Christmas & New Year Tours in UK and Great Britain
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10 best Christmas & New Year UK and Great Britain tour packages
Compiled by
SteffUK and Great Britain travel expert at TourRadar
- Best of the UK & Ireland - Self Guided Rail Tour
- Christmas in Bath
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (5 Days) (1 destination)
- Skye High
- 9 Day Dublin, Edinburgh, and Inverness
- England and Scotland (Classic, Winter, End London)
- England and Scotland (Classic, Winter, End Glasgow)
- 9 Days United Kingdom Tour
- Roaming the United Kingdom
- Ultimate Skye Experience
Britain's festive magic stretches from London's Winter Wonderland to Edinburgh's Christmas Market, featuring York's St. Nicholas Fair and Liverpool's Albert Dock winter events. Cozy winter accommodations and rail transport included.
Duration 21 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Euroventure Travel From
- NZ$6,332
Edinburgh's Hogmanay presents Britain's ultimate New Year celebration. Viking ships burn on Carlton Hill as torch-lit processions and Winter Wonderland's ice rink parties create this 4-day spectacular.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,735
15% Off- NZ$1,475You save $260
Skye High
673 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was just magnificent and the stops both going up to the Isle of Skye and on the return were well worth it.”
Samantha, traveled in June
Highland winter spirit comes alive with snow-draped mountain tours. The frost-covered Eilean Donan Castle and Portree's Christmas markets await, while Northern Lights dance over Skye's dramatic landscape. Cozy evenings at Morag's Lodge included.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Portree, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Fort AugustusSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator Haggis Adventures From
15% Off- NZ$609
British Christmas traditions flourish from Dublin Castle festivities to Edinburgh's Royal Mile winter markets. December tours feature seasonal events, traditional celebrations, and comfortable accommodation in historic city centers.
Duration 9 days Destinations Dublin, Edinburgh, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $4,243
5% Off- NZ$4,031You save $212
Duration 11 days Destinations London, Windsor, Bristol, Bath, Oxford, Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool, Manchester, YorkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $3,315
20% Off- NZ$2,652You save $663
Duration 11 days Destinations London, Windsor, Bristol, Bath, Oxford, Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool, Manchester, YorkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $3,135
20% Off- NZ$2,508You save $627
Westminster Abbey's carol services and Windsor Castle's Christmas displays highlight this British tour. Edinburgh's winter markets and Stirling Castle offer holiday charm. Cozy 3-star hotels and train travel included.
Duration 9 days Destinations London, Melbourne Derbyshire, Edinburgh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $4,110
5% Off- NZ$3,905You save $206
Duration 7 days Destinations London, Cambridge, York, Durham, Alnwick, Edinburgh, Inverness, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
5% Off- NZ$2,546
Northern Britain's treasures sparkle during the festive season. Winter magic illuminates Eilean Donan Castle, while snow-dusted Glencoe and Portree's harbor radiate seasonal charm. Cozy Inverness B&B stays include traditional holiday breakfasts.
Duration 3 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Inverness, Eilean Donan, Portree, Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye, Loch NessSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
5% Off- NZ$921
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in UK and Great Britain
- Skye High
Katie as the guide and Alan as the driver were both amazing and fun. The tour was very well organised, planned and executed with plenty of breaks for photographs, lazy walks and ensuring that we enjoyed the Scottish Highlands and Skye very well. Additionally the people on the trip were really friendly and cool. I agree that the Morag hostel at Fort Augustus which is the Base for 2 days is indeed a true gem. You can drink and party at the bar downstairs or have a sound sleep upstairs and I did both. The staff is very friendly and resourceful and the food there was really good for both meat lovers and vegetarians... The haggis in particular was very good and the Yorkshire puddings with the sauce were oh so lovely! Back to the tour Katie is very knowledgeable and constantly fed us information about the terrain, flora and fauna and bits from Scottish history which only adds to the overall flavour of the experience.
- Great Britain Christmas
Every aspect of the tour was as I would have hoped. Mike was knowledgeable and able to inspire me to ask questions. Everything, except what was out of his control, ran smoothly. I liked the flexibility of the tour, It was disappointing not to see Cardiff or Liverpool in Daylight, and I would have preferred to visit The Beatles Story to looking at the gates of a football ground. My biggest whinge is that there were way too many insolent little Asian kids on the tour. Many of them would block the aisle or were rude out on tour.
- United Kingdom and Ireland
Every thing was nice and organised, nice and clean hotels , friendly people , love it !
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in UK and Great Britain
What are the typical highlights of a Christmas & New Year tour in the UK and Great Britain?
The holiday season transforms Britain's historic cities into festive wonderlands. Edinburgh's Hogmanay leads the celebrations with its renowned street parties while York and Bath's Christmas markets fill medieval streets with the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. London's Thames-side New Year's fireworks display draws thousands. Windsor Castle and Edinburgh Castle deck their ancient halls with traditional decorations. At Edinburgh's Apex Waterloo Place Hotel guests join in Scottish holiday traditions including energetic ceilidh dancing and multi-course festive dinners. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The New Year's celebration in Edinburgh was absolutely magical - from the torch procession to the street party it was an unforgettable experience."
What kind of weather should I expect during a Christmas & New Year tour in the UK?
British winter weather splits distinctly between regions. London and southern England stay relatively mild with temperatures between 2-8°C (35-46°F) while Scotland dips lower to -2 to 5°C (28-41°F). Snow falls occasionally in the south but becomes more frequent in Scotland's Highlands. Dublin's Clayton Ballsbridge Hotel offers a warm retreat from winter weather. Visitors should pack warm waterproof clothing and plenty of layers. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "Despite the cold weather in Edinburgh over New Year the festive atmosphere and mulled wine kept everyone warm and spirited."
What special holiday activities are included in Christmas & New Year tours?
The tours embrace British holiday traditions at every turn. Visitors explore Christmas markets in Bath and York sample festive afternoon teas at London's Strand Palace Hotel and attend seasonal performances. Christmas Day brings traditional British lunches followed by Boxing Day excursions. Many tours access exclusive holiday events at historic properties and include guided walks through decorated city centers and country estates. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our Christmas dinner at a historic manor house near Bath was exceptional - complete with crackers party hats and all the traditional trimmings."
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in the UK?
The UK's festive season draws significant crowds requiring early planning. Most travelers should book 6-8 months ahead particularly for popular events like Edinburgh's Hogmanay or London's New Year celebrations. Sought-after hotels like the Royal Lancaster London fill quickly. Tour data shows limited December and January availability with just 4-5 departures monthly. As one TourRadar traveler advised: "We booked our Edinburgh New Year tour 9 months ahead and were glad we did - everything gets booked up very quickly."
What's included in the accommodation during Christmas & New Year tours?
Tour accommodations center on 3-4 star hotels that embrace the holiday spirit. Glasgow's Radisson Blu hosts Scottish Hogmanay festivities while the Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center creates special Christmas packages. Hotels typically provide breakfast and select holiday meals. Many properties organize seasonal events from carol services to evening receptions with mulled wine. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our hotel in Edinburgh went all out for the holidays - the decorations were stunning and the Christmas Eve dinner was magical."
How do tours handle New Year's Eve celebrations?
Tour operators secure prime celebration spots particularly in Edinburgh and London. The Radisson Blu Edinburgh provides direct access to Princes Street's festivities while London hotels offer Thames-side viewing areas. Experienced guides help navigate the crowded events keeping groups together and on schedule. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our tour secured us prime spots for Edinburgh's Hogmanay street party - it was much better than trying to organize it ourselves."
What shopping opportunities are available for Christmas gifts and souvenirs?
Tours build in time at Britain's most famous Christmas markets including Edinburgh's Princes Street Market and London's Winter Wonderland. The Holiday Inn Express London Wimbledon South serves as a convenient base for London shopping. Itineraries include stops at local craft markets and historic shopping districts with dedicated free time for personal exploration. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "The Christmas market in York was a highlight - full of unique British gifts and the most amazing mulled wine."