Kiruna: Celebration of New Year’s Eve

Planning a New Year’s Eve that’s truly memorable often means looking beyond the usual parties and city fireworks. If you’re craving a blend of traditional culture, outdoor adventure, and a touch of Arctic magic, the Kiruna Celebration of New Year’s Eve tour from Explore Arctic might just be what you need. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that promises a warm, authentic, and awe-inspiring way to ring in the new year in Sweden’s far north.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to enjoy a Sámi-inspired BBQ in a cozy hut while overlooking a frozen river, offering a genuine taste of local traditions. Second, the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights across the Arctic sky—an elusive but breathtaking spectacle. Third, the midnight fireworks display under a canopy of stars, contrasting the cold with fiery bursts of color. Yet, it’s worth noting that aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed, so some patience and luck are involved.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love outdoor adventures, cultural authenticity, and a festive atmosphere. It’s not ideal for young children under six or those seeking a leisurely, indoor-only celebration. If you’re after a meaningful, scenic, and festive way to welcome the new year, this experience offers a beautiful balance of tradition and thrill.

Key Points

• Authentic Sámi Experience: Enjoy traditional foods and storytelling in a cozy Arctic setting.
• Northern Lights Chasing: Guided effort to see the aurora, with expert guides choosing the best viewing spots.
• Celebratory Atmosphere: Fireworks and a midnight countdown create a festive, memorable night.
• Outdoor Adventure: Venture onto a frozen lake, stay warm by a fire, and embrace the Arctic environment.
• Flexible Booking: Book now, pay later, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Cost-Effective: For $199, you get a full evening of culture, outdoor fun, and celebration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

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

An Evening Warm-up in the Sámi Spirit

The tour begins in Poikkijärvi, where you’ll find a warm BBQ hut overlooking a serene, frozen river. This setting immediately sets the tone—intimate, cozy, and rooted in local traditions. Inside, the scent of souvasa, a classic Sámi smoked meat dish, fills the air. It’s prepared over open flames, echoing centuries-old cooking practices that foster a sense of community and shared heritage.

Guests have noted the fire’s comforting glow and the storytelling atmosphere, which makes the meal more than just dinner—it’s an immersion into the Sámi way of life. The meal pairs well with warm drinks provided by the tour, helping everyone shake off the chill of the Arctic evening.

Chasing the Northern Lights: An Arctic Treasure Hunt

After feasting, the adventure turns outdoors. The guides will depart in minibuses, heading toward the best vantage points for Aurora Borealis viewing, based on weather conditions and aurora forecasts. This part of the tour is where patience becomes your best friend—seeing the northern lights isn’t guaranteed, but the guides do their best to find clear skies.

Guests have appreciated the personalized approach of guides, who actively follow the aurora forecasts and change locations as needed. The chance to see the green or even red and purple curtains shimmer across the Arctic sky makes this pursuit worthwhile, even if the lights play hide-and-seek.

Ice, Fire, and Midnight Celebrations

As the evening deepens, you’ll find yourself on a frozen lake, a surprisingly comfortable spot thanks to the fire pit and ample blankets provided. Here, you can sit around the fire, sharing stories and warming your hands while the vast, starry sky provides a stunning backdrop.

It’s during this time that the midnight fireworks are set off—an exciting burst of color that illuminates the icy landscape. The fireworks display, visible from across the frozen expanse, is a fitting way to mark the transition into the new year, especially with the Northern Lights potentially dancing overhead.

Guests describe the scene as “absolutely magical,” with one reviewer noting that “the stars, combined with the fireworks and aurora, made it feel like we were in a dream.” The combination of outdoor adventure, cultural authenticity, and festive celebration creates a powerful memory.

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Practical Details & Value

At $199 per person, this experience offers a well-rounded package—covering a traditional Sámi meal, guided aurora hunting, warm clothing, and fireworks. The price is reasonable considering the inclusiveness and the chance to partake in something genuinely unique. Plus, you can reserve without immediate payment and cancel up to 24 hours prior, adding flexibility.

The tour runs in the evening, typically lasting several hours, making it a full and satisfying celebration without being overly long or rushed. The small group size and personalized guides ensure you’re not just another face in the crowd but part of an intimate Arctic gathering.

What’s Not Included?

• Camera equipment isn’t provided, so if capturing the Northern Lights is important to you, bring your own gear. Guests mention that the skies often require long exposures, so a tripod and a camera with manual settings will serve you well.

Travel Tips & Considerations

• Dress warmly: Layers, thermal clothing, and waterproof gear are essential—expect outdoor exposure in cold temperatures.
• Be patient: Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, but guides work hard to find clear skies.
• Children over 6 are most suited for this tour; younger kids might find the outdoor elements challenging.
• Bring your curiosity—this is as much about cultural appreciation as it is about fireworks and lights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This New Year’s Eve celebration is perfect for travelers who want more than a typical city party. If you’re keen on combining culture with outdoor adventure, and you’re okay with the unpredictability of aurora sightings, it’s a fantastic choice. It’s also ideal for those who love stunning winter landscapes and want to experience the Arctic in a meaningful, festive way.

However, if you prefer indoor warmth or a less physically demanding evening, you might want to look for alternative celebrations. This experience demands outdoor exposure and some patience, but those who embrace it will likely find it unforgettable.

FAQs

• What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a traditional Sámi-inspired meal, warm drinks, warm clothing, guided Northern Lights viewing, and fireworks display.

• How much does it cost?

The experience costs $199 per person, which covers food, guides, clothing, and fireworks.

• Can I reserve my spot now and pay later?

Yes, you can reserve now and pay nothing today, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Is this suitable for children?

It’s recommended for children over 6 years old due to outdoor exposure and cold temperatures.

• What should I bring?

Warm clothing is essential—think thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, hats, gloves, and sturdy winter boots.

• Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

The guides will do their best, but aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed. It’s dependent on weather and solar activity.

• How long is the tour?

The entire experience typically lasts several hours, from early evening into midnight.

• Is transportation provided?

Yes, minibuses are used to travel to the best aurora viewing spots.

• What if the weather is bad?

The guides monitor weather conditions carefully and will adjust locations accordingly, but bad weather can impact aurora visibility.

• Can I expect outdoor exposure?

Absolutely. The tour involves being outside in cold temperatures, so dress accordingly.

In the end, the Kiruna New Year’s Eve tour offers a blend of authentic cultural experiences, Arctic adventure, and festive celebration. It’s a wonderful choice for those looking to start the year with a story worth telling, under the shimmering northern sky.

You can check availability for your dates here: