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)
- 6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
- 5-Day Edinburgh and Glasgow by Train
- Loch Ness, Inverness & The Scottish Highlands - Small Group - 2 Days
- Taste of Scotland - 4 Days (Small Group)
- Up to 25% off - Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
- Taste of Scotland | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Skye High
- Scotland Culinary | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- 9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
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
15% Off- NZ$1,475You save $260
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 $2,594
10% Off- NZ$2,335You save $259
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,804
10% Off- NZ$2,523You save $280
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $1,320
36% Off- NZ$845You save $475
Duration 4 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Stirling, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $3,079
36% Off- NZ$1,971You save $1,108
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 $2,914
25% Off- NZ$2,185You save $728
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 $3,229
13% Off- NZ$2,809You save $420
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
Snow-draped Eilean Donan Castle and Portree's festive harbor capture winter's essence. Morag's Lodge provides traditional Highland hospitality, while frost-covered Glen Coe and magical winter sunsets over the Cuillin Mountains create unforgettable views.
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
13% Off- NZ$609
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 Ages 12+ Operator BTOURS From $3,885
13% Off- NZ$3,380You save $505
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 All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $5,887
10% Off- NZ$5,298You save $589
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Scotland
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
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.