Polar Night Light Festival

Light installations & program

Detailed program will be released closer to the event.

Installations

Behind the light installation are Sun Effects, Rukakeskus, and the local tourism association, which brings stunning light art to delight people in the midst of the pitch-black season for the 11th time, from January 15 to February 7, 2027.

You can experience the light artworks best while skiing, snowboarding, from the gondola, or by walking through the village along marked paths. The lights are most visible early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

The event is free of charge, but a spectacular part of the event is located on the ski slopes—mostly the light artworks are situated at Kuru slope and Front slopes.

Festival Program and Experiences 2027

The Polar Night Light Festival offers experiences for all ages. Explore the program in more detail below. The festival program will expand and be refined closer to the start of the event.

Polar Night Light Festival guided snowshoe adventure

Join a guided snowshoe adventure through a magical forest, surrounded by the enchanting vibes of Polar Night Light Festival. If we are lucky enough, the northern lights might dance above us.

Read more about the tour here.

Polar Night Light Festival torchlight ski parade

All skiers with a lift pass are welcome to Torchlight Ski Parade during the Polar Night Light Festival, every Friday at 19:00 at the Kuru slope.

The torches will be placed along the Kururinne slope, where skiers can pick them up and return them to the bottom of the slope after skiing down.

See event info

Explore these as well during the festival

Night Skiing on Fridays

There’s nothing dark about wanting to hit the slopes even at night. In Ruka, night skiing takes place under bright lights every Friday from 19:00 to 23:00. Explore night skiing.

 

Sledding on the Slopes

You can enjoy evening “stiga” sledding on Ruka’s slopes from Sat to Thu at 19:30–21:30, after the slopes have closed for skiers. Read more about sledding.

 

Feeding Reindeer and Other Slope Activities in Ruka

You can meet Rudolf and his friends up close weekly together with the Ruka Ski School. See all winter slope activities here.



Pond Hockey at Lake Kaltiolampi

What would winter be without ice hockey? Come see what Europe’s largest yet most relaxed ice hockey tournament, 14–16 Jan 2027, looks like on the ice of Lake Kaltiolampi under colorful lights. 

Images from past light-years:

New: Guided tours 

Enjoy the festival’s light experiences on guided tours organised by Ruka Guides, Ruka Ski Resort’s new adventure team.

Polar Night Light Festival valolasku Ruka
Arctic snowmobile safari Ruka-Kuusamo
Arctic snowmobile safari Ruka-Kuusamo

Arctic E-Snowmobile Adventure

30.11.2026 - 31.3.2027
09:45 - 12:15
From 159.00€
Experience the winter wilderness almost silently on an electric snowmobile! The quiet motor lets you enjoy the peace of the Arctic nature in a whole new way. Join a guided tour combining the thrill of riding with an intimate connection to nature.

Tours: Mon–Sat, 9:45–12:15 & 13:30–16:00. Duration: approx. 2.5 h.
Ruka Ski School Ski taster
Ruka Ski School Ski taster

First-time Alpine Skiing

30.11.2026 - 19.4.2027
09:45 - 12:15
From 140.00€
First-time Alpine Skiing Lesson is a fun and safe introduction to skiing. No previous experience is needed – all you need is a sense of adventure! Suitable for both children and adults. Available Monday–Saturday from 9:45–12:15 and 13:00–15:30. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
Snowshoeing in Ruka Kuusamo
Snowshoeing in Ruka Kuusamo

Showshoe adventure to Valtavaara summit

30.11.2026 - 4.4.2027
10:00 - 14:30
From 95.00€
Experience a true winter wonderland on an unforgettable snowshoe hike to the iconic summit of Valtavaara, where breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding fells await – don’t forget your camera!
Tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10:00–14:30, duration approx. 4.5 hours.
Ice fishing in Ruka Kuusamo
Ice fishing in Ruka Kuusamo

Showshoe hike & ice fishing

30.11.2026 - 4.4.2027
10:15 - 12:45
From 89.00€
Experience the joy of ice fishing! This guided experience includes an easy snowshoe hike onto the frozen lake. Your guide will introduce you to the timeless local tradition of ice fishing and share tips to help you catch your first fish.

Tours: Mon–Sat at 10:15–12:45, and 18 Jan to 14 March also at 13:00–15:30. Duration: 2.5–3 hours.
winter e-biking Ruka
winter e-biking Ruka

Winter trails by e-fatbike

30.11.2026 - 4.4.2027
10:30 - 13:00
From 120.00€
Experience Ruka’s winter wonderland in a whole new way on a guided e-fatbike tour through snowy forests and winter trails. The electric assistance makes cycling easy and enjoyable – whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced cyclist.

Tours from Monday to Saturday, 10:30–13:00 and 14:00–16:30. Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Ruka Ski Resort Winter Explorer Camp
Ruka Ski Resort Winter Explorer Camp

Winter Explorer Camp

30.11.2026 - 4.4.2027
13:30 - 15:30
From 85.00€
Step into the magical stillness of Ruka's snowy fell landscapes and surrounding forests, and learn the essential basics of winter survival in nature. This experience is ideally suited for families and small groups. Excursions twice a day from 1.30 PM to 3.30 PM and from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Monday to Saturday.
nordic skiing in Ruka-Kuusamo
nordic skiing in Ruka-Kuusamo

Fun on Skis: Cross-country ski adventure

30.11.2026 - 4.4.2027
16:00 - 18:30
From 85.00€
Experience most classical Finnish winter-sport: cross-country skiing. This easy taster course is great to first timers. Taster course is a great option for those who want try of the new sport, learn the basics and get to know ski track etiquette.

Tours: Monday–Saturday, 16–18:30. Duration: approx. 2.5 hours.
Northern Lights snowshoe hike Ruka
Northern Lights snowshoe hike Ruka

Aurora Glow Snowshoeing

30.11.2026 - 4.4.2027
19:30 - 21:30
From 89.00€
When the lifts close, a whole new side of Ruka comes to life. Join a guided adventure beyond the slopes and explore the peaceful winter landscapes of the ski resort, including places few visitors discover without a local guide.

Tours: Monday–Thursday and Saturday, 19:30–21:30. Duration: approx. 2–2.5 hours.
Northern lights electric snowmobile safari Ruka Kuusamo
Northern lights electric snowmobile safari Ruka Kuusamo

Northern light E-Snowmobile adventure

30.11.2026 - 31.3.2027
20:00 - 22:30
From 189.00€
Join us for an electric snowmobile safari and experience the magic of the Arctic night! Glide almost silently through snowy forests in search of the Northern Lights. Your guide leads the way and shares stories about Arctic nature and the auroras. Northern Lights sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Tours: Mon–Sat, 20–22:30. Duration: approx. 2.5 h.
Polar Night Light Snowshoeing Ruka
Polar Night Light Snowshoeing Ruka

Polar Night Light Escape Snowshoeing

15.1.2027 - 7.2.2027
18:30 - 20:00
From 79.00€
Step into a winter wonderland and experience the magic of the Arctic night on a guided snowshoeing adventure during the Polar Night Light Festival.

Tours: Monday–Saturday, 18:30–20. Duration: approx. 1.5 hours.