12 of the Top-Rated Holiday Tours Around the World Per Viator Travelers

Christmas markets are a top travel experience during the holidays, but with so many places in Europe offering enticing Christmas markets it can be difficult to know which ones to home in on. This full-day tour begins in Colmar in eastern France, near the borders of Switzerland and Germany, and visits Christmas markets in all three countries (in Basel, Freiburg, and Neuf-Brisach). You’ll get the chance to browse traditional Christmas stalls, pick up some gifts and souvenirs, and learn about each country’s customs.

What one reviewer said: “Our guide Christian was terrific! Very memorable day. He was very kind, knowledgeable, and showed us the best parts of the locations.” Glen_B, Dec 2023

Paris is nicknamed the City of Light, and there’s no better time of year to experience those lights than during the December holidays. Wrap up warm and tour the city by open-top bus, a mode of transportation that gives you unobstructed views of city landmarks lit up at night—such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe—as well as seasonal light displays.

What one reviewer said: “Magical Christmas light tour to keep you in the holiday spirit! Recommending that you sit on the top, in the front of the bus. Be sure to bring your hats, scarves, and gloves.” Karlie_M, Jun 2024

Prague has a fairy tale aura year-round, but the medieval public squares come alive in December with a Czech spin on Christmas markets. Although many tourists gravitate to the Old Town Square (Staromestské Námestí), this isn’t the only place with must-visit markets. This Prague tour takes you to three different ones, for a more well-rounded experience.

What one reviewer said: “Nicola was an AMAZING guide, so informative and friendly!! Loved all of the holiday treats. Truly appreciated seeing the smaller markets where locals spend time.” LIA_P, Dec 2023

If you’re staying in Prague in December, why not hop over the border to Dresden, a German city that dazzles during the holidays? En route between Prague and Dresden is the beautiful Bohemian/Saxon Switzerland National Park (which spans the Czech-German border), and this combo tour makes time for both the Dresden Christmas Market (Dresdner Striezelmarkt) and some of the most scenic lookouts in the national park.

What one reviewer said: “Sam did an amazing job! He was engaging and clearly cared about making our tour a wonderful experience. In addition, I thought the trip was well curated and the meal was really good!” LAURA_L, Dec 2023

Central Europe doesn’t get all of the festive fun. If you happen to be on the Iberian Peninsula on December 31 and looking for a party, step aboard this New Year’s Eve cruise on the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. You’ll sail for two hours, enjoy the open bar on board, and see a magical fireworks show around midnight.

What one reviewer said: “I would definitely recommend this. We all thought we'd like it, but seeing the fireworks from the water with the city in the background was spectacular. The crew on the boat were attentive, such as handing out blankets and always checking on us. The boat was very nice and was a great experience all around.” Christy_R, Jan 2024

Although many people like to visit the Netherlands in spring and summer, when its famous flowers are in bloom, midwinter is also a great time to visit Amsterdam. The capital holds the annual Amsterdam Light Festival between late-November and late-January (giving you a long window in which to fit in your holiday trip). Experience the festival during a canal cruise with free-flowing drinks, including mulled wine.

What one reviewer said: “The nighttime canal tour to see the Festival of Lights was a great way to spend our first night in Amsterdam. Not only did we see the amazing light display and sculptures, but got a tour of Amsterdam as well.” Caitlin_C, Jan 2024

Generations of children have enjoyed (or at least, have been spooked by) Charles Dickens’ classic cautionary tale, A Christmas Carol—or the Muppets’ version of it. On this Dickens walking tour of London you’ll follow in anti-hero Ebeneezer Scrooge’s footsteps and visit places brought to life in the Victorian-era novel and its many pop culture offshoots.

What one reviewer said: “Richard was an excellent tour [guide] of all things Dickens! It was a real treasure to walk in the footsteps to see how A Christmas Carol came to be. It was nice learning about the history of London so long ago.” Cassi_W, Dec 2023

If you’d rather put your feet up while touring London for the holidays, hail a classic black cab (or prearrange this guided tour) to check out the city’s numerous Christmas light displays. You’ll be whisked around the city in comfort and style to highlights including the Oxford Street lights and upmarket Chelsea and Belgravia.

What one reviewer said: “Andrew was a fabulous guide. He was able to make each of our family members happy by infusing some rock and roll stories along with the Christmas lights. He was extremely accommodating and kind.” Beth_S, Dec 2023

Whether you’re traveling with children young enough to still believe in Santa Claus or not, there’s something especially magical about visiting the Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland. This Santa tour from Rovaniemi includes a snowmobile ride, a visit to a reindeer farm, and a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride to round out the experience.

What one reviewer said: “The experience as a whole was great! Hardly a queue to meet Santa as you get there before it opens. We were very lucky that there were only eight of us on the tour!” Emma_S, Mar 2024

You don’t need to travel all the way to Europe to enjoy a taste of a European winter. Canada’s Quebec City is said to be one of the most European cities in North America. This Christmas walking tour will take you to some of the most beautiful and atmospheric parts of UNESCO–listed Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec), and teach you about its history and culture at the same time.

What one reviewer said: “Fabulous tour. The guide was amazing. Very funny and lots of knowledge. It was a great experience and (I) took lots of great photos.” Sonia_J, Dec 2023

You don’t need to wait for the winter holidays to enjoy eating your way around Chicago, but the German-inspired Christkindlmarket certainly gives you an extra excuse to visit the Windy City in December. This food tour will take you on a walking tour of downtown Chicago, including the above-mentioned seasonal market, the holiday window displays, and the ice-skating rink in Millennium Park.

What one reviewer said: “Mickey was great! We really enjoyed his jokes and personal touch. He made the tour very comfortable and funny!” Angelique_B, Dec 2023

While New York City isn’t short on holiday cheer (ice-skating at the Rockefeller Center or at the Wollman Rink in Central Park and the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square are just a few things that come to mind), don’t forget to venture beyond Manhattan. Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood is renowned for its home-based light displays. This Christmas lights tour shows you where to go.

What one reviewer said: “Our guide Antonio was amazing, knew where all the great houses were and a story that went with it. Dyker Heights really knows how to set up the best Christmas lights we had ever seen.” Susy_C, Jan 2024