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Northern Lights Vacations
Seek the beauty of the Northern Lights next winter

The Aurora Borealis Awaits From Alaska to Norway

Northern Lights on a Winter Arctic Cruise
12 days from $4,499 pp
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Northern Lights, Alaska
Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey
7 days from $3,895 pp
  • Admire views of Mt. Denali aboard the Alaska Railroad and join a dog-sled ride
  • See wildlife such as bears, wolves, and elk at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center
  • Head into the snowy wilderness to witness the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights
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The Northern Lights & Lapland
The Northern Lights & Lapland
11 days from $4,165 pp
  • Seek the ethereal Northern Lights aboard the Nordland Railway and on the remote Lofoten Islands
  • With an expert local guide, discover the history and lifestyle of the Sámi people
  • Embark on a delightful husky safari, gliding through the snow on a sleigh hauled by the lively dogs
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Experience the Magic of the Northern Lights

Witnessing the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights is a dream for many. As a travel authority for more than 20 years, we have carefully crafted Northern Lights tours that put this dream within reach, putting you in a prime position to witness one of nature's most breathtaking phenomena in stunning locations.

For a globe-trotting adventure, select from travel packages that feature destinations in Scandinavia, including Norway and Sweden. These Northern Lights tours not only offer unimaginable viewing opportunities, but they also put local culture at the forefront of the adventure. Ride scenic railways like the Norland Railway and Ofoten Railway, cruise along dramatic fjords, and discover experiences unique to each location. You could also stay closer to home, witnessing the cascades of green, purple and red dancing across the Alaskan skies. Let our independent and escorted tours guide you to places with no light pollution, including Chena Hot Springs or Bettles Lodge, and reveal the highlights of major cities, such as the Gold Rush city of Fairbanks or Anchorage, where culture and nature collide. Find your perfect journey with Vacations By Rail.

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Top Locations to See Northern Lights

Northern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
4.8 stars(37 reviews)
Independent
2026FebMarDec
7 days from
$2,995 pp $2,795 pp
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Aurora Train
Independent
2026FebMarAprDec
4 days from
$1,795 pp $1,695 pp
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Dining Hut under the Stars
4.8 stars(21 reviews)
Independent
2026AugSepOctNovDec
2027JanFebMarApr
8 days from
$2,795 pp $2,595 pp
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Aurora Borealis
Independent
2026FebMarAugSepOct...
6 days from
$2,195 pp $1,995 pp
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Alaska Wildlife
4.5 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2026FebMarDec
2027JanFebMar
7 days from
$2,595 pp $2,395 pp
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Northern Lights Swirling over Pine Trees
4.7 stars(21 reviews)
Independent
2026FebMarOctNovDec
2027JanFebMar
6 days from
$3,195 pp $2,895 pp
View Details

Best Time to Admire the Northern Lights

With clear skies and a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, there is no better time to view the Northern Lights than during the long winter months.

Exchange the Northern Lights for the "Midnight Sun" during these months when long daylight hours make it nearly impossible to spot the wonder.

As the seasons start to change and the nights stretch longer, it may be possible to catch a glimpse of the Lights as "Aurora season" begins once more.

Although some cloud cover can obscure the view, the winter-clad landscapes and long nights make an incredible setting for hunting the Northern Lights. 

12 results matching: Northern Lights Vacation Packages | Aurora Borealis Trips

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Northern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, AlaskaNorthern Lights, Alaska
Last 100 Spaces
4.8 stars(34 reviews)
Escorted
2026Mar
2027FebMar
Escorted

Seek the magical aurora borealis on a sensational winter journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage, riding the amazing Aurora Winter Train in the shadow of Denali. An evening in the wilderness provides a great chance to catch the Northern Lights, while an exciting dog-sled ride through the snow-covered tundra and a curling lesson help uncover the...

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7 days from
$3,895 pp
per person
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Alaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska WildlifeAlaska Wildlife
4.5 stars(14 reviews)
Independent
2026FebMarDec
2027JanFebMar
Independent

By day and night, immerse yourself in the wonders of an Alaskan winter. With its far-north location, this state is one of the best places in North America to see the aurora borealis, and this journey features plenty of opportunities to do just that. Venture into the state's remote interior aboard the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train and...

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7 days from
$2,595 pp $2,395 pp
per person
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Escorted
2027JanFebMar
Escorted

Experience Norway in magical winter, exploring Oslo and Bergen with an epic journey on the stunningly scenic Bergen Railway, before embarking on a six-night cruise into the Arctic wilderness. Our northbound sea voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes passes beautiful fjords, and crosses the Arctic Circle, before a husky sled ride into winter wonderland...

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12 days from
$4,499 pp
per person
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The Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & LaplandThe Northern Lights & Lapland
4.1 stars(56 reviews)
Escorted
2026FebMarDec
Escorted

 Beautifully scenic Scandinavian rail journeys take us from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to wintry Kiruna in Swedish Lapland, as we enjoy many opportunities to be dazzled by the ethereal Northern Lights.    Traveling through amazing landscapes, the Nordland Railway carries us across the Arctic Circle to Bodø. From here, we...

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11 days from
$4,165 pp
per person
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Northern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot SpringsNorthern Lights, Chena Hot Springs
4.8 stars(37 reviews)
Independent
2026FebMarDec
Independent

Winter is a special time of year in Alaska. The landscape transforms into a wonderland clad in fluffy white snow, and the short days set the perfect stage for the aurora borealis to take over the night sky. Adventures take on a new form and open visitors' eyes to the wonders and traditions of America's Last Frontier. This week-long Alaskan...

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7 days from
$2,995 pp $2,795 pp
per person
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Dining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the StarsDining Hut under the Stars
4.8 stars(21 reviews)
Independent
2026AugSepOctNovDec
2027JanFebMarApr
Independent

Forget everything you have heard about northern lights viewing and come along for this independent adventure into Alaska's backcountry to Borealis Basecamp. Set just 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, this unique hotel offers an aurora borealis experience like no other. Watch hues of red, green and purple undulate across the night sky from your...

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8 days from
$2,795 pp $2,595 pp
per person
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Aurora Borealis Aurora Borealis Aurora Borealis Aurora Borealis Aurora Borealis
Independent
2026FebMarAugSepOct...
Independent

From man-made attractions to some of nature's most splendid offerings, Alaska is filled with adventure. This journey is your ticket to some of the best things Alaska has to offer. Your tour begins in Anchorage, where you board your Alaska Railroad train bound for Fairbanks. Your seat aboard the Aurora Winter Train offers a glimpse at Alaska's...

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6 days from
$2,195 pp $1,995 pp
per person
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Aurora TrainAurora TrainAurora TrainAurora TrainAurora Train
4.4 stars(8 reviews)
Independent
2026FebMarAprDec
Independent

Powder-capped mountains and vast, frosty landscapes beckon in America's winter wonderland, Alaska. Here, the days are short, the nights are long, and snow covers the cities to create storybook scenery. See how these elements come together to create the perfect backdrop for wintertime adventures, including northern lights chasing and dog sled...

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4 days from
$1,795 pp $1,695 pp
per person
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Northern Lights Swirling over Pine TreesNorthern Lights Swirling over Pine TreesNorthern Lights Swirling over Pine TreesNorthern Lights Swirling over Pine TreesNorthern Lights Swirling over Pine Trees
4.7 stars(21 reviews)
Independent
2026FebMarOctNovDec
2027JanFebMar
Independent

Alaska is a land filled with wild beauty and interesting destinations; enjoy the best of both worlds on this 6-day expedition. Your time here is marked by adventures through two great Alaskan cities and enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. Your journey begins in Anchorage, where you board the Alaska Railroad bound for Fairbanks. It is in...

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6 days from
$3,195 pp $2,895 pp
per person
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Banff, WinterBanff, WinterBanff, WinterBanff, WinterBanff, Winter
4.1 stars(8 reviews)
Independent
2026FebMarNovDec
2027JanFebMar
Independent

Two national parks, endless mountain scenes, and remote landscapes clad in fluffy white snow set the stage for an adventure like no other in Canada this winter. This independent rail vacation offers ten days of exploration split between Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory. Each location provides a new look at why this time of...

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10 days from
$3,695 pp $3,395 pp
per person
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Sled Dogs Sled Dogs Sled Dogs Sled Dogs Sled Dogs
4.9 stars(12 reviews)
Escorted
2026Mar
Escorted

The heritage of Alaska is multi-faceted and deeply rooted; it is something that oozes from cities and bubbles to the surface in the furthest reaches of the state. Find yourself captivated by everything it offers as you explore the state from the interior to the coast on this immersive winter adventure. The excitement begins in Fairbanks, one...

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8 days from
$2,795 pp
per person
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StockholmStockholmStockholmStockholmStockholm
Independent
2026FebMar
Independent

One of the best places in the world for auroral activity, Swedish Lapland is as remote as it is scenic. Heritage and tradition are the beating heart of the region and experiencing morsels of this culture in highly scenic locations immerses you in Sweden in ways you could have only imagined previously. This expedition presents the opportunity...

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9 days from
$6,195 pp $5,595 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Northern Lights Tours tours
Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp
27/Jan
CAROL MAE BOSANKO
5 stars
“This was a once in a lifetime experience. The staff and amenities were very nice. The food was very good and it was a very enjoyable time, We did the did sled ride which was a great experience! We were woken up during the night as they advertised so that we could...
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Northern Lights & Aurora Train
26/Jan
E. V.
5 stars
“Unusual experiences available. The hit springs, ice museum , fog sledding and walking on a glacier. Future clients will find it more enticing if information on renting cold weather gear was included.
Collected by Trustpilot
Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights
23 Dec 2025
Makitsew
5 stars
“I saw an ad in a magazine for Vacations By Rail and on the spur of the moment, signed us up! Returned 2 days ago and smile broadly with each retelling of a story or memory of some part of the trip. We were on our own & to save...
Collected by Trustpilot
Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights
15 Dec 2025
Bill Ross
5 stars
“We really enjoyed this trip. Great hotel in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Train trip was great. The company handling the excursions was very proactive with giving us information, and we loved all the excursions. The weather was very cold, but we had a truly memorable experience.
Collected by Trustpilot
Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge
24 Nov 2025
BARBARA FORD
5 stars
“We never got to see the Aurora but all the other activities were great. It was like staying at a family home with a good cook and our own sled dog guide.
Collected by Trustpilot
Alaska Northern Lights & Winter Nights – An Escorted Journey
10 Apr 2025
Charlene M Moody
5 stars
“We enjoyed the whole trip. The tour guide Shari Osterude and Larry the bus driver were just amazing. The food was fantastic, the rooms were great, and all the excursions were wonderful. I am looking in the near future for another trip with Vacation by Rails!
Collected by Trustpilot
Ultimate Winter Wonderland: Iditarod & Northern Lights
06 Mar 2025
RAMONA VEREGGE
5 stars
“Pleasantly surprised with all the included activities in this well-organized tour. We had an awesome and knowledgeable tour director Keri-Lynn who handled all the logistics. Finally saw the Northern Lights too! Sad that the restart of the Iditarod was delayed due to the lack of snow in Willow.. so we...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Northern Lights & Lapland
29/Jan
Rose-Marie Bowman
4 stars
“Extremely disappointed that the “ polar express” train was canceled. And then to find out that it rarely runs and is mostly always canceled!
Collected by Trustpilot
Anchorage & Talkeetna Northern Lights Getaway
06 Jan 2025
ELMIRA MOKRI
4 stars
“Wish there was more communication and more details
Collected by Trustpilot
Northern Lights Tours

Look up and watch as cascades of green, white and red dance across the sky in one of the world's greatest natural spectacles, the aurora borealis. Northern lights vacations in and around the Arctic Circle highlight this phenomenon in the best possible way, allowing travelers to spend their days exploring and their nights chasing the colorful skies. For a globe-trotting adventure, select from a range of travel packages that feature destinations in the Nordic countries, including Norway, Finland, and Sweden. These aurora tours not only offer unimaginable opportunities for northern lights viewing, but they also put local culture at the forefront of the adventure. Travelers are treated to rides aboard scenic railways, visits to charming towns, and experiences that are unique to each location, such as dog sledding and ferry rides across frigid waters.

There are also vacations to see the northern lights within the United States, in the far reaches of Alaska, where the untouched wilderness is as abundant as the natural beauty. Alaska Northern Lights tours are often bookended by time in major cities, such as the Gold Rush-city of Fairbanks, renowned as one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, and Anchorage, where culture and nature go hand-in-hand. In the heart of these tour packages, stays at cozy resorts or lodges take travelers further into the backcountry for even better viewing spots and plenty of traditional Alaskan activities. Travelers may venture to Chena Hot Springs, with its healing waters, or to Bettles Lodge, set deep in the Arctic, where there is zero light pollution. Regardless of where the holiday takes place, northern lights viewing is one of those momentous experiences that linger in your memories for years to come.