Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Scotland
Think about searching for Nessie at Loch Ness, exploring the dramatic Scottish Highlands with snow-capped peaks, discovering Edinburgh on guided walking tours through cobbled streets, visiting historic Edinburgh Castle during festive celebrations, and touring scenic Loch Lomond. Don’t miss imposing Stirling Castle, enjoying train rides to Glasgow's vibrant West End, and experiencing traditional Hogmanay. Scotland during the holidays is genuinely atmospheric.
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It was good it would be more fun having more than 2 people on the tour
Skye HighWe had the best tour guide with Ross. I wish all tour guides were of his talent. His knowledge etc. Was incredible. Also loved his selection of music. He was super accommodating. Ist night accommodation room small but had the best breakfast and hosts were very accommodating. 2nd accommodation room was great. But breakfast wasn't nearly as good. Wonderful hosts. Checking in at train station was not as instructed. Rabbis staff were inattentive and we were not aware we were on a Rabbis tour.
Magical Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour - 4 DaysIndividual super interrestin trip.
Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands - from Edinburgh
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- Skye High
10 best Christmas & New Year Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Skye High
- 6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
- Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (Start Edinburgh)
- Taste of Scotland
- 5 Day Inverness including Loch Ness Experience and Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
- Scotland Culinary
- Magical Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour - 4 Days
- Best of Scotland Private Tour
- Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands - from Edinburgh
Skye High
“The tour was really really good! The only thing was that because my tour started on a Saturday, it was Sunday when we spent lunchtime in Portree and therefore a lot of things were closed.”
Anna, traveled in February
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, Fort Augustus, Ben Nevis, Dunkeld, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Portree, Isle of Skye, Loch NessSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator Haggis Adventures From $495
25% Off- US$371
6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
“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 $1,635
27% Off- US$1,194
Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
“The planned activities were must-dos and we recommend doing everything extra that you can do!”
Jennifer, traveled in December
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, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Pitlochry, Fife, Forth Bridge, Glasgow, LussSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator WiseYatra From $2,214
30% Off- US$1,559
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
30% Off- US$803
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, Glencoe, Fort William, Ballachulish, Glenfinnan, Mallaig, Fort Augustus, Inverness, Aviemore, Cairngorms National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator BTOURS From
30% Off- US$1,654
Snow-covered Highland landscapes surround the Columba Hotel Inverness. Winter monster-hunting at Loch Ness, frost-kissed Quiraing formations on Skye, and the magical Eilean Donan Castle create holiday memories.
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,305
27% Off- US$952
Scotland Culinary
“excellent way to experience Scotland through both its food and scenery”
Delia, traveled in April
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
27% Off- US$2,209
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips 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.