Rovaniemi: New Year Party at Kingdom of Snow and Ice

Planning to ring in the New Year somewhere truly unique? If you’re dreaming of a celebration decorated with icy sculptures, fireworks, and a touch of Arctic magic, the Rovaniemi New Year Party at the Kingdom of Snow and Ice might just be your spot. This experience, run by Safartica, promises a lively night in the heart of Lapland, with plenty of activities for all ages—if you’re up for a winter party that’s both scenic and spirited, this could be worth considering.

What we especially like about this tour is how it combines the wonder of the SnowHotel with fun, interactive elements like ice bars, mystical workshops, and even a chance to learn about your future from a Shaman. Plus, the fireworks finale really caps off the evening in a memorable way. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that during busy times, the schedule can get tight, which might limit some activities. This tour is best suited for those who love a festive atmosphere and don’t mind a bustling, sometimes crowded setting.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys lively celebrations, appreciates beautiful Arctic scenery, and wants to experience a traditional Lapland New Year with a modern twist, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. Families with older children, couples, or groups of friends looking for a festive adventure—this one’s got enough to keep everyone entertained.

Key Points

• Festive Arctic Atmosphere: Celebrate the New Year with fireworks, snow disco, and a lively party at the SnowHotel.
• All-Ages Activities: From ice bars and snowmobiles for kids to mystical workshops and fortune-telling, there’s fun for everyone.
• Beautiful Scenery: Expect stunning ice sculptures and the chance to explore the iconic SnowHotel.
• Cultural Touch: Learn about your future with a Shaman and experience a mystical workshop.
• Convenient Setup: The tour includes warm thermal clothing and easy pickup from Safartica’s office.
• Crowd Consideration: Expect a lively, sometimes crowded environment, especially with late departures or peak times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Rovaniemi New Year Party: What to Expect

This 3.5-hour celebration is designed to give you a true taste of Arctic winter festivities. Starting from the Safartica Office in Rovaniemi, you’ll be warmly greeted with thermal clothing included in the package, which is a real plus. You won’t need to worry about packing bulky winter gear—just pick up your thermal overall, winter boots, wool socks, scarf, beanie, and gloves before heading out.

The Journey to the SnowHotel and Its Surroundings

Once on the bus, the short drive immerses you in the snowy landscape that makes Lapland so magical. When you arrive, the highlight is naturally the SnowHotel, a stunning structure carved entirely from snow and ice. The hotel itself is decorated with beautiful ice sculptures, and you can explore its corridors, admire the intricate ice art, and take plenty of photos. While you might not stay overnight, visiting the hotel offers a glimpse into Arctic craftsmanship and design that’s both impressive and photogenic.

The Ice Bar Experience

Another big draw is the Ice Bar, where everything from glasses to the bar itself is made of ice. Here, you can enjoy a drink, like gløgg (a traditional Nordic mulled wine), for a modest extra charge—though watch out for hidden costs, as some reviews mention the pricing can be a bit tricky, especially with alcohol. It’s a fun, chilly experience that makes you feel like you’re truly in a winter wonderland.

Activities for All Ages

A standout feature of this tour is how it caters to different interests. Kids will love the mini snowmobiles and the chance to enjoy all the attractions designed for children, from snow slides to play areas. Adults can try their hand at the snow disco or participate in the mystical workshop, which adds a spiritual twist to the night.

More Great Tours Nearby

Meeting the Shaman and Learning Your Future

One of the more distinctive parts of the evening is the Shaman’s fortune-telling. It’s a fun, mystical experience that adds a cultural dimension to your New Year’s Eve, giving a taste of Lapland traditions. While some guests find this genuinely fascinating, others might see it more as a quirky novelty—still, it’s part of the charm.

Fireworks and the Night’s Grand Finale

No New Year celebration here would be complete without fireworks, and this tour delivers spectacular pyrotechnics against the snowy sky. If you love a good show, you’ll appreciate the visual impact as the night culminates in a burst of color over this icy landscape.

Sauna and Additional Attractions

Don’t miss the chance to visit the snow sauna—a truly cool (literally) Finnish tradition. It’s a brief but memorable experience that perfectly complements the winter festivities, giving you a moment to relax and warm up in this icy environment.

A Closer Look at the Schedule and Logistics

The tour offers two departure times—21:15 or 22:15—from Safartica’s office. The early departure might suit those who want to get a head start on the celebrations, while the later one allows for a more relaxed evening. Remember, the buses leave punctually, so punctuality is key to enjoying the full experience.

The duration of 3.5 hours is ideal for a festive night without feeling rushed. However, some reviews highlight that during busy times, the schedule can be tight, and activities like melting tin or fortune-telling might get cut short or skipped altogether. If you’re someone who loves to experience every activity, a shorter or later departure might mean missing out on some parts.

Cost and Value

While the exact price isn’t listed here, the package includes thermal clothing, which is a nice value add considering the cold temperatures. Entrance to attractions, some activities, and the fireworks are included, so for the overall experience, many find it to be a good deal—especially given the memorable setting and variety of activities.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Expect a lively, crowded environment, particularly with the later departure. Reviews mention queues and the presence of some intoxicated guests, which can affect the atmosphere. If you prefer quieter, more relaxed experiences, this might not be ideal, but for those seeking a bustling, energetic celebration, it hits the right note.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviewers give this experience a solid 4.7 out of 5, praising the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and excellent value for money. Sonia from France called it a “very nice evening” that was well-organized, especially appreciated by children. A traveler from Ireland described it as an “excellent New Year Party” and highly recommended it.

However, there are some caveats. A review from Denmark pointed out that due to crowds and late schedules, some activities like the tin melting and fortune telling were missed. He also found the ice bar somewhat commercial, noting that prices for drinks with alcohol were higher than expected, and felt the environment could get a bit chaotic with drunk guests.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This New Year’s Eve party in Rovaniemi offers a lively, visually stunning way to welcome the new year in the Arctic. It’s ideal for travelers who love festive atmospheres, scenic winter settings, and a mix of cultural and fun activities. If you enjoy the buzz of a crowd and don’t mind a busy schedule, you’ll likely find this experience memorable.

For those seeking a more relaxed or intimate celebration, or aiming to experience every activity without feeling rushed, this tour’s tight schedule and busy environment could be less appealing. Families with older children, couples, or groups of friends looking for a lively, fun-filled night should find plenty to love.

Overall, it’s a well-reviewed experience that balances festive cheer with Arctic scenery, providing a solid way to celebrate New Year’s in Lapland. Just keep in mind the crowd and schedule when planning your night, and you’re sure to have a sparkling start to 2025.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes thermal clothing, which you pick up from the Safartica office, plus access to the SnowHotel, ice bar, fireworks, mystical workshop, and fireworks display. Some activities like drinks at the ice bar cost extra.

How long does the tour last?
It runs about 3.5 hours, starting from either 21:15 or 22:15, depending on your chosen departure.

Is thermal clothing provided?
Yes, it is included in the price and can be collected from the Safartica office before the tour begins.

Can I participate in all activities?
While the schedule aims to include all attractions, during busy times activities like tin melting or fortune-telling might get shortened or missed, especially if you have a later departure.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, there are attractions designed for children, like mini snowmobiles and snow slides. However, the overall environment can be crowded, so consider your child’s comfort with busy settings.

What should I wear?
Wear warm, thermal winter clothing, which is provided, but also layer up inside the thermal overall for extra warmth.

Is alcohol available?
Yes, drinks like gløgg are available at the ice bar, but watch for extra charges, especially with alcohol.

What’s the best time to go?
The later departure at 22:15 might give you a more relaxed evening, but be aware that some activities could be cut short if the schedule is tight.

If an energetic, scenic, and festive way to celebrate New Year’s in Lapland appeals to you, this tour offers a good mix of Arctic wonder and lively fun. Just be prepared for some crowds and a packed schedule, and you’ll be rewarded with a memorable start to 2025.

You can check availability for your dates here: