Christmas & New Year Tours in UK and Great Britain
Imagine celebrating the festive season in UK And Great Britain over Christmas and New Year's Eve! With 144 Christmas and New Year adventures to choose from lasting 1 days up to 21 days, you're sure to find that enchanting UK And Great Britain Christmas tour you have always dreamt of.
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Hitesh • traveled in May, 2026
It was all historical. I am more lean towards nature. I would have liked it more if it was a balanced itenary.
Britain and Ireland Delight (2026 Onwards, 8 Days) (17 destinations) - B
Barb • traveled in April, 2026
This was our first Trafalgar tour and it was amazing. Our tour director, Rose, was one of the best I have ever had. She knew the culture of all three countries, knew the music which she played for us and knew the interesting tidbits. The excursion to the pub in Tro Phicten was fantastic as was the be my guest dinner at Whitwell Hall.
Real Britain (London Overnights) - D
Dupchen • traveled in September, 2025
Over all tour was arranged nicely like hotels, breakfast, coaches. Felt little problem in communication with tour guides. Any way we enjoyed the trip nicely though the last day trip from Glasgow to London was quite hectic.
Roaming the United Kingdom
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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
- Britain and Ireland Delight (2026 Onwards, 8 Days) (17 destinations)
- British Isles London to Dublin Adventure - 9 days
- Real Britain (London Overnights)
- England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK
- Britain and Ireland Delight (2026 Onwards, 10 Days)
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- 6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (Start Edinburgh)
- Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
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Britain and Ireland Delight (2026 Onwards, 8 Days) (17 destinations)
151 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
This 8-day comfort trip takes you through five countries, starting in Bradford and heading through the Yorkshire Dales to Glasgow, then crossing by ferry from Cairnryan to Northern Ireland before reaching Dublin. You'll see 12th-century Kilkenny Castle, walk through Stratford-upon-Avon's Shakespeare sites, and check out Windsor Castle. The tour covers 19 places including Bath's Georgian spa town, with 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners included for ages 5+.
Duration 8 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From $1,725
10% Off- US$1,553You save $173
Duration 9 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $2,660
20% Off- US$2,128You save $532
Real Britain (London Overnights)
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotels were nice, food was good, travel was easy & the sights were fantastic. We saw so much in such a short time.”
Kelly, traveled in November
Holiday celebrations at Edinburgh Castle and York Minster showcase British traditions. Traditional banquets and seasonal decorations fill historic sites. Quality hotels offer special winter programs.
Duration 9 days Destinations England, Wales, Scotland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $2,725
10% Off- US$2,453You save $273
British festive spirit shines through Christmas shopping at Piccadilly Circus and Edinburgh's seasonal markets. Holiday ceremonies at Westminster Abbey lead to New Year celebrations in Temple Bar. Central hotels provided.
Duration 10 days Destinations England, Scotland, Ireland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
10% Off- US$3,990
Duration 10 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From $1,950
10% Off- US$1,755You save $195
Take a cruise on Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle and search for the legendary monster in its dark waters while traveling through Scotland's Highlands. Walk through Edinburgh's UNESCO-listed Old Town and visit the medieval castle sitting above the Royal Mile, then head to York to walk its ancient Roman walls and see the Gothic cathedral. In Cambridge, you'll stroll past prestigious university colleges before visiting Alnwick Castle, the famous Harry Potter filming location. This 7-day coach tour welcomes travelers aged 3+, with stays at comfortable hotels like the Radisson Blu Durham and Premier Inn Edinburgh Park Airport.
Duration 8 days Destinations London, Windsor, Cambridge, York, Durham, Alnwick, Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Fort Augustus, GlasgowSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
10% Off- US$1,705
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-themed adventures await at Edinburgh Castle, with seasonal Royal Mile markets and Highland winter magic in Inverness. Scenic rail journeys, comfortable accommodations, and daily breakfast included.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From
10% Off- US$1,644
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."