6 of the best tours abroad for festivity seekers this Christmas

The ToursByLocals ULTIMATE Guide to Christmas

The excitement of Christmas appears to have started earlier than ever this year, fuelled by the anticipation of restriction free travel. For those in the UK, this will be the first holiday season since 2019 where travelling is a real possibility. Whether reuniting with far flung family and friends or looking to get away for a merry adventure, the celebrations will certainly be big.

With so many incredible destinations and festive themed attractions to choose from, it can be overwhelming task to scour all of the possibilities. A classic Christmas market experience in a traditional location or something more off-beat and unique this year? Fortunately, ToursByLocals, the world’s leading marketplace for private and customisable tours, is on hand with an eclectic mix of yuletide tours for festivity seekers to contemplate this Christmas!

Explore the Iconic Christmas Markets of Bavaria with a Local

Join local guide Kevin as he guides groups on a private tour through some of the most famous Christmas markets in the world. Bavaria is the spiritual home of the Christmas Market with ‘Christkindlmarkt’ originating in the region in the 15th century. Christmas gift seekers will visit the Nuremberg market, known for its special gingerbread known as ‘Lebkuchen’ and explore over 180 wooden booths serving traditional food and drink.

There will be further stops at Rothenburg, Berchtesgaden and Fraueninsel markets known for their historic setting and loved for their cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses. Kevin will regale travellers with stories of how these markets came to be and meet the local vendors. Finally, the group will cross the Bavarian border into Austria to witness the incredible Salzburg and Innsbruck markets, where the markets sprawl out under impressive fortresses and fairytale characters hang from the sides of buildings and shops. Move over John Lewis…this is the perfect place for gifts and stocking fillers!

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers the nine and a half-hour Christmas Markets - Day Trip from Munich at £646 per group, for up to eight people. The tour includes guiding services, private transportation. Extra costs include food and personal expenses.

Spend the Holidays in the Heart of Russia

The build up to Christmas and New Year is a marvellous time to visit mighty Moscow. As the city streets erupt in a riot of colour and lights, and the markets bustle with visitors, travellers will be able to experience this great European capital at its romantic winter best. It is also when one of Russia’s biggest festivals takes place ‘Journey into Christmas’ which has over 15 million attendees each year. Navigating such a giant event can seem a daunting task but fortunately local guide Anna is on hand to offer travellers her advice and knowledge.

Anna will walk groups through Moscow’s various districts that have all magically transformed into a winter wonderland. Across the 38 venues, groups will visit Manezh Square to see the biggest bauble in Russia (17m tall!) and a chance to slide down the fabled ice-slide, Russia’s longest slide at 100m in length. There will be exciting street shows and concerts, as well as plenty of unusual souvenirs and traditional food such as Pampushky and Kiev Cake to enjoy along the way!

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers the two-hour Christmas and New Year in Moscow at £90 per group, for up to two people. The tour includes guiding services and public transportation. Extra costs include food and personal expenses.

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Budapest

For a more off the beaten track adventure this Christmas, look no further than the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Rated as among some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, local Ildiko is on hand to take around the Budapest Christmas Fair 2021.

On this private and completely bespoke tour, groups will be greeted by millions of stunning lights, the sweet smell of mulled wine and cinnamon and the festive music of the region on this exciting tour. Ildiko will lead a journey through the markets, downtown Pest and even the St. Stephen Basilica where travellers will hear fascinating stories of this great city. There will also be colourful events, organ performances and culinary offerings along the way for guests to sample traditional Hungarian delicacies like Chimney Cake – brought out especially for Christmas!

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers the three-hour The Magic of Budapest's Christmas at £113 per group, for up to ten people. The tour includes guiding services. Extra costs include food and personal expenses.

Take a Trip Across the Pond to Butchart Gardens

Canada at Christmas time evokes ideas of snow-capped houses and festive cheer in abundance and rightly so. However, for those travellers in the know, it will also conjure up images of the stunning Butchart Gardens in Victoria.

These stunning gardens are available year-round to the public but really come into their own over Christmas. Local guide Melanie has been visiting for years and now runs festive tours through the gardens. Groups will bundle up for a festive stroll along pathways festooned with traditional garlands, view the illumination of thousands of lights, and enjoy the Twelve Days of Christmas displays throughout.

Melanie knows the best spots for a hot chocolate and seasonal treats amongst the colourful lights and festive music. Travellers can observe the ice skaters in full flow at the fully decorated outdoor rink and can even join in on the favourite Canadian pastime themselves.

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers the four and a half hour Magic of Christmas Butchart Gardens City Lights Private Tour at £152 per group, for up to five people. The tour includes guiding services and private transportation. Extra costs include food, admission tickets and personal expenses.

Experience the Tinsel in Tallin

Christmas time can bring magic to any place in the world, but in Tallin, the city is truly at its best. Local guide Davide will show travellers some of the most beautiful places in Tallinn Old Town including the ancient Toompea Castle and the architectural marvel that is Nevsky Cathedral, usually dusted with crisp white snow. The idyllic setting of Tallin makes for a fairy-tale landscape which Davide helps groups explore with stops at family run handicraft stalls, locals art galleries and boutique shops.

The tour then routes to the iconic Town Hall Square, where a towering 20m Christmas tree greets all those in the vicinity. This has been a tradition since 1441, the first of its kind in Europe. Travellers will then delight through the numerous chalets sampling the very best Estonian food and drink including local desserts, marzipan, and Vana Tallinn liquor. The locals are extremely friendly and welcome groups to join the festive activities including carolling and spins on the carousel.

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers the three-hour Tallinn Christmas Tour at £231 per group, for up to ten people. The tour includes guiding services and admission tickets. Extra costs include food and personal expenses.

Enjoy a Classic Christmas in New York City

Nowhere in the world does Christmas quite like New York. Iconic sights, world-class shopping and extravagant decorations make this one of the most admired destinations for festive travel each year. Being such a popular location, travellers will want to ensure they can tick off as much as they can during their trip. Local guide Ronald has been touring in New York City for the last 15 years and it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about the Christmas experience.

On this delightful tour of the Big Apple, groups will visit the most celebrated sights such as the Union Square Christmas Market and Rockefeller Centre, known for its giant tree and skate rink. Visitors to the city will also be able to see the sets of countless festive movies over the years such as Miracle on 34th Street and Elf.

Ronald also allows enough time for personal shopping and even routes the famous window displays of Macy’s and Fifth Avenue for groups to peruse at their leisure. After a fun-filled day exploring the city, groups are escorted back to their hotel by private transport, capping off a classic Christmas experience in New York.

ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers the six-hour New York City Christmas Tour at £637 per group, for up to six people. The tour includes guiding services and private transportation. Extra costs include food and personal expenses.