If you’ve always wanted to spend New Year’s Eve somewhere unique and festive, are marking a special celebration this year, or want to make the most of the Christmas break and use the opportunity to travel to a destination you’ve never been before, Greenland may be perfect for you.
The combination of cold, Arctic air and snowy landscapes, the magical Northern Lights dancing in the night sky, and the vibrancy of lavish New Year's parties, festivals, parades, and fireworks displays makes this an exceptional holiday—and the only place in the world where New Year's happens twice: once at 9 pm to mark midnight in Denmark and again at 12.00.
With pre-bookings already being made for New Year 2025, the travel specialists at the Baltic Travel Company have shared some insights into the luxury and excitement of spending the turn of the year in Greenland and the inclusions within its top-selling New Year's Eve in Ilulissat package.
Why Travel to Greenland for New Year's Eve?
Greenland is a wonderful holiday destination at any time of the year. Still, around Christmas and New Year, it comes into its own as one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis against a snow-covered backdrop. The twinkling lights of the markets in the towns and villages create a truly authentic festive atmosphere.
The winter scenery is breathtaking, with blankets of snow and ice that provide a great opportunity to enjoy dog sledding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, take to the water for a boat tour up close to the icebergs, or relax in comfort while watching the Northern Lights outside.
When it comes to the New Year, Greenlanders follow several traditions, with a blend of Inuit and Danish influences that reflect the island's position. The celebrations begin on New Year's Eve with fireworks displays, and in almost every town and village, people gather around a bonfire, share local dishes, and join in with Greenlandic songs.
New Year's Day is focused on family and gratitude. Most enjoy a sumptuous meal, normally featuring delicacies like roast pork, fish, or duck, while others spend the day connecting with nature, hiking with friends to soak in the beauty of the surroundings, or having fun sledding with little ones.
How Should Guests Make the Most of a New Year Greenland Holiday?
Our role is to create memorable and distinctive holidays that offer everything our guests want from their adventures. This means the perfect break might differ between, for instance, a couple looking for a romantic short break, a family wanting to spend the festive season in the snow, or older adults who prioritise luxury, relaxation, and fine dining.
Therefore, much might depend on whether you’d love to venture into the Greenlandic wilderness, nestle in a private glass igloo on an overnight Northern Lights chase, or take children to Greenland with you to experience a Christmas period like no other!
The Baltic Travel Company's advisers have years of expertise and can recommend specific tours, packages, inclusions, or itineraries based on your specifications. We'd also suggest you browse through our Greenland winter holidays or take a look at varied New Year's escapes that match the style of holiday you'd most enjoy.
One of the popular options is our New Year’s Eve in Ilulissat package, an immersive nine-day, eight-night adventure that takes you to this incredible destination 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle, on Greenland’s west coast.
Ilulissat sits on Disko Bay, close to the UNESCO World Heritage Ilulissat Ice Fjord, which is a remarkable place to see the towering icebergs that drift down from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and head out into the sea. The icebergs can reach up to 100 metres in height, which is an impressive sight.
Travelling in midwinter during the polar night means it feels like dusk, even during the middle of the day, which creates a particular ambience that feels mysterious and provides an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights lighting up the dark skies.
What Is Included in the Baltic Travel Company’s Ilulissat New Year's Eve Holiday?
We curated this package due to demand for luxurious New Year escapes that also incorporated a range of optional activities – recognising that visitors want an opportunity to see the raw beauty of the Greenlandic landscapes up close.
All guests receive direct return flights, checked luggage, accommodation, and tickets to a glittering Gala Dinner hosted at the famous Hotel Arctic. The five-course meal pauses at 9 pm to enable guests to head outside into the snow to mark the start of the Danish New Year, with fireworks lit to honour their friends across the water.
The festivities continue with a second incredible fireworks display at midnight. Guests can choose to dance the night away, retire with a delicious glass of champagne, or simply enjoy the banquet and good company.
Outside of the New Year's celebrations, there are multiple optional excursions based on your preferences. Crossing the Ilulissat Icefjord on a small plane is an amazing experience in itself, and guests have free time to explore the town or recline in front of the fire and soak in the stunning views outside.
More active guests can choose to meet the local sled dogs and participate in a sled ride, take a boat trip into Disko Bay, sail to the mouth of the Icefjord – a once-in-a-lifetime experience – and even reserve a Northern Lights Cabin with underfloor heating and panoramic windows to provide an unparalleled perspective of the Aurora.
How Can Travellers Book a New Year's Escape in Greenland?
We've shared here just a few of the highlights of this particular New Year's package in Greenland, but we offer countless alternative options and itineraries across the Arctic region and can happily offer more personalised guidance on request.
If you'd like to guarantee your reservation to join the next Ilulissat New Year's holiday, we recommend booking as quickly as possible, given that demand often outstrips the places available. You can also review the details through our comprehensive holiday guides to ensure the departure dates align with your Christmas and New Year's break.
Read more about Baltic Travel Company - Established Travel Professionals at the Baltic Travel Company Reflect on Greenland Tourism Upticks
About Baltic Travel Company
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company – your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.
