Since 2017, the Polar Night Light Festival has transformed the winter darkness of Ruka into a magical celebration of light. From January 9 to February 2, 2026, ski slopes will be illuminated, village advertising lights will be turned off, and replaced with light art installations that create a unique atmosphere to be experienced daily throughout the event.
Polar Night Light Festival 2026 – Theme: Aurora Glow
The world’s northernmost light festival, Polar Night Light Festival, will shine brighter than ever in Ruka in January 2026
Published September 30, 2025
This year’s theme is Aurora Glow – The Northern Lights, bringing the mystical natural phenomenon of Lapland to life in many creative ways.
The Aurora Glow walking trail invites visitors on snowshoe treks into the quiet forest, where light art and the northern lights combine for an unforgettable experience. Restaurant Base Eat&Heat will showcase Aurora Glow-themed dishes that blend northern flavors with visual artistry. There will be weekly group light skiing with torches, where skiers and snowboarders glide down the slopes accompanied by a spectacular light show. The festival’s experiences are designed for the whole family.
“Polar Night Light Festival has earned a special place in the hearts of our guests, which is why we’ve expanded the event this year to include Ruka’s front slopes. The best way to experience the festival is by skiing down Ruka’s lit slopes,” says Otto Lintunen, Director of Events and Slope Experiences at Ruka Ski Resort.
The festival’s international appeal continues to grow. The British audience, in particular, has embraced the event, and their share of visitors is steadily increasing. According to the 2025 visitor survey, the regional economic impact of the Polar Night Light Festival was €5.2 million. Additionally, 66% of visitors chose Ruka as their travel destination specifically because of the festival, and the average stay increased to 5.2 days — significantly longer than for other events in Ruka.
“The Aurora Glow theme gives us the opportunity to combine the most powerful elements of northern nature with art and tourism. At the same time, the festival strengthens Ruka’s position as an internationally attractive winter destination,” says Niina Kukka, Event Manager at Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.
Polar Night Light Festival is the world’s northernmost light event and one of the highlights of Ruka’s winter season, attracting thousands of visitors from Finland and abroad each year.
Find out more about this event
For more information and interview requests:
Otto Lintunen, Director, Events & Slope Experiences, Rukakeskus Ltd, tel. +358 41 440 6841, otto.lintunen@ruka.fi
Niina Kukka, Event Manager, Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association, tel. +358 40 772 8213, niina.kukka@rukakuusamo.fi