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
- 6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (Start Edinburgh)
- 2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
- 5-Day Edinburgh and Glasgow by Train
- Loch Ness & Highlands Express (Hotel) - 2 days
- Loch Ness & Highlands Express - 2 days
- Taste of Scotland | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Loch Ness, Inverness & The Scottish Highlands - Small Group - 2 Days
- Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“TourRadar took care of hotels, transfers, breakfast, and the castle tour. That left us to decide what we wanted to see which was great!”
Lisa, traveled in August
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 All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,712
7% Off- NZ$2,522You save $190
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 Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,735
25% Off- NZ$1,301You save $434
2-Day Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a great way to get a flavor of the highlands in a very short time. We saw quite a bit in two days and were shocked to discovered that we'd walked about 6 miles per day!”
Katherine, traveled in June
Winter views stretch across Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park. Highland villages buzz with festive charm, complemented by cozy B&B stays in Inverness. Snow-dusted Ben Nevis and mystical Loch Ness reveal their Christmas season beauty.
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness, Fort William, Glencoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours From
25% Off- NZ$674
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 All Ages Welcome Operator WiseYatra From
25% Off- NZ$2,977
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,931
7% Off- NZ$2,726You save $205
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 All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $1,305
15% Off- NZ$1,109You save $196
Snow-covered Highlands create a winter wonderland backdrop. The frost-kissed Clava Cairns and misty Loch Ness reveal their seasonal charm, while Glencoe's dramatic landscapes command attention from cozy Inverness guesthouses.
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness, Glencoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $1,035
15% Off- NZ$880You save $155
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 All Ages Welcome Operator BTOURS From $2,758
15% Off- NZ$2,344You save $414
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $1,365
36% Off- NZ$873You save $491
Scotland in a Week (Classic, Winter)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I loved Scotland! Ebony included tidbits on all the history. Definitely recommend this tour.”
Emma, traveled in May
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 Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,875
20% Off- NZ$1,500You save $375
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Scotland
- 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.
- Isle Of Skye And The Highlands
Did this highland and Isle of Skye tour was great. The tour was well organised and our tour guide Sandy was fantastic, he is very knowledgeable and his driving was great.
- 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.