cliffs, home to Arctic seabirds, and the towering mountain peaks, offset by the charming small fishing villages and lighthouses along the bays.

Guests can choose between hotel accommodation or a rustic cottage at Árhús Cottages while keeping careful watch for the glow of the night sky that signals the arrival of the Aurora.

Next, we’ll travel to the majesty of the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, with black lava beaches, the astonishing 60-metre high Skógafoss Waterfall, and a visit to the folk museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s history. Adventurous travellers can also opt for a glacier hike for unparalleled panoramic views.

On the following day, you’ll travel to some of the finest geothermal springs in Iceland, see the native Icelandic horses with guided tours of the Þingvellir National Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the immense Gullfoss Waterfall, and glimpse the powerful blasts from the Strokkur Geyser.

If you’d like to make the most of your evening, you can book a cruise over the calm fjords to watch the Northern Lights from the sea.

Our experienced local guides and tour operators can recommend some of the best local fine dining experiences for New Year’s Eve itself or schedule a Northern Lights cruise for 31^st December, with midnight snacks provided on your return to your accommodation.

Enjoying a Short Break Northern Lights Adventure in Norway Over New Year’s Eve

Short breaks are among the most popular Northern Lights tours. They offer the chance to spend three nights close to the heart of the Arctic, where the dark sky every night is perfect for seeing the mesmerising lights during the season when solar activity is at its peak.

Our Northern Lights Norway Short Break takes you to the Tromso region, the starting point for expeditions to the North Pole. Flights are available from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Highlights of this short break include:

• Delicious Scandinavian dining provided at your preferred hotel.
• Visits to the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso, and a trip to the Polaria Adventure Centre, with immersive films, an arctic walk, and an aquarium where you can see the seals and other Arctic wildlife.
• Guided Northern Lights tours to see the Aurora far from light pollution, scheduled around the weather forecast to optimise your experience.
• Various winter activities, including dog sledding, a snowmobile safari, whale watching, snowshoeing, reindeer safaris and many more.

During an evening Aurora chase, your guide will offer warming hot chocolate and snacks, advice on shutter speeds to ensure your photos of the Northern Lights are sharp and clear, and even the chance to try sleighing down the snowy hills or share marshmallows around a bonfire at the local Sami camp—what better way to spend New Year’s Eve!

Relaxing Over New Year’s Eve in an Aurora Cabin

Our final recommendation is the Aurora Cabin and Winter Wonderland trip. This four-night package takes you straight to Finnish Lapland, close to Lake Inari, and with the opportunity to sleep in an Aurora Cabin and watch the Aurora Borealis directly overhead from the comfort of your private accommodation.

This package is ideal for active guests and provides ample opportunities to see the Northern Lights in a winter wonderland backdrop. It includes husky sledding, guided snowshoeing excursions, and the fantastic experience of sleeping in a rustic cabin, sheltered from the solar wind and cold night air outside.

For more information about this Northern Lights New Year’s Eve tour or any of the packages and trips we’ve highlighted here, please follow the links for full details and itineraries, or contact the Baltic Travel Company at your convenience to start planning a New Year adventure you’ll never forget