As interest in the night skies continues to grow, nocturnal tourism nicknamed “noctourism” is emerging as a major travel trend for 2025. Travelers around the world are looking to experience unique night-time adventures, from stargazing to participating in cultural festivals that come alive after dark. According to a recent survey by Booking.com, around two-thirds of travelers are considering dark sky destinations to partake in activities such as “starbathing” or witnessing awe-inspiring celestial events. For many, these experiences offer a new way to explore the world, bringing heightened senses and a renewed sense of wonder.
Stephanie Vermillon, author of 100 Nights of A Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Adventures After Dark, believes that night adventures reveal a different side of a destination. “You see so many things that you can’t see during the day, and everything feels exciting and new,” she shares. Vermillon’s own interest in nocturnal experiences began during a trip to Morocco in 2010, where she saw the Milky Way and a flurry of shooting stars. Since then, she’s traveled the world seeking other magical night-time experiences.
From the stunning Northern Lights to fiery cultural festivals, here are five unforgettable nocturnal adventures to consider:
Aurora Borealis in Iceland
Iceland offers a warm and cozy way to witness one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena—the aurora borealis. As charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, vivid ribbons of green, purple, and red light dance across the night sky. While most people brave the cold in remote areas for a chance to see the Northern Lights, Iceland’s naturally heated pools provide a more comfortable vantage point. Vermillon recommends visiting places like the Ion Adventure Hotel in Selfoss, where outdoor pools offer stunning views of lava fields and snow-capped mountains. Soaking in the warmth while witnessing the magical light show above is an experience unlike any other.
Up Helly Aa Festival in Scotland
For those looking for a cultural and fiery festival, the Up Helly Aa celebration in Lerwick, Scotland, is a must-see. Held on the last Tuesday of January, this torch-lit procession celebrates Shetland’s Viking heritage. The event culminates in the burning of a replica Viking longship, followed by dancing and merrymaking. The dark winter nights of Shetland provide the perfect backdrop for this fiery spectacle. Vermillon notes the festival’s visual impact and the pride of the locals in celebrating their history, making it an unforgettable way to experience the island’s unique culture.
Stargazing in Atacama, Chile
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is one of the driest places on Earth, with over 300 cloud-free nights each year, making it a prime location for stargazing. The desert’s high elevation and clear skies provide perfect conditions for viewing the stars. Vermillon describes Atacama as the place with the clearest night skies she has ever seen. Beyond stargazing, visitors can engage in astrophotography tours or explore ancient Indigenous stories about the cosmos. The landscape’s otherworldly feel, resembling that of Mars, adds to the sense of being truly immersed in the universe.
Night Safaris in Zambia
For wildlife enthusiasts, Zambia offers one of the best opportunities for night safaris. In places like South Luangwa National Park and Kafue National Park, the darkness of the night brings a new dimension to the safari experience. Predators like lions and leopards are more active after sundown, providing a rare glimpse into their nighttime behavior. Vermillon recounts watching hyenas circle a lion or hearing the haunting sounds of lions’ roars in the dead of night. In Zambia, the opportunity to observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat adds a layer of excitement to any safari.
Bioluminescence in Puerto Rico
For an enchanting experience, Puerto Rico offers the chance to witness bioluminescence at its finest. In places like Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island, the waters glow a vibrant blue at night due to microscopic organisms that emit light when disturbed. Swimming in these glowing waters feels like stepping into a fairytale. Vermillon recalls the magical sight of water sparkling with bioluminescence, which can make even the most ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
Nocturnal experiences offer a chance to see the world in a different light literally. Whether you’re witnessing the cosmic dance of the aurora borealis, taking part in a fiery cultural celebration, or exploring the darkened wilderness, the night sky invites you to experience awe and wonder. For those seeking a new adventure in 2025, noctourism is sure to provide unforgettable moments and an entirely new perspective on the world.
