Christmas & New Year Tours in Scotland
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10 best Christmas & New Year Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (5 Days) (1 destination)
- 9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
- 6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
- Best of Scotland Private Tour
- Best of Scotland (Winter)
- Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
- Taste of Scotland | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Scotland Culinary | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
- Loch Ness & Highlands Express (Hotel) - 2 days
Edinburgh's 4-day Hogmanay festivities ring in the New Year. Torch processions past Edinburgh Castle, Viking ship burnings on Carlton Hill, and Winter Wonderland's ice rink create an enchanting celebration.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $1,735
15% Off- NZ$1,475You save $260
Celebrate the season with festive activities at Edinburgh's Christmas Markets and Glasgow's Style Mile. Experience traditional Scottish Hogmanay celebrations while staying at historic city-center hotels. Winter views of Loch Ness included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC From $5,804
5% Off- NZ$5,514You save $290
Christmas visits to Edinburgh Castle's Great Hall showcase Scottish winter traditions. The Royal Mile's markets come alive with seasonal charm. Inverness, Scotland's happiest city, welcomes visitors with festive activities and Highland comfort.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,557
5% Off- NZ$2,430You save $127
The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle don their winter finest. Snow-dusted views from Kilt Rock on Skye captivate visitors, while Glasgow's Victorian landmarks celebrate the season. The Clydeside Distillery offers holiday-themed whiskey tastings.
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Firebird Tours From
5% Off- NZ$4,858
Best of Scotland (Winter)
35 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Rose was upbeat, personable and always made herself available. She adjusted our plans to ensure we were able to see all the places on our itinerary.”
ColleenMcKeon, traveled in October
Snow-dusted Edinburgh Castle awaits from November through March. Cozy Highland accommodations provide winter comfort, while Craufurdland Castle hosts seasonal celebrations. December tours showcase festive Scottish traditions and holiday charm.
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Culloden, Isle of Skye, Glencoe, Glasgow Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From
5% Off- NZ$3,575
Winter walks along Edinburgh's Royal Mile and castle visits reveal seasonal beauty. The snow-dusted Glencoe Pass leads to celebrations at Loch Lomond. Holiday Inn Express provides comfortable stays with breakfast, suitable for families ages 1+.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator WiseYatra From $2,959
15% Off- NZ$2,515You save $443
Warming Speyside whisky tours and cream teas at Clansman Hotel highlight December's charm. Magical Edinburgh Castle visits showcase 15 winter departures with festive Scottish hospitality.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park, PitlochrySee all destinations Age Range 1 to 95 year olds Operator BTOURS From $2,673
5% Off- NZ$2,540You save $133
Discover Scotland's winter magic through local flavors, from haggis-making demonstrations near Loch Lomond to whisky tasting in Speyside's distilleries. The 8-day self-drive tour ($2,117) includes stays in cozy guesthouses, a cruise on Loch Lomond with local ale, and festive exploration of Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Stirling, Fort William, Inverness, Loch Ness, Edinburgh Age Range 12 to 85 year olds Operator BTOURS From $3,561
5% Off- NZ$3,384You save $178
Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Would highly recommend for someone looking to have a very fun-filled and packed trip.”
Megan, traveled in June
Frost-covered St. Andrews and Edinburgh Castle sparkle in winter splendor. Loch Ness cruises and Glasgow's holiday spirit create memorable moments. Traditional Scottish evenings unfold across 5 historic cities with cozy accommodations.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Stirling, Inverness, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Glasgow Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $1,875
15% Off- NZ$1,594You save $281
December departures showcase festive Highland scenery. Snow-dusted Clava Cairns, Loch Ness cruises, and historic Urquhart Castle visits conclude with cozy Inverness stays and Scottish breakfast.
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness, Glencoe Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $1,335
15% Off- NZ$1,135You save $200
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Scotland
Rose Brown made our trip wonderful. For the entire coach tour from October 12, 2019 through October 24, 2019, Rose was upbeat, personable and always made herself available. She took the time to get to know each of us personally and shared some fun stories from her life experiences. She kept our crew organized and dealt with all of our personalities and constant requests and inquiries seamlessly. She adjusted our plans based on the weather and construction in order to ensure we were able to see all of the places on our itinerary and the places we had personally requested to see. We never had to wait in a line, or for a meal as everything was taken care of before we arrived at each destination. Rose was very knowledgeable regarding all things Scotland and is passionate about her trade. Thank you Rose! It was a great experience. Colleen McKeon
Best of Scotland (Winter)
- Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
I loved Scotland! Ebony made it fun and included tidbits on all the history. Though I didn't join in a highlight was watching my tour mates jump into lochness! Definitely recommend this tour.
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
My 21 year old daughter and I had a great time on this tour. It met all our expectations: dynamic and knowledgeable guide (thanks Mark); beautiful scenery and friendly and comfortable accommodation.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Scotland
What are the must-see highlights during a Christmas & New Year tour in Scotland?
Scotland's winter festivities transform its historic sites into enchanting destinations. Edinburgh Castle stands bright against the winter sky while the city's Hogmanay Street Party fills Princes Street with celebration. The Winter Wonderland in Princes Street Gardens offers traditional market stalls and seasonal treats. Glasgow's George Square comes alive with twinkling lights and festive markets. Up north the Royal Highland Hotel in Inverness welcomes guests with Highland Christmas traditions and Eilean Donan Castle opens for special evening tours lit by candlelight. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "The winter scenery in Scotland was absolutely magical especially around Christmas time with all the festive decorations in Edinburgh's Old Town."
What's the weather like during Christmas & New Year in Scotland?
Winter brings distinct conditions across Scotland's regions. Edinburgh and Glasgow typically see temperatures between 2-7°C (35-45°F) with a mix of bright days and occasional snowfall. The Highlands including Inverness and the Isle of Skye get notably colder hovering between -1 to 4°C (30-39°F). Snow is more common here creating classic Scottish winter landscapes. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "The winter weather in the Highlands created a magical atmosphere especially around Glen Coe and Loch Ness where the snow-capped mountains reflected in the still waters."
What special Christmas & New Year events can I experience in Scotland?
The Scottish winter calendar features Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party with fireworks above the castle traditional Ceilidh dances at the Assembly Rooms and the atmospheric Torchlight Procession through Old Town. Glasgow's festive scene centers on the markets at George Square and St. Enoch Centre. Inverness joins the celebrations with the Red Hot Highland Fling at Northern Meeting Park. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh were incredible - from the torch procession to the midnight fireworks it was an unforgettable New Year's experience."
How much does a typical Christmas & New Year tour in Scotland cost?
Expect to pay between USD 1029 and USD 2295 per person for Scottish holiday tours. A 5-day Hogmanay experience in Edinburgh starts at USD 1029 while a week-long journey through Edinburgh the Highlands and Glasgow runs about USD 2285. These rates typically cover stays at properties like the Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket daily breakfast guided excursions and festival entry. Extra costs include castle visits (USD 20-30) and traditional Scottish dinners (USD 48-60 per person).
What traditional Scottish Christmas & New Year customs can I experience?
Scottish holiday traditions remain strong across the country. Visitors can join in "first-footing" (the New Year's custom of being first to enter a home after midnight) learn Ceilidh dancing at Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms and enjoy Hogmanay feasts featuring Cullen Skink and haggis. The Radisson Blu Glasgow and Royal Highland Hotel host traditional Hogmanay balls. As one TourRadar traveler recalls: "The traditional Hogmanay dinner and Ceilidh at our hotel in Edinburgh was a highlight - learning Scottish dances with locals made it really special."
When is the best time to book a Christmas & New Year tour in Scotland?
Book Scottish holiday tours 4-6 months ahead as December draws large crowds. Tours feature special access to Edinburgh Castle Inverness Hogmanay events and festive markets in major cities. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned "Paul made it even better with stories and facts about Scotland and of course the Scottish songs he played during Christmas time." Popular accommodations like the Royal Highland Hotel and Caledonian B&B in Portree book up early for the season.