So apologies for this post being very, very delayed. But I believe that it’s a travel post that will be able to help people for years to come, including when some people start booking their Hogmanay this summer.
Traditionally, I’m not a person that likes a big New Year’s Eve, but I had always wanted to go to Hogmanay in Edinburgh at least once in my life. Partially due to the fame of it, and partially due to how much I love Edinburgh.
So what it’s Hogmanay?
Hogmanay is the Scottish word for New Year’s Eve. And in one of the most famous celebrations in the world is Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is a 3-day festival full of events that include a torchlight procession, live music concerts, family events, a massive street party, traditional dancing, fireworks, and even a very, very cold swim in the River Forth!
Torchlight Procession:
The festival officially begins on December 30th with the Torchlight Procession, a magical march of 10,000 revellers carrying flaming torches through the streets of Edinburgh. The slow-moving procession is led by the various musicians, and whether you’re holding a torch in the crowd or watching from the sidelines, it’s a breathtaking spectacle. You can walk with the parade by purchasing a parade ticket that is separate from a ticket to carry a torch.
The procession ends with at Holyrood Park with a concert and then spectators watch colourful firework display from the top of Calton Hill.
This event was phenomenally well organised and it never seemed too chaotic or like I was waiting too long for anything. And seeing the famous “river of fire” was absolutely magical.
Street Party
Gates for the New Year’s Eve Street Party open at seven, but the party doesn’t start till nine, when you’ll have access to multiple stages with bands and performers entertaining huge crowds. Everyone last year received a free Johnnie Walker cocktail, and I was pleasantly surprised at how generous the portion was.
The main event of the night is the Concert in the Gardens, which takes place in Princes Street Gardens under the looming Edinburgh Castle. This year Mark Ronson took the stage, and when the clock struck 12 the firework display began. I will admit that Mark Ronson’s set was far too short. But the firework display was amazing.
I ended up dancing in the street with strangers and thank you to the Scottish man out there who introduced me to the deliciousness that is a Vodka and Iron Brew.
The party wrapped up around 12:45am.
Be aware that this event is very, very crowded. The average queue for the toilet took at least 30-45 minutes and the bars were equally busy.
New Years Day Swim:
For those who are much, much more brave than me, the Loony Dook awaits you early in the afternoon of New Year’s Day. Who woulnd’t want to kick off the new year with a dip in the icy waters of the River Forth? It raises thousands of pounds are raised for UK charities, and it’s a badge of honour to say you’ve taken part. Not to mention, most people do it in costume.
My Top Hogmanay Tips:
+Book your tickets and accommodation as far in advance as possible to save money.
+Stay outside of the city centre. I stayed at Cross Key Studios. It was quite a trek, but the room was lovely and the hosts were the absolute best.
+BYOB to the street party. You can bring 4 plastic containers up to 500mL of alcohol in.
+Pace yourself though. It’s a long night and the toilet queues are dreadful.
+Wear flat shoes, you’ll be doing so much walking and standing.
+Dress sensibly. This isn’t a New Year’s event to dress to the nines for. You’ll be outside in Scotland in the winter and it will be freezing. I wore tights under my jeans, thermal socks, a t-shirt, a jumper, a scarf, hat, gloves and a massive winter jacket.
+ If you’re going to take part in the torchlight procession, be aware that you might get wax on your clothing because the torches drip and it might be windy, so wear something old.
My Verdict?
I had a blast at Hogmanay, but that was mostly due to how in love with the city I am. I would definitely do the torchlight procession again because it was absolutely magical, but I’d skip the street party and try to find a ceilidh somewhere.
I’m glad that I’ve done the street party once but it was too crowded for me to want to do that aspect of Hogmanay again.
But I would undoubtedly return to Edinburgh for New Year!
Have you ever celebrated Hogmanay in Edinburgh? Would you want to?
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Harry Potter Guide to Edinburgh
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A Vegan Guide to Glasgow
10 Things to Do Around Inverness
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