Best Northern Lights holidays deals: Witness 'spectacular' natural phenomenon this winter
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The Northern Lights are a stunning natural phenomenon that tourists from around the world travel in their droves to tick off the bucket list experience. In 2022, a poll commissioned by Audley Travel, 2,088 British adults were asked about the activity they would most like to do abroad during their lifetime, with most citing the colourful sensation.
Also known as aurora borealis, the natural occurrence can occasionally be spotted in parts of the UK, but is most commonly witnessed in Iceland, Norway, Finland, Alaska and parts of Canada. Britons who do want to witness the Northern Lights don't need to worry about travelling too far to see the Northern Lights, with flight times to hotspots in Iceland and Finland generally within three hours.
In line with this popular attraction, many package holiday and travel operators offer their own Northern Lights trips, with flights and hotels to some of these destinations. Some even include day trips and excursions as part of the deal or as an additional extra.
Prices vary on trips, from the super high-end, luxury break of a lifetime, to more budget-friendly options that still offer a glimpse of the gorgeous colours.
Travellers who have previously booked trips to visit Northern Lights hotspots, describe it as "spectacular" to witness, and enough to invoke "tears of joy" when leaving reviews on Tripadvisor.
Sue T, who travelled to Reykjavik in Iceland to witness the natural phenomenon, said: "Fantastic trip and was amazed to see the Northern Lights, truly was spectacular. If anyone is thinking of going to Iceland this trip is a must."
Sheila, who witnessed the dancing display of lights in Fairbanks, Alaska, added: "Words cannot express, pictures aren’t enough. If you have the chance, don’t miss this opportunity!! I literally cried tears of joy at seeing the Aurora lights."
Below, we've rounded up some of the best Northern Lights holiday deals this coming winter, with prices starting from £399.
Alternatively, if you're looking to find another winter travel deal, or are setting your sights to the summer ahead, you can read our guide to the latest deals from Jet2 here or have a look at some of British Airways' best offers right now.
All deals included in this article are accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change.
Northern Lights holidays to Iceland with Jet2
Earlier this year, Jet2CityBreaks expanded their winter 2023/24 programme to include even more opportunities to visit Iceland and, of course, catch a glimpse of the beautiful Northern Lights.
The travel provider offers Jet2 flights and Jet2CityBreaks packages to Iceland from Belfast International, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle.
And, those heading on a Jet2CityBreaks package to Iceland can enjoy a guided Northern Lights Tour as part of their holiday. There is also an additional choice of excursions to add on, including those to South Shore, the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon.
Express.co.uk has searched some of the latest Jet2 Northern Lights packages on offer:
- Four nights bed and breakfast at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica flying from Birmingham on March 14, 2024 - from £764 per person
This trip includes a Northern Lights tour Four nights bed and breakfast at Center Hotels Plaza in Reykjavik, Iceland flying from Birmingham on April 11, 2024 - from £626 per person
This trip includes a Northern Lights tour- Four nights bed and breakfast at Hotel Fron in Reykjavik, Iceland flying from Glasgow Int on February 29, 2024 - from £577 per person
This trip includes a Northern Lights tour
Northern Lights holidays with Secret Escapes
Secret Escapes offers a diverse range of unique experiences - including those which encompass some incredible opportunities to witness aurora borealis light up the sky. Some of the best deals move fast, so if you do spot a deal that you like, it's often best to snap it up as soon as possible - otherwise, it may vanish.
Package deals vary, but can include flights, hotels and tours. And you can expect more than just a basic hotel stay, with some extra special accommodation options on offer from Secret Escapes.
Express.co.uk has searched some of the latest Secret Escapes Northern Lights packages on offer:
- Up to seven nights bed and breakfast at select spa hotels in Reykjavik on an Iceland wellness escape including return flights and transfers - from £459 per person
This trip includes Northern Lights tour and stargazing, with the optional upgrade to a cruise
- Up to four nights on an Epic Iceland escape with either Southwest Iceland or South Iceland including return flights and transfers - from £679 per person
This trip includes guided tours and local expert guides Up to five nights on a flexible self-drive holiday across scenic western Iceland including two nights at Grand Hótel Reykjavík, two nights at Fosshotel Reykholt and one night at Fosshotel Stykkishólmur, including flights and rental car - from £569 per person
This trip includes Northern Lights notification at Fosshotel Reykholt and Fosshotel Stykkishólmur in the evening
Up to five nights on a flexible self-drive holiday across scenic western Iceland including two nights at Grand Hótel Reykjavík, two nights at Fosshotel Reykholt and one night at Fosshotel Stykkishólmur, including flights and rental car - from £569 per person
This trip includes Northern Lights notification at Fosshotel Reykholt and Fosshotel Stykkishólmur in the evening
Northern Lights holidays with First Choice
First Choice offers a mix of package holiday deals and excursions, but unlike some other Northern Lights package holidays, these aren't all included as one. This means that if you do spot a holiday you like, you will need to book your excursions separately. But the good thing about that is that you have the flexibility to plan your own itinerary.
Express.co.uk has searched some of the latest First Choice Northern Lights holidays on offer:
- Three nights bed and breakfast at Fosshotel Reykjavik in Reykjavik, Iceland including flights from London Gatwick departing on January 21, 2024 - from £441per person
- Three nights bed and breakfast at Reykjavik Lights hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland including flights from London Gatwick departing on January 14, 2024 - from £358 per person
- Three nights bed and breakfast at Skuggi Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland including flights from London Gatwick departing on January 28, 2023 - from £381 per person
Express.co.uk has searched some of the latest First Choice Northern Lights excursions on offer:
- Northern lights and stargazing experience in Reykjavik, Iceland - from £51pp
- Whale watching and northern lights tour in Reykjavik, Iceland - from £121pp
- Hunting the northern lights with Lappish Barbecue included in Lapland, Finland - from £86pp
- Northern Lights hunt by snowmobile in Saariselka, Finland - from £136pp
Northern Lights holidays with TUI
TUI offers flights to Northern Lights hotspots, including Iceland and Lapland, as well as package deals which include excursions and day trips. If you prefer to plan your own itinerary, you can book a TUI package holiday for under £400 per person, including flights, hotel and luggage.
Express.co.uk has searched some of the latest TUI Northern Lights holidays on offer right now:
- Three nights in Reykjavik, Iceland staying at Reykjavik Lights hotel flying from London Gatwick on January 14, 2023 - from £512 per person (reduced from £724 per person)
This trip includes two excursions Three nights in Kuusamo Lapland staying at Holiday Club Kussamo with bed and breakfast flying from London Gatwick on December 17, 2023 - £977 per person (reduced from £1,110 per person)
Three nights in Reykjavik, Iceland staying at Storm Hotel with bed and breakfast flying from London Gatwick on January 21, 2024 - £395 per person (reduced from £570 per person)
This is a plan-your-own-itinerary trip
TUI has added thousands of new seats to its winter flight offering.
