Yes, you can tour the Highlands on 25 and 26 December, but plan around closures. There are no trains on Christmas Day and few buses, many staffed visitor centres and castles usually close, and daylight lasts only about seven hours. The open-air sights — Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Loch Ness lay-bys and the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint — remain accessible, which makes a private car the practical choice.
Part of our Christmas & New Year in Scotland Guide
What is usually closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day?
Expect a quiet country. Based on last year's timetable, ScotRail runs no trains on Christmas Day and only a reduced service on limited routes on Boxing Day; Edinburgh's trams do not run on 25 December and Lothian Buses operate special reduced timetables. Check the 2026 timetables, which are usually published in late November or December.
- Staffed historic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and Urquhart Castle normally close on 25 and 26 December (and often on 1–2 January) — check the official site.
- The National Trust for Scotland's Glencoe Visitor Centre is closed from 24 to 26 December.
- In rural areas, many cafés, hotels and even fuel stations may close or shorten hours on Christmas Day.
Taxis and private hire are scarce on the day, so pre-booking matters.
Which Highland sights are still open on 25 December?
The best of the Highlands has no gate and no ticket. Weather and daylight permitting, you can still enjoy:
- Glencoe and Rannoch Moor — roadside viewpoints and the classic view of Buachaille Etive Mòr, often dusted with snow.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint path — the famous curved railway bridge, free to view from the hillside.
- Loch Ness shoreline lay-bys — quiet photo stops along the loch even when the castle is shut.
- The Kelpies — the giant horse-head sculptures near Falkirk are outdoors and make an easy stop on the way.
Bring your own snacks and a flask; we plan a route with known places to stop and warm up where possible.
Glencoe, Glenfinnan and Loch Ness — £765 for the whole vehicle on 25 December.
View the Highland day tour →How much daylight is there on Christmas Day?
In late December Edinburgh sees roughly 08:45 to 15:45 of daylight, and it is shorter further north. That is enough for a Glencoe and Loch Ness day if you leave early: we usually suggest a pickup before dawn so that you reach Glencoe in the first light and finish the scenic driving before dark. Weather can change quickly; we check Met Office warnings and Traffic Scotland the evening before and will adjust the route for snow or ice.
What does a private Highland day cost on Christmas Day?
Our Glencoe, Glenfinnan and Loch Ness private day tour is normally £510 for the whole vehicle (Toyota Alphard, up to 4 guests). Festive surcharges apply:
| Date | Surcharge | Highland day tour |
|---|---|---|
| Normal days | — | £510 |
| 24, 26 and 31 Dec | +25% | £638 (approx.) |
| 25 Dec and 1 Jan | +50% | £765 |
The price is per vehicle, not per person, and includes the driver-guide, fuel and parking. Entry tickets, meals and drinks are separate.
Why go with a private driver over Christmas?
With no trains and few buses, a private car is often the only reliable way to reach the Highlands on Christmas Day. Winter roads through Glencoe can be icy, and the short days leave little margin for wrong turns. Your driver-guide (English, Cantonese and Mandarin) knows where to stop safely, keeps the car warm, and lets everyone — including elderly parents and children — enjoy the scenery instead of the driving. Book early: festive dates are limited.
Glencoe, Glenfinnan and Loch Ness — £765 for the whole vehicle on 25 December.
View the Highland day tour →Frequently asked
Is Urquhart Castle open on Christmas Day?
Staffed historic sites usually close on 25 and 26 December, so plan to view Loch Ness from the shoreline instead and check the official site for 2026 hours.
Are there trains or buses to the Highlands on Christmas Day?
Based on last year's timetable there are no ScotRail trains on 25 December and bus services are very limited, so a pre-booked private car is the practical option.
How much is the Highland day tour on Boxing Day?
A 25% surcharge applies on 26 December, so the £510 day tour comes to about £638 for the whole vehicle.