Winter Wonders 2025/26

Northern Lights & Festive Escapes Worth Braving the Cold For

You’re standing beneath an impossibly starlit sky when suddenly, nature puts on the most spectacular light show on Earth. Ribbons of emerald green dance overhead, shifting and swirling like cosmic silk scarves caught in a celestial breeze. Or perhaps you’re wandering through a snow-dusted medieval square, the scent of cinnamon and roasted almonds filling the air as twinkling fairy lights reflect off centuries-old cobblestones.

There’s something irresistibly magical about winter travel: crisp air that makes you feel wonderfully alive, snow-dusted towns that look like they’ve tumbled straight from a storybook, and night skies that occasionally explode into ribbons of green light. This year is shaping up to be the moment to wrap up warm and head north – or to Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets – because demand is absolutely soaring.

According to ABTA, 27 per cent of UK holiday-makers who plan to travel this winter are choosing a Christmas-market break, and almost one in five want a Northern Lights adventure. It’s clear that more travellers are discovering the unique magic that only winter destinations can offer – and frankly, once you’ve experienced it yourself, you’ll understand why.

Here’s something that might surprise you: timing your Northern Lights adventure has never been more important than right now. The Sun is reaching its “solar maximum”, a peak in its 11-year activity cycle, meaning auroras are brighter, stronger and visible farther south than usual. It’s like having front-row seats to nature’s most exclusive performance.

Experts say the very best viewing years are 2024 and 2025, making this the absolute sweet spot for your aurora adventure. Prime aurora season runs from late September to late March, when polar nights provide those long, dark skies that serve as the perfect backdrop for nature’s light show. Imagine spending your evenings not scrolling through Netflix, but watching the sky itself come alive with dancing colours that photographs simply can’t capture.

Tromsø & Alta, Norway
Why go now: Direct winter flights from the UK make getting there wonderfully straightforward, whilst new hybrid coastal ships from Havila and environmentally minded sailings with Fred. Olsen mean you can chase the lights at sea with minimal fuss and maximum comfort.
Insider tip: Choose a voyage timed around the darkest new-moon week for maximum contrast. There’s something deeply romantic about watching the aurora reflect off the ship’s wake.

Finnish Lapland (Saariselkä & Rovaniemi)
Why go now: Glass-roofed igloo hotels let you watch the sky from the warmth of your bed – imagine drifting off to sleep under a canopy of stars, then waking to the aurora dancing overhead. Add snow-shoeing through pristine forests and reindeer safaris, and you’ve got Nordic charm in spades.
Insider tip: Book early-January dates when post-festive rates dip yet skies stay beautifully dark.

Iceland’s North (Akureyri & Mývatn)
Why go now: Fewer crowds than Reykjavík means more intimate experiences and longer, clearer nights for aurora viewing.
Insider tip: Pair your Northern Lights quest with a soul-warming soak in the Lake Mývatn nature bath – it’s like having your own private geothermal spa under the stars.

Yukon & Northwest Territories, Canada
Why go now: Exceptionally dry winter air and minimal light pollution deliver some of the planet’s brightest auroras. It’s where serious aurora enthusiasts go for the most spectacular displays.
Insider tip: Specialist lodges provide heated viewing domes – perfect for travellers who want to witness the magic without battling the elements.

If twinkling lights and mulled wine appeal more than polar nights, Europe’s historic market squares are calling your name. ABTA reports that Christmas-market breaks are now the third-most-popular winter trip type – and for good reason.

Picture yourself wandering through Dresden’s Striezelmarkt (dating back to 1434), where the aroma of gingerbread mingles with centuries of tradition. Or lose yourself in Vienna’s Rathausplatz market, where the Gothic Revival architecture provides a stunning backdrop to rows of festive stalls. Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik feels especially atmospheric under dustings of snow, like stepping into a living Christmas card.

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, consider a Danube or Rhine Christmas-market river cruise – you unpack once yet sample multiple markets, watching the European countryside transform into a winter wonderland from your cabin window.

• Layer cleverly, don’t bulk up – merino thermals plus a quality down jacket beat one heavy coat every time.
• Book early for the best cabin categories on popular Northern Lights sailings – many 2025/26 departures are already over 60 per cent sold.
• Stay flexible – auroras are gloriously unpredictable; plan at least three nights in the zone to boost your chances.
• Travel insurance – winter weather can delay flights; robust cover adds invaluable peace of mind.

Whether you fancy sipping Glühwein beneath gothic spires or watching the Aurora Borealis from a ship’s hot tub, our experienced consultants at Spear Travels tailor every element – flights, hotels, rail or cruise – to match your pace and comfort level perfectly. Add on private guides, exhilarating husky-sled rides, or even a professional photographer to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments, and we’ll help you turn a chilly week into memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

Ready to write your own winter wonder story? Let’s start planning your magical escape today.