Kiruna: Celebration of New Year’s Eve

Kiruna: Celebration of New Year’s Eve offers a memorable way to ring in the new year amidst the icy beauty of northern Sweden. For $199 per person, you’ll spend an evening immersed in Sami culture, chasing the elusive Northern Lights, and celebrating with fireworks under the vast Arctic sky. Led by guides from Explore Arctic, this tour combines warmth, wilderness, and wonder in one package, lasting from early evening into the midnight hour.

What we love most about this experience is the authenticity of the Sami-inspired BBQ, served in a cozy hut beside a frozen river—imagine reindeer, deer, and moose meats smoky and tender over open flames. The thrill of venturing onto a frozen lake to hunt for the Northern Lights is another highlight, offering a rare chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Plus, the fireworks finale adds that extra magic to a truly special night.

A possible consideration is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights. As much as the guides do their best to find clear skies, you might find more comfort in the experience’s warmth, camaraderie, and stunning scenery—and less in guaranteed aurora sightings. This tour caters best to those who appreciate a blend of tradition, outdoor adventure, and a festive celebration without fuss.

If you’re drawn to a genuinely Arctic experience that emphasizes local culture and natural beauty, this New Year’s Eve tour is a perfect fit. It suits travelers who want to celebrate with authenticity, enjoy outdoor activities, and are comfortable in winter gear.

Key Points

• Authentic Sámi Experience: Enjoy a traditional BBQ in a cozy hut with local flavors.
• Northern Lights Chase: Venture onto a frozen lake for hopefully spectacular auroras.
• Midnight Fireworks: Celebrate the arrival of the New Year under the Arctic sky.
• Warmth & Comfort: Stay warm with provided clothing, fire pits, and hot drinks.
• Unpredictable Aurora: No guarantee of sightings, but guided to the best locations.
• Family-friendly: Not suitable for children under 6, but ideal for adventurous adults.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Kiruna New Year’s Eve Tour

A Cozy Start in the Sami Tradition

The evening begins in a warm BBQ hut in Poikkijärvi, which offers a peaceful view of the frozen river. Inside, the glow of a fire and the aroma of traditional Sámi cooking create a welcoming atmosphere. The souvasa — a smoky, hearty mix of reindeer, deer, and moose — is cooked over open flames, just as Sami communities have done for generations. This meal isn’t just sustenance; it’s an experience that embodies the spirit of the Arctic’s indigenous culture.

Multiple reviews praise this part of the tour as “a fantastic way to connect with local traditions,” noting that the storytelling and shared meal foster a sense of community. We loved the way the guide, whose name might be shared on booking, emphasizes the cultural significance behind the dishes, making it more than just a meal.

Chasing the Northern Lights

After dinner, the adventure takes a turn towards the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights. The guides, including experienced locals, gather weather forecasts and aurora predictions to find the best vantage points. The minibus rides through snow-covered landscapes add to the thrill, as we watched the scenery shift from icy lakes to dark, star-studded skies.

We loved the personalized approach—the guides actively follow the aurora forecast, adjusting plans to improve our chances. Whether the lights shimmer gently or burst into vivid colors, each sighting feels like a rare gift. As one reviewer put it, “You may not see the Aurora every night, but the effort to chase it makes the experience special.”

Celebrating Under the Arctic Sky

As midnight approaches, everyone gathers once more on the ice or nearby, waiting for the clock to strike twelve. The crisp air and snow crunch underfoot make the moment all the more festive. When the fireworks light up the sky—across the silent, frozen landscape—the sense of celebration is genuine. It’s a unique way to welcome the new year, with nature and tradition intertwined.

The fireworks display is brief but impactful, adding a burst of color to an already stunning evening. The combination of Northern Lights, fireworks, and the Arctic silence creates a memorable backdrop for a New Year’s celebration that feels both grand and intimate.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour is the traditional Sami-inspired meal, along with warm drinks and clothing to keep you comfortable in the cold. The guided aurora viewing offers expert insight and tracking, increasing the likelihood of a sighting. The fireworks finale caps off the night with a bang, quite literally.

Not included are camera equipment, so if photography is your passion, you might want to bring a tripod and a camera with manual settings, though success is never guaranteed with auroras. The tour emphasizes the experience over perfect photos, making it ideal for those who want to be present and soak up the moment.

Practical Tips

• Dress warmly: Layers, thermal clothing, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots are essential.
• Bring your camera if capturing the Northern Lights is important, but be aware there’s no guarantee of sightings.
• Reserve ahead: You can book now and pay later, providing flexibility in your travel plans.
• Age restrictions: Not suitable for children under 6, so plan accordingly.
• Cancellation: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind.

Why It Matters

This tour emphasizes cultural authenticity, outdoor adventure, and festive cheer. It’s not just about ticking boxes but creating a genuine Arctic memory. The guide’s local knowledge and efforts to chase the Aurora give this experience a personalized touch, making it stand out from more cookie-cutter winter tours. The combination of traditional Sami culture, the thrill of the Northern Lights, and the celebration of New Year’s make it a compelling choice for those seeking something both meaningful and adventurous.

Who Will Love This Experience?

Travelers interested in indigenous cultures and authentic traditions will appreciate the Sami-inspired BBQ. If you love outdoor winter activities and are willing to brave cold temperatures for a chance at witnessing the Aurora Borealis, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a blend of cultural and natural experiences wrapped in a festive atmosphere. It’s less suited for families with very young children or travelers seeking a luxury, all-inclusive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 years old, likely due to the outdoor cold exposure and late-night activities.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, layered clothing—think thermal underwear, insulated jackets, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. Warm clothing is provided, but bringing your own layers is smart.

Can I guarantee seeing the Northern Lights?
No, aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Guides do their best to find clear skies, but there’s no guarantee of a sighting.

What’s included in the price?
A traditional Sami-inspired meal, warm drinks, guided Northern Lights viewing, and fireworks. Clothing suitable for cold weather is also provided.

How long does the tour last?
While not explicitly stated, the evening begins in the early evening and concludes around midnight, offering ample time for dinner, aurora chasing, and celebration.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation in minibuses is part of the experience, taking you to the best viewing spots based on weather conditions.

Is the experience accessible?
Given the outdoor activities and cold environment, it’s best suited for those comfortable in winter conditions and with mobility suitable for snow and ice.

Overall, Kiruna’s New Year’s Eve tour from Explore Arctic offers an engaging mix of Sami culture, natural beauty, and Arctic celebration. It’s perfect for travelers craving an authentic, outdoor-based Arctic experience that balances tradition with adventure. While it involves some unpredictability regarding aurora sightings, the overall atmosphere, culture, and festive fireworks make it a memorable way to start the new year in the Arctic.

You can check availability for your dates here: