Tromsø, Norway

The epic displays of aurora borealis we experienced in 2024 aren’t slowing down just yet. According to experts at NASA, the sun has reached "solar maximum" — the peak of its 11-year solar cycle — and the light show is expected to last at least another year. That means it’s high time to high-tail it over to a place known for spectacular northern lights viewing. That place is Tromsø, northern Norway’s largest city, which happens to sit in the heart of all of the aurora action. 

It’s no surprise, then, that the destination has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds, landing a spot on Booking.com’s list of top trending destinations. And if you can get over there quickly, you may make it in time for the Northern Lights Festival, which runs from January 24 to February 1, 2025. The last-minute scramble will be worth it for 10 days of music, merriment, and solar magic.  

Tips and advice: For a cheap flight from the UK, easyJet recently added a direct flight from Manchester to Tromsø that operates twice a week (on Tuesdays and Saturdays).

— With special writing contribution from Amelia Mularz