With the Winter Solstice quickly approaching, the shortest day of the year does not need to be spent inside hiding from the elements. Instead, Booking.com is challenging you to go far north to watch the galaxy ignite into an astounding light show!

Spreading across eight countries, we've hand-picked our most dazzling Aurora-hunting spots for you to marvel in your winter wonderland. The quest to see the Northern Lights is one of the most magical journeys on Earth – it's time to turn this dream into a reality!

TIP: Book when the nights are longest, so ideally between October - February.

ALASKA

Stay in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness at Hotel Alyeska. With breathtaking scenery and wildlife, you can fill your days with endless activities before settling in for a night under the spectacular skies.

CANADA

Situated close to the city of Whitehorse, Northern Lights Resort & Spa offers the perfect setting for the whole family to get out into the wilderness and get ready for the panoramic views of the Aurora Borealis.

Only accessible by bush plane flights, Blachford Lake Lodge is the perfect isolated escape. Watch the dancing skies from the front porch of your own cozy cottage.

GREENLAND

Located on the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, Hotel Arctic takes you so far north that daylight will be minimal. Northern light chasing is at a premium here – be sure to pack your woolies!

ICELAND

Stay central in Rekjavik at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina. Whale watch by day; chasing lights by night is all possible from this northern city!

If design, luxury and isolation are what you're after, then you'll be winning when staying at the Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel. Overlooking Lake Thingvallavatn, the stunning scenery will make it hard for you to leave!

NORWAY

Stay in your own fishermen's cottage at Eliassen Rorbuer on Hamnoy Island. Overlooking the harbor and the breathtaking fjords, you will marvel at Mother Nature's beauty here.

Experience the Arctic Circle in a traditional trapper's lodge-style at Basecamp Hotel. The Cognac Attic boasts a glass ceiling perfect for guests to view the mesmerizing Northern Lights without freezing in the elements.

SWEDEN

Surrounded by mountain nature, the family-run Camp Ripan in the north of Sweden will give you a truly Nordic experience. Try ice fishing or go dog sledding during the day, ahead of spending your evening under the multi-colored sky.

Blend in with your surroundings when staying in the mirror cube at the Treehotel. The night sky will dance above you while you relax in this picturesque forest setting!

FINLAND

Fall asleep under the dazzling light show when staying at Lapland Igloo. Your dreams will come true in this magnificent winter wonderland.

It doesn't matter if you've been naughty or nice this year, you'll definitely have the time of your life at Santa Claus Holiday Village. Run around with reindeer, play with huskies or help Santa pack his sleigh – this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all ages!

RUSSIA
 
Murmansk is the world's biggest Arctic city and surrounded by unparalleled scenery. Stay at the Azimut Hotel Murmansk during the dark winter months and book an excursion to watch the lights sparkle over the snow-covered landscape.

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It guarantees the best prices for any type of property - from small independents to five-star luxury. Guests can access the Booking.com website and apps anytime, anywhere from their desktops, mobile phones and tablet devices, and they don't pay booking fees - ever. Booking.com is available in 42 languages, offers over 820,000 hotels and accommodations including more than 370,000 vacation rental properties and covers nearly 84,000 destinations in 220 countries and territories worldwide.  It features over 60M reviews written by guests after their stay, and attracts online visitors from both leisure and business markets around the globe. With over 19 years of experience and a team of over 10,000 dedicated employees in 170 offices worldwide, Booking.com operates its own in-house customer service team, which is available 24/7 to assist guests in their native languages and ensure an exceptional customer experience.

For more information, please contact Rebecca Murphy on Rebecca.murphy@ketchum.com, 0207 611 3547.