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Why should you choose a New Year’s break in Edinburgh?

Well, no other city in the world celebrates the New Year as we do.

Hogmanay is what we Scots call New Year’s Eve the 31st of December and it is the biggest celebration of the year, if you have never celebrated the new year with us then you have missed out. Whatever way you decide to celebrate the big night, Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations guarantee a warm welcome and more new friends than you ever knew you had.

So what makes Edinburgh the best place to celebrate?

When it comes to Hogmanay, Edinburgh certainly knows how to put on a show whether it’s the enchanting torchlight procession, the famous Hogmanay street party, and spectacular firework display, or a toe-tapping ceilidh and concert in Princes Street Gardens. Here is what is on this year:

30 DECEMBER – TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION

Blaze through the city accompanied by fire and light installations as you move through the illuminated heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. A spectacular and unforgettable family-friendly event finishing in the historic Holyrood Park. On reaching the park, you will be asked to light a slow-burning candle that will eventually form an image over the course of the event. This year’s procession will be spread out between 4pm and 9pm, allowing visitors and locals alike to travel through the city in a safe and fun environment. You must have a ticket to take part in the Torchlight Procession.

31 DECEMBER – HOGMANAY PARTY AT THE BELLS

We welcome merrymakers to one of the greatest events on the planet. You have two choices:

Princes Street Gardens Access

Celebrate Hogmanay in spectacular style with a Garden Access ticket, party the night away in front of the Ross Band, and be in the best location for the midnight fireworks. Set beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, dance the night away at the Concert in the Gardens featuring incredible live music, entertainment, DJs, giant screens, and outdoor bars. Artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Street Access

Prepare to be entertained with one of the world’s greatest street theatre companies, Close-Act Theatre who will animate the street as you party at the bells. At midnight, the unforgettable fireworks will once again be back at Edinburgh Castle.

1 JANUARY – THE LOONY DOOK

And if you need something to clear your head the morning after, why not take part in the (literally) breathtaking Loony Dook, the annual splash in the River Forth at South Queensferry? Take part in the Dookers Parade through the High Street before taking the plunge in the freezing Forthwith the iconic Forth Bridges as a backdrop. And don’t forget your fancy dress! Or you could just sleep in.

Please note these dates and events are usually held on an annual basis but due to the current circumstances we cannot guarantee that these events will be going ahead or on the dates stated.