THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ring in the New Year beneath the shimmering Northern Lights with a magical evening in Rovaniemi’s Arctic forest. Cozy cabins, festive treats, and a visit from Santa make this an unforgettable celebration.
Ring in the New Year beneath the shimmering Northern Lights with a magical evening in Rovaniemi’s Arctic forest. Cozy cabins, festive treats, and a visit from Santa make this an unforgettable celebration.
Book with Santa Claus Holiday Village
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Santa Claus Holiday Village · Rovaniemi, Lappi
As the final hours of the year tick by, there’s a singular way to usher in the New Year that combines magic, wilderness, and warmth: the New Year's Eve Special Aurora Safari in Rovaniemi, Finland. Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, just outside the city of Rovaniemi at latitude 66.543419 and longitude 25.844267, this experience offers an intimate, unforgettable evening beneath the arctic sky, far from city lights and noise.
Rovaniemi, widely known as the "official hometown of Santa Claus," invites travelers to explore its pristine forests and frozen landscapes. This safari takes guests off the beaten path to a cozy wood cabin tucked deep in the forest, creating a perfect vantage point for the elusive Northern Lights. Here, the dancing auroras paint the sky with vivid greens and purples against a backdrop of frosted trees and snow-covered ground, captivating visitors with one of nature's most spectacular displays.
What sets this tour apart is the blend of festive celebration and natural wonder. Alongside the crackling open fire, guests enjoy expertly grilled BBQ snacks and a selection of warm and festive drinks available at the cozy bar. The atmosphere is enlivened by special appearances from Santa Claus himself and his playful elves, who entertain children with face painting and holiday games. This makes the outing ideal for families and groups looking to combine outdoor adventure with joyous seasonal spirit.
Guided by knowledgeable hosts, the evening begins with an overview of Northern Lights lore and the scientific phenomena behind the auroras. Photography tips tailored to capturing the auroras ensure guests depart not only with memories but also with stunning images. While the Northern Lights’ appearance depends on solar activity and weather, the location’s low light pollution and expert guidance maximize your chances.
The tour includes thermal overalls and winter boots, essential for navigating the frigid arctic temperatures, often dipping below -20°C. The warm cabin offers a refuge to warm up when the chill gets severe, making this adventure accessible and comfortable through the long winter night.
For those wishing to continue the New Year’s festivities, Santa's Cuisine Restaurant in the nearby Santa Claus Holiday Village stays open until 1 AM with a special menu and drinks, allowing the celebration to carry on well past midnight.
This New Year's Eve Aurora Safari is more than an outing—it's a deeply immersive experience that connects visitors with Lapland's winter magic, the grandeur of the Arctic night, and the cherished festive traditions of Finnish Lapland. Whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser or a first-time explorer of the northern sky, this special evening promises memories to carry into the new year.
easy.
4 hours.
Moderate physical fitness recommended for standing outdoors and walking short distances in snow
Thermal overalls and winter boots are provided; wear warm clothing underneath such as wool or fleece, plus bring gloves, hats, and scarves.
Children of all ages are welcome, but note the activity runs late until midnight, so consider their stamina and comfort.
Since auroras depend on natural conditions, sightings can’t be guaranteed and no refunds will be issued if the lights are absent.
Yes, the tour runs regardless as auroras can still appear under these conditions, and weather changes quickly.
The guide will assess safety and may cancel only in cases of extreme cold or adverse weather conditions.
Yes, please inform the operator in advance so they can arrange suitable snacks and options.
Rovaniemi was rebuilt after WWII and has become a global center for Arctic tourism and Nordic winter traditions.
The operators emphasize minimizing light pollution and environmental impact to preserve natural habitats for wildlife and auroras.
Santa Claus Holiday Village in Rovaniemi, Lappi, operates as a gateway to authentic Arctic experiences. The village coordinates and hosts a wide range of seasonal tours and activities, from private meetings with Santa Claus to wilderness safaris and unique dining in a glass igloo. Guests can choose guided reindeer sleigh rides, husky sledding, cross‑country skiing, snowshoe adventures, ice fishing and northern lights hunts, as well as summer offerings such as midnight sun canoeing and forest survival tours. The village partners with local guides and nearby attractions — including Ranua Wildlife Park, home to over fifty Arctic species and Finland’s only polar bear, Venus — to deliver reliable, family‑friendly excursions. Many experiences are designed for private or small group participation: private Santa visits to rooms, private office meetings with a complimentary family photo, and intimate dinners for up to eight in a glass igloo. Safety and local expertise underpin the village’s offerings; experienced guides lead activities suited to a range of ages and abilities, and seasonal equipment is provided where required. The program includes both motorized options like snowmobile safaris and slower, nature‑based experiences such as aurora snowshoeing. Visitors find a mix of adrenaline, cultural encounters and quiet nature immersion close to Santa Claus Village’s central location in Arctic Finland. This combination of authentic Santa encounters, curated outdoor adventures and local partnerships makes Santa Claus Holiday Village a focal point for travelers seeking memorable Lapland holidays. Seasonal availability varies; advance booking is recommended to secure preferred dates and private experiences online today.
Book with Santa Claus Holiday Village