‘Nocturnal tourism’ set to soar in 2025: Here’s why travelers are flocking to see the Northern Lights and ‘star bathe’

This tourist trend is giving a new meaning to nightlife.

“Nocturnism” – the desire to “strip the daytime crowds for midnight magic” – has been named as a top travel trend for 2025, according to Booking.com.

Nearly two-thirds (62%) of travelers are looking for “darker sky destinations” with “star bathing” experiences (72%), star guides (59%), once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events (59% ), and constellation tracking (57%).

The trend exploded onto the travel scene this year as people splashed out on special hotel rooms and private flights to get the best view of the solar eclipse.

However, pilgrimages to see the Northern Lights, truffle hunting and starry seaside picnics are expected to grow in popularity.

“Noctotourism is set to transform travel in 2025 as night owl travelers increasingly seek unique after-dark experiences,” company CEO Jay Stevens told CNBC.

Many people (54%) would plan a trip without lights to reduce light pollution and save the environment.

Climate change anxiety is also partly responsible for this trend with 54% of travelers hoping to avoid rising daytime temperatures and 42% preferring to holiday in cooler locations.

Some 61% of travelers want to reduce the amount of time they spend in the sun, while more than half (57%) are determined to plan their activities in the evenings and early mornings to avoid the sun.

“Booking.com’s annual ‘Travel Forecasts’ survey reveals that rather than retreat, many travelers want to redefine how they experience and engage with the world around them,” said the Booking.com report.

For example, the travel site noted an increase in interest in trips to Tromso, Norway — a popular location for Arctic travel to see the Northern Lights and whale watching.

Bookings to the city doubled in the three months to the end of October compared with the same period last year and some airlines have added more flights to the remote location.

“We’ve seen a growing appetite for unique destinations like Tromso, with travelers keen to experience something new and memorable on their next holiday,” Ryan Pearson, UK and Ireland regional manager at Booking.com.

“Norway’s tourism industry continues to thrive, fueled by the country’s commitment to showcasing its natural wonders and an increase in accessible flight routes from across Europe, particularly Tromso.”

People’s concerns about climate change and interest in the environment are driving them to stock up on ‘refreshments’ as they try to beat the heat – a trend that often coincides with ‘nocturnism’.