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Northern Lights & Arctic nights | Rovaniemi's best nighttime experiences

Rovaniemi blends lively nightlife with unforgettable Arctic experiences. After a day of exploring, you can unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna, try local karaoke (a Finnish favourite), or dive into authentic Lappish cuisine. But the real magic begins when the Aurora Borealis sweeps across the Lapland sky, painting it with shimmering greens, purples, and pinks. With up to 200 Aurora nights a year, Rovaniemi gives you front-row seats to one of Earth’s most mesmerizing natural spectacles, the perfect way to end an Arctic night.

  • Who it’s for: Winter sports enthusiasts, first-time Arctic travelers, nightlife lovers, couples on romantic escapes, and anyone wanting to experience the magic of Lapland after dark.
  • Highlights: Join a guided Northern Lights safari then visit Santa Claus Village and stop by local family-run farms to meet the animals up close.
  • Pro-tip: Plan your trip between late September and late March, when nights are long and skies are clear.

Top things to do in Rovaniemi at night

Dog sledding under Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway.

Night husky safari

Race through frozen forests on a dog sled driven by your own husky team; guides provide headlamps and safety training, and the fast pace plus icy air makes this one of the area’s most thrilling nighttime experiences.

Northern Lights husky tours
Reindeer sleigh ride under northern lights in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Night reindeer sleigh ride

Glide silently through snow-covered forests on a reindeer-pulled sleigh under star-filled skies; the calm ride lets you experience traditional Sámi travel while learning about reindeer herding culture.

Northern Lights reindeer tours
Northern Lights over a glowing tent in snowy Rovaniemi, Finland.

Northern Lights hunting (Aurora Borealis)

Head deep into the Arctic wilderness on a guided aurora chase, where light pollution is nearly zero and bonfire breaks plus photography assistance help you capture vivid green, pink, or purple lights moving across the night sky.

Santa Claus Village entrance in snowy Rovaniemi with visitors and festive lights.

Visit Santa Claus Village

Walk through Santa Village when it’s quieter and beautifully illuminated, cross the Arctic Circle line in soft blue lights, and explore shops or grab hot chocolate in a more atmospheric, less-crowded setting.

Santa Claus Village tours
Person ice floating under Northern Lights in Rovaniemi.

Arctic ice floating

Float in a frozen lake wearing a thermal survival suit that keeps you warm and dry while you drift under the night sky, an oddly calming experience with a chance to see the Northern Lights reflected on the water.

Reindeer meat with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce, traditional Finnish dish.

Lappish dinner experiences in a Kota hut

Enjoy traditional Lapland dishes like sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), salmon cooked on a flaming plank (loimulohi), or Lappish cheese with warm cloudberries (leipäjuusto) inside a fire-lit wooden hut, paired with stories about Arctic life.

Guests relaxing in a hot tub under Northern Lights in Rovaniemi.

Evening sauna + ice plunge

Try a Finnish sauna by the riverside, followed by a cold plunge into ice-cut water; the hot-cold cycle boosts circulation, and many saunas offer quiet outdoor relaxation decks under the stars.

Auroras over snowy forest during Northern lights sauna experience in Rovaniemi.

Nighttime city walk along the frozen Kemijoki River

Wander the riverfront where snow glows under streetlights and locals stroll between cafés and bars; expect calm, scenic paths with views of the iconic Jätkänkynttilä 'Lumberjack Candle' bridge illuminated at night.

Traditional Finnish meal with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce at Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi.

Visit a local pub or craft beer bar

Spend the evening in Rovaniemi’s cozy pubs like Café & Bar 21, Kauppayhtiö, or Uitto Pub, where you can try Finnish craft beers, local snacks, and occasionally hear live music or mingle with locals.

Guided vs DIY Aurora hunting | Why tours give you the best chance

AspectGuided Northern Lights toursDIY Aurora hunting

Chances of seeing the Lights

Professional guides use live weather data, satellite maps, and years of experience to predict clear-sky zones, sometimes even crossing into Sweden or Norway to improve your chances of a sighting.

Limited by what you can research yourself. Cloud cover, local weather, and terrain can easily reduce visibility, and it’s hard to know where to go for optimal skies.

Comfort & safety

All logistics are handled, with transfers, thermal overalls, and warm drinks included; guides keep you safe and comfortable even in –20°C conditions.

You’ll need to rent your own vehicle, check road and ice conditions, and prepare for freezing temperatures on your own. Getting lost or stuck in the snow is a real risk in rural Lapland.

Unique experiences

Guided tours turn Aurora chasing into full Arctic adventures, combining reindeer sleighs, husky safaris, and snowmobile rides, with some including visits to Santa’s Pets or day-to-night packages.

You can choose your own spots, but you’ll miss out on curated experiences; no huskies, reindeer, or storytelling around the fire. DIY options are mostly about waiting and watching.

Local culture & insights

Guides share stories about Lapland life, reindeer herding, and Sámi legends like how the Aurora was once believed to be sparks from a fox’s tail.

You can read about the myths online, but the magic of hearing them under the Aurora, told by locals, is something no self-drive can replicate.

Convenience & value

Pickups from hotels or Santa Claus Village, warm gear, snacks, and even hot blueberry juice are part of the package, allowing you to enjoy the experience worry-free.

You’ll need to plan routes, rent gear, check Aurora forecasts, and buy or borrow winter clothing; costs and effort quickly add up.

Flexibility & guarantees

Premium tours promise to go wherever the skies are clearest, even offering money-back guarantees if the Aurora doesn’t appear.

No guarantees; if clouds roll in or visibility drops, the night’s lost. You’ll have to wait for the next clear window.

Photography support

Many tours include professional photography or teach you how to capture the lights yourself. Expert guides adjust your settings, provide tripods, and share edited photos afterward.

Without guidance, capturing the Aurora is challenging; improper camera settings or frozen fingers can mean missing the moment entirely.

Top guided Aurora tours

Husky team pulling sleigh under Northern Lights in snowy Rovaniemi, Finland.

Husky-powered Aurora chase

Embark on a thrilling evening adventure with a 5km husky sled ride through snowy wilderness, followed by a guided car chase to the best Aurora viewpoints.

  • Best for: Adventurers who want action and atmosphere, a mix of adrenaline and awe beneath the Arctic sky.
  • Pro-tip: Choose early evening departures for better visibility and a longer window to catch the lights.

Recommended tour: Rovaniemi: Northern Lights hunting with husky

Reindeer sledding under Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway.

Reindeer sleigh Aurora ride

Glide silently through snow-covered forests on a traditional reindeer sleigh, pausing under starry skies for a chance to witness the Aurora in perfect stillness.

  • Best for: Those seeking a tranquil, storybook-style Northern Lights experience steeped in Sámi culture and tradition.
  • Pro-tip: Keep your camera ready during stops; the contrast of reindeer silhouettes against the shimmering sky makes for breathtaking photos.

Recommended tour: Rovaniemi: Northern Lights with reindeer sledding

Person watching Northern Lights in night sky during aurora borealis tour.

Day-to-night Arctic adventure

A full 7-hour experience that blends daytime Arctic charm with nighttime magic; meet huskies and reindeer, feed Santa’s Pets, and end with an aurora hunt over frozen lakes.

  • Best for: Travelers short on time who want to combine classic Lapland activities with a Northern Lights chase in one seamless tour.
  • Pro-tip: Dress in layers; most of the day is outdoors, and warmth makes all the difference for comfort during the aurora hunt.

Recommended tour: Day & evening tour – Santa's pets, sledding & Aurora hunt

Everything Arctic; All-in-one day

Why juggle transfers, tickets, and timing when you can experience it all in a single, seamless tour? The all-in-one Rovaniemi day tours combine husky and reindeer rides, Santa Claus Village visits, and Northern Lights chasing into one unforgettable Lapland adventure.

Husky under Northern Lights in snowy landscape.
Browse curated tours

Plan your Rovaniemi visit

Couple watching Northern Lights in Levi, Finland.

The most reliable viewing conditions fall between September and March, when clear, cold nights create the perfect stage for the aurora.

  • September to October: Autumn marks the start of aurora season, with milder temperatures and dramatic color contrasts as forests turn golden. The ground may be damp, so wear waterproof boots if you’re planning a DIY chase.
  • November to February: The polar night period brings the longest hours of darkness, up to 20 hours a day, making this prime time for Northern Lights tours. This is the busiest travel window, so book your tours early to avoid sold-out nights.
  • March to April: Daylight starts returning, but nights remain long enough for frequent auroras. Clearer weather and milder temperatures (often above –10°C) make it perfect for photographers and families.
Friends watching Northern Lights in a night sky, Northern Hemisphere.
  • Autumn (September to October): Temperatures hover between 0°C and +10°C, with colorful forests and unfrozen rivers that reflect the aurora. Light snow may arrive by late October.
  • Winter (November to February): Expect –5°C to –25°C, long nights, and heavy snow cover, ideal for aurora viewing but demanding warm layers and thermal gear.
  • Spring (March to April): Days lengthen and temperatures rise to –10°C to +5°C, bringing clearer skies and more comfortable conditions for outdoor photography.
  • Summer (May to August): The Midnight Sun replaces the Northern Lights as daylight lasts nearly 24 hours. Warm days reach +15°C to +25°C, perfect for hiking but not aurora spotting.
Person browsing red winter jackets in a store aisle.
  • Thermal base layers for warmth and moisture control
  • Fleece or down mid-layer for added insulation
  • Windproof, waterproof parka for snow and Arctic winds
  • Insulated, waterproof boots with solid traction
  • Thermal socks, gloves, scarf, and beanie, plus dry spares
  • Hand warmers, lip balm, and a thermos for long outdoor nights
  • Power bank for recharging devices in sub-zero temperatures
  • Tripod and extra camera batteries for aurora photography
  • Snacks and a reusable water bottle for energy on extended tours
No wheelchair access symbol with red diagonal line.
  • Most Northern Lights viewing spots in Rovaniemi are outdoors on uneven, snowy terrain, which can be challenging for wheelchairs, especially in winter.
  • Hilltop and forest locations like Ounasvaara or remote lakes often require walking or snow transport, making them less accessible without assistance.
  • Guided minivan aurora tours may accommodate limited mobility, but always check in advance, as vehicles and ground surfaces vary.
  • City-edge viewpoints like the Arktikum shoreline provide a relatively accessible option, with paved paths and clear sightlines over the river.

Pro-tip: If accessibility is a concern, choose accommodations with large windows or glass-roof cabins; you’ll have a good chance of spotting the aurora without leaving your room.

Visitor tips & guidelines

  • Northern Lights are most active between 9pm and 1am, and the Aurora Alert Realtime app gives live updates specific to Rovaniemi.
  • Step outside every 20 to 30 minutes, even if the sky looks quiet, as auroras can appear suddenly and disappear within minutes.
  • Colder nights often bring clearer skies, so don’t be discouraged by freezing temperatures.
  • Check moon phases before you go, as darker skies without a full moon make auroras more vivid.
  • Avoid bright phone screens while waiting since they reduce your night vision and make the aurora look dimmer. Carry a small flashlight or headlamp with a red filter to move around safely without losing night vision.
  • Keep camera batteries inside your jacket until you’re ready to shoot since the cold drains power quickly. Use a tripod and set your exposure between three and ten seconds with ISO 800 to 1600 for sharper aurora photos.
  • Bring snacks and a thermos with something warm to drink since aurora hunting often involves long waits in the cold.

Aurora hotspots beyond Rovaniemi

Couple taking selfies under Northern Lights in Levi, Finland.

Levi

One of Finland’s most reliable aurora destinations, with wide open tundra and flexible chase tours that go wherever the skies are clearest.

  • Pro-tip: Join the unlimited mileage Aurora chase for guaranteed sightings, expert local insights, and real-time route changes based on weather.
Northern Lights tours in Levi
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Ylläs & Pallas

Set inside Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, these twin fell areas combine pristine wilderness with crystal-clear, pollution-free skies.

  • Pro tip: Spend a night in Pallas’ wilderness hotel to see the lights directly from your window with no artificial glow nearby.
Auroras over snowy forest

Luosto & Pyhä

Less crowded than Rovaniemi, these high-altitude fells offer excellent odds for aurora viewing and easy access to winter hiking trails.

  • Pro tip: Visit the Luosto Aurora Alert Center, which tracks real-time activity and notifies guests when lights appear overhead.
Person photographing Northern Lights on snowy landscape during tour.

Saariselkä

A photographer’s dream, surrounded by vast Arctic plains and minimal light pollution, perfect for multi-night aurora hunts.

  • Pro tip: Stay in a glass igloo or panorama cabin in the hills above Saariselkä to capture wide-sky aurora shots without leaving your bed.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Rovaniemi at night

Is Rovaniemi safe to explore at night?

Yes, Rovaniemi is known for being very safe, even late at night. Paths around the city, riverfront, and Santa Claus Village are well-lit and commonly used by locals.

Are restaurants and bars open late in Rovaniemi?

Yes, bars and pubs often stay open until 2am or later, while most restaurants close around 10pm to 11pm, so plan dinners earlier if you want a full meal before heading out.

Can you visit Santa Claus Village at night?

Yes, while shops have set closing times, the village itself remains open, illuminated, and accessible 24/7, allowing visitors to cross the Arctic Circle line and enjoy the lights after dark.

How likely am I to see the Northern Lights?

Rovaniemi sits directly beneath the auroral oval, where geomagnetic activity is strongest, giving visitors frequent chances to witness the Northern Lights on clear winter nights.

Can I see the Northern Lights without joining a tour?

Yes, you can see the lights on your own from spots like Ounasvaara Hill or the Arktikum shoreline, but guided day tours greatly improve your chances thanks to expert tracking, weather insights, and transfers to clear-sky locations.

Do these tours include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, nearly all Northern Lights tours include round-trip transfers from central Rovaniemi hotels or Santa Claus Village, so you don’t need to arrange transport yourself.

Can I combine a Northern Lights chase with other activities?

Yes, many full-day packages include husky or reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, or visits to Santa’s Pets during the day, followed by an Aurora hunt at night.

How far from Rovaniemi can tours travel to find clear skies?

Standard tours may travel 20 to 50 km, while premium or unlimited mileage tours can cross into Sweden or Norway if needed for better aurora visibility.

What happens if I don’t see the Northern Lights?

Several tours offer flexible rescheduling or even guaranteed-sighting options. Some tours in Levi include an ‘unlimited mileage’ chase, meaning guides drive as far as needed to find clear skies.

What to do in Rovaniemi at night if it’s cloudy?

Even without the Aurora, you can enjoy saunas, ice karting, night reindeer rides, forest snowshoeing, indoor spas, local pubs, or a cozy Lappish dinner in a fire-lit kota hut.

Are Northern Lights visible from Santa Claus Village?

Yes, but visibility can be limited by light pollution. For the best experience, head a few kilometers north or join a guided chase into the surrounding forests or frozen lakes.

How cold does it get in Rovaniemi during winters?

Temperatures can drop to –20°C or lower in midwinter, but tours provide thermal suits and hot drinks to keep you comfortable during the experience.

What should I wear for nighttime activities in winter?

Dress in layers with a thermal base, fleece mid-layer, and insulated outerwear, plus gloves, a warm hat, and winter boots. Most guided tours also provide extra winter gear such as thermal suits, gloves, and boots.

Can I photograph the Northern Lights with a phone?

Yes, newer smartphones with night mode can capture auroras, but a tripod and manual settings (ISO 800–1600, exposure 3–10 seconds) give the best results.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Most outdoor aurora sites are on snowy terrain and not fully accessible, but some resort-based experiences allow guests to view the lights from glass igloos or heated cabins.

Are Northern Lights tours suitable for children?

Yes, most tours welcome families, though outdoor evening temperatures can drop below –15°C, so thermal clothing and shorter tours are recommended for young children.