Rovaniemi: New Year’s Eve Special Aurora Safari

Spending New Year’s Eve in Lapland, Finland, turns into an extraordinary celebration with the Rovaniemi: New Year’s Eve Special Aurora Safari. This 4-hour adventure offers an authentic Arctic experience, combining the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights with the warm atmosphere of a wooden forest cabin. Led by an experienced guide, guests get the chance to learn about the science and legends behind the Aurora Borealis, while enjoying BBQ snacks grilled over an open fire.

The tour departs from Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus or Santa’s Holiday Village and takes you far from city lights, increasing your odds of witnessing this natural wonder. While the chances of seeing the Aurora depend on solar activity and cloud cover, the experience’s focus on storytelling, local culture, and cozy comforts makes it a memorable way to ring in the New Year in Lapland. This tour suits those seeking a relaxed, scenic, and culturally rich Arctic celebration.

Key Points

• 4-hour New Year’s Eve Aurora Safari in Lapland, Finland, starting at 19:00 and ending around 23:00.
• Includes guided Aurora hunting, stories about Finnish myths and scientific explanations, plus tips for photography.
• Enjoy grilling BBQ snacks over an open fire inside a cosy kota hut or inside a heated log cabin.
• Far from city lights, increasing chances to see the Northern Lights in a rural forest setting.
• Optional continuation of festivities at Santa’s Cuisine Restaurant in Santa Claus Holiday Village until 01:00.
• Provider rating of 4.6 reflects well-organized guides and a warm atmosphere.

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Rovaniemi’s Forest Location: The Heart of the Aurora Experience

This tour takes place in a remote forest setting in Lapland, away from light pollution, which is essential for optimal Aurora viewing. The wooden cabin (or kota hut) serves as both a warm resting spot and a focal point for storytelling and socializing. The natural surroundings enhance the feeling of being immersed in the Arctic wilderness, perfect for those looking to celebrate the New Year amid pristine landscapes.

The journey begins with pick-up options from Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus or Santa’s Holiday Village, both centrally located in Rovaniemi. The transportation involves a 30-minute van ride to the forest, setting the tone for a peaceful, scenic escape from urban life.

The Guided Aurora Hunt and Finnish Legends

An experienced guide leads the group, providing valuable insights into the Aurora Borealis. They explain Finnish myths and legends about how the lights form, blending local folklore with modern scientific explanations. This storytelling approach enriches the experience, making it more than just a hunt for lights.

Guides also share practical tips on how to capture the auroras on cameras or smartphones, which is especially helpful since Northern Lights sightings are unpredictable. With their help, visitors feel more confident in photographing this fleeting natural display.

Cozy Fire, BBQ Snacks, and Flexible Indoor Options

While waiting for the Aurora, guests can stay warm by an open fire in the kota hut, which adds a tactile, authentic touch. The BBQ snacks are grilled right over the crackling flames, offering a simple yet satisfying Arctic treat. If guests prefer, or if the weather turns bad, they can always head inside the heated log cabin to relax and stay comfortable.

This flexibility caters to different preferences, whether visitors want to stay outside for a better chance at seeing the Aurora or prefer the comfort of indoor warmth. The fire and snacks create a relaxed, communal atmosphere, perfect for celebrating the New Year.

The Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights

Seeing the Aurora Borealis depends primarily on solar activity and cloud cover. The tour guides do their best to maximize the chances, but since the lights are a natural phenomenon, there are no guarantees. Guests should approach the experience with patience and an open mind, appreciating the storytelling, scenery, and cozy setting regardless of whether the lights appear.

If fortunate, visitors will witness dancing lights across the Arctic sky, an unforgettable sight that makes the entire evening special. Guided assistance also includes help with photography, allowing everyone to capture the moment even if the Aurora is faint.

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The Option to Continue New Year Celebrations

For those eager to keep the festivities going, the tour includes an optional transfer to Santa’s Cuisine Restaurant inside Santa Claus Holiday Village. Here, the celebration continues until 01:00 with a special menu and drinks, offering a festive atmosphere to welcome the New Year in style.

This extension is a great way to transition from the outdoor Aurora hunt to a lively indoor party, making the entire night a seamless celebration of the holiday.

Practicalities: Pickups, Duration, and Cancellation Policy

The pick-up takes place 15 minutes before the activity at hotel reception or 30 minutes at the outside Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus reception. Guests should arrive early to ensure smooth transfer to the forest location.

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, from 19:00 to around 23:00, with the option to continue the celebration afterward. The activity is offered with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans. Booking is flexible too, with a reserve now, pay later option.

The Experience Provider: Christmas House Safaris

Rated 4.6 out of 5, Christmas House Safaris is known for well-organized, friendly guides and a focus on authentic Arctic experiences. Their team leads the Aurora Safari with professionalism and warmth, making it suitable for those new to Northern Lights hunting or seasoned travelers seeking a relaxed, cultural evening.

Comparing Similar Arctic Experiences in Rovaniemi

This tour is among many winter activities available in Rovaniemi, such as reindeer safaris, Snowhotel tours, and Santa Claus visits. Unlike some options, this Aurora Safari emphasizes the natural beauty of the night sky, local folklore, and outdoor cooking, making it a distinctive way to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Concluding the Rovaniemi Aurora Safari Experience

The New Year’s Eve Special Aurora Safari provides a balanced mix of nature, storytelling, local culture, and comfort. Its rural forest setting enhances the chances of seeing the Aurora, while the open-fire BBQ snacks and flexible indoor options ensure a cozy, enjoyable experience regardless of the weather or Aurora visibility.

This tour is ideal for adventurers and families who want to celebrate the New Year in a genuine Arctic environment, appreciating both the natural spectacle and the warmth of Finnish hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Aurora Borealis guaranteed to be seen on this tour?
No, since the Aurora depends on solar activity and cloud cover, sightings are not guaranteed. The guides do their best to maximize the chance.

What should I wear for the Aurora Safari?
Guests should dress warmly in layers suitable for outdoor Arctic conditions, especially since part of the experience involves waiting outside by the fire.

Can I continue celebrating after the tour?
Yes, the tour includes an option to transfer to Santa’s Cuisine Restaurant for ongoing festivities until 01:00.

How long is the total experience?
The guided Aurora Safari lasts about 4 hours, from 19:00 to 23:00, with the possibility to extend your celebration afterward.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby