Christmas & New Year Tours in UK and Great Britain
4.6 stars on(8,503 reviews)- Choose from 100+ UK and Great Britain tours
- 2,300+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Christmas & New Year UK and Great Britain tour packages
Compiled by
SteffUK and Great Britain travel expert at TourRadar
- Britain and Ireland Delight (2026 Onwards, 10 Days)
- Britain and Ireland Delight (2026 Onwards, 8 Days)
- Christmas in Bath
- Skye High
- 9 Days United Kingdom Tour
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (5 Days) (1 destination)
- England and Scotland (Classic, Winter, End London)
- England and Scotland (Classic, Winter, End Glasgow)
- England & Scotland
- 6 Day From London to Edinburgh
Duration 10 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Costsaver From $3,495
10% Off- NZ$3,146You save $350
Duration 8 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Costsaver From $3,050
10% Off- NZ$2,745You save $305
Duration 5 days Destinations Bath Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Just You From
10% Off- NZ$4,529
Skye High
673 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a lovely time on the 3 day trip. Throughly recommended this tour, especially with Charlie!”
Abigail, traveled in December
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 18 to 45 year olds Operator Haggis Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$609
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $3,962
4% Off- NZ$3,803You save $158
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 up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $1,735
15% Off- NZ$1,475You save $260
Duration 11 days Destinations London, Windsor, Bristol, Bath, Oxford, Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool, Manchester, YorkSee all destinations Age Range up to 35 year olds 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 up to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $3,135
20% Off- NZ$2,508You save $627
British festivities showcase London's Winter Wonderland, Bath's Christmas Market, and Liverpool's Albert Dock celebrations. York's St. Nicholas Fair and Highland winter magic lead to Edinburgh's world-famous Hogmanay.
Duration 15 days Destinations London, Bath, Liverpool, York, Inverness, Edinburgh Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Euroventure Travel From
20% Off- NZ$5,042
Winter wonderland awaits from London's Westminster to Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Christmas markets and seasonal decorations at Buckingham Palace complement Edinburgh Castle's holiday magic. Cozy accommodations with breakfast included.
Duration 6 days Destinations London, Edinburgh Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,429
5% Off- NZ$2,308You save $121
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in UK and Great Britain
- Great Britain Christmas
Overall the tour was excellent and provided a good, albeit brief, overview of Great Britain. Some of the highlights were punting down the river in Cambridge, stopping in beautiful Inverness, listening to a Beatles tribute band in the famous Cavern Club, and walking through the beautiful streets of Bath. Our tour leader, Kaeleigh, was informative and upbeat and provided necessary information in each city. Although it also seemed as though she was left to handle a lot of mishaps that were mostly caused by misbookings by the main office. In our stop in the Highlands, four of us had to stay in a hotel over a half hour away from the rest of the group due to an overbooking. We also arrived in many cities to have most of the sights closed - understandably as it was the Christmas period but it would have been nice if this had been clearly stated on the itinerary when booking. It was a great tour with a friendly group and helpful guide and driver, but it doesn't seem like the company really has their act together. Some better pre-planning would have made our trip spot on.
- Skye High
I'd hoped to see unicorns. I didn't. BUT, that doesn't mean this tour isn't worth it! First off, let's talk about our loverly guide, Fi (that's short for Fiona, bit she hates that). Funny, dynamic, engaging, comical, knowledgeable, quirky, accommodating, friendly... Well you get the idea. She's great. Just great. Our group was somewhat shy (24 women and 6 men), and started off by keeping to themselves... But Fi... Fi brought out the best of the group, she made us laugh. She made us talk. She MADE the trip! Secondly - Allan (that's our driver). What can you say about the man to whom you trusted your very life with taking you to the most spectacular sites to behold in Scotland? Well you can start by saying that the man is a PRO. I mean, he would take the sharpest of turns, the scariest of bends, the steepest of hills with both surgical precision and the most finite of maneuvers, but also an ease that could only mean he was either an expert at what he did, or an unbelievably skilled deceiver. When he wasn't driving, Allan was charming and just as engaging as Fi. He'd chat you up about the things he's done and seen, and the things that I should do and see in Edinburgh after the tour. Now for the tour itself. Magical? Unforgettable? Unbelievable? All of the above, but also so much more. This tour is THE tour to go on if you're very limited on time in Scotland, and want to experience much more than the major cities. All our destinations were beautiful and without peer. The scenery, the vistas, the castles and the people. All will make you fall in love. You definitely feel the DSL (Deep Scottish Love) doing this tour and I can't put into proper words how else to convince one that they should do it! Just do it! You will love it!
Jose the tourist guide was excellent, the hotels except for the last one were very good, the landscape and scenery was amazing, very recommended
10-Day United Kingdom and Ireland
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."