Northern Lights Holidays
The Northern Lights are one of Earth's most awe-inspiring sights; an extraordinary and dazzling display of multi-coloured ribbons of light that flicker across the sky. They have to be seen to be believed.
Although there have been instances of the Northern Lights appearing as far south as the Mediterranean, for the best chance of seeing this remarkable spectacle that's equally well known by its Latin name - the Aurora Borealis - you need to travel towards the Arctic. In Europe, the Lights are most commonly spotted in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland, and occasionally appear in northern Scotland, while in North America you might witness Aurora activity in northern Canada and Alaska.
Aurora activity is unpredictable, and very dependent on weather conditions, so make sure you plan some other activities to keep you occupied during the hours of hopeful waiting. Take a thrilling husky or snowmobile ride through snow-dusted landscapes, go on a whale-watching cruise or gaze in awe at some of the world’s tallest waterfalls. You could opt to base your holiday in cities such as Reykjavik, where you can set off on a Northern Lights tour one evening and spend your remaining time discovering some of Iceland’s other natural wonders, such as the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
In fact, the and of fire and ice – Iceland - is one of the very best paces to go search of the mysterious spectacle of the Aurora Borealis. Spend your days discovering its unforgettable landscape of smouldering volcanoes, waterfalls, bubbling thermal pools, geysers and glaciers, and your nights watching the sky. Alternatively, cruise through the dramatic landscapes of the Fjords in Norway, stepping ashore to explore remote towns and then returning to the ship to gaze upwards in search of the magical illuminations by night.
Book your Northern lights holiday with us and make the most of your chances to see this stunning phenomenon and enjoy a plethora of wonderful winter activities.
Featured Northern Lights holidays
Join us on one of our escorted Northern Lights holidays
- 1 Excursion Included, 3 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 3 Airports
- 7 Dates - Feb 2024 - Mar 2025
- 2 Excursions Included, 4 Meals Included
- Flights Included - 8 Airports
- 16 Dates - Feb 2024 - Mar 2025
Northern Lights FAQs
Are you interested in seeing the Northern Lights? Here are a few questions you might have.
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What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights is the collective name for a celestial occurrence that happens when solar winds blow charged super-charged particles from the sun into the earth’s atmosphere, causing them to release a photon, and glow an otherworldly green. The Northern Lights are also known by their Latin name, Aurora Borealis.
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Am I guaranteed to see the Northern Lights?
It is notoriously difficult to predict when the Northern Lights will appear, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. By booking onto an escorted tour, led by knowledgeable local guides who use historical data, you can give yourself the best possible chance of sighting the Northern Lights.
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Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?
Although there have been instances of the Northern Lights appearing as far south as the Mediterranean, for the best chance of seeing this remarkable spectacle you need to travel into the Arctic Circle. In Europe, the Northern Lights are most commonly spotted in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, and occasionally appear in northern Scotland, while in North America, your best bet is northern Canada or Alaska. Newmarket offer a number of tours to these destinations, in addition to cruises into the Arctic Circle.
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When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights depends on where you are travelling to. However, since spotting the Northern Lights requires a dark, clear night sky, you’ll have the best chance of spotting them if you visit outside of summer, which varies from country to country. For European destinations, it is best to go between September and the end of April.
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What are the best Northern Lights tours?
Some of our favourite tours to Italy include:
- Tromso - Northern Lights & Arctic Adventure Break
- Iceland – Reykjavík & the Northern Lights - 5 days
Check out our full list of Northern Lights tours on our website.
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