Polar Night Light Festival

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 ninth time, from January 9 to February 2, 2026.

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.
 

Light installations are designed by Aleksi Lantz and Risto Haapalainen.

Arttu Nieminen – Mentalscape 1 & 2 // 4 min // 2025

The surreal snow-covered trees of Ruka drift and transform into mental landscapes - a journey toward serenity.

The nature of Lapland and Sápmi, especially the snow-laden trees (tykkypuut), has inspired Nieminen throughout his career. Photographed during the Polar Night festival two years ago, the Ruka snow formations form the backbone of these works. The essence of the snow trees deepens as the illumination of the slopes and forest weaves light, shadow, and mist into a living tapestry.

Harri Kuusijärvi’s electroacoustic accordion compositions create an ageless, ethereal undertone for the experience. Mentalscape invites the viewer to pause and encounter the snow-laden landscapes with new eyes.

“After the ski slopes close, I recommend taking a sled or going for an evening walk to the Kurun slope to admire the source of the work’s inspiration and to experience this magnificent atmosphere in your own time.”

The works are on view daily at Ruka village's screen and the base station of the "Village express" chairlift from 15:00–24:00 throughout the entire event.

Arttu Nieminen is a media artist based in Rovaniemi. The foundation of his work often lies in forms that play with symmetry and the horizon, the fragile arctic nature, and juxtapositions that resemble omens or visions in dialogue with current realities. Flowing nature imagery, poetic narration, minimalist soundscapes, and raw, disruptive montage form the cornerstones of his expression.

By chaining together ASMR-infused sequences, Nieminen crafts audiovisual incantations charged with transformative energy. In a sense, he operates at the threshold of propaganda film - yet his aim is to create a purifying artistic experience.

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.

The guided adventure will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays on 13.-29.1.2026

 See details and registration

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

The scenic restaurant BASE Eat&Heat, located at the peak of Saarua, presents Aurora Glow–themed dishes that combine northern flavors with visual experiences.

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 Tue 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, 15–17 Jan 2026, looks like on the ice of Lake Kaltiolampi under colorful lights.