New Year’s Eve abroad: Hogmanay Street party, Edinburgh

As the end of the year approaches, that question starts popping up again… “So… What are you doing on New Years’s Eve?” Then start the discussions, the dilemma’s and the decision making process.

Two years ago, a few of my friends and I decided to welcome the new year abroad. Instead of spending our money on brand new flashy party outfits and tickets to some overpriced party, we booked cheap flights to Scotland. That year we celebrated by joining the Hogmanay street party in Edinburgh.

A very wise decision as Hogmanay, turned out to be an incredible way to start off the new year with a BANG! Literally… I don’t know how many tonnes of fireworks were rocketed to the sky, but I’d definitely had my dose of fireworks for the following 2 years!

All through the night, the streets of Edinburgh were filled with laughter, singing, skipping, drinking, dancing, eating, twirling, hugging…

 

So what exactly goes on during Hogmanay in Edinburgh?

There are many street concerts entertaining the crowds. Dance, sing along, make friends… Do as you please. The entire event takes place outdoors, in the city centre, so you’re are free to roam around or move from one performance to the next, keeping in mind that there are around 80 000 attendees to navigate through.

...people... lots of them
…people… and lots of them

 

 As the night progresses, the mass grows, the streets fill up and the atmosphere heats up. When midnight approaches; the bands stop playing and the crowd flocks toward the main square.

Countdown begins!

At 00:00, impressive fireworks light up the sky. The Scots then proudly sign “Auld lang syne”. Tens of thousands of people sing (more or less) simultaneously… Heart warming! Hugs, kisses and best wishes are exchanged between friends and random by-standers, it’s magical!

fireworks and camera's, edinburgh
fireworks and camera’s

 

After the remarkable moment, a couple of dj’s play some tunes and you can dance on the square. Once the music dies down, a challenge awaits; getting off the square! As all the participants try to leave at the same time, you can imagine there is a lot of pushing and shoving. All you can do is go with the flow and let it happen.

 fireworks, new year's eve
so many fireworks you don’t know which side to look

 

That can be the end of the evening or you can step into one of the bars to continue the party.  

"Sin", a club/bar in a church
“Sin”, a club/bar in a church

 

Some tips for an awesome Hogmanay street party

Protect yourself against the cold weather the best you can. As I’ve mentioned earlier, the event is outdoors and, well, it’s winter! Be prepared for rain as well!

Most people bring their own drinks in plastic bottles. It’s too hard to get a drink from a bar or a stand when you’re gathered before and after the countdown. It will save you a lot of trouble and a few pennies. 

faux fur, home mixed drinks and plastic cups
faux fur, home mixed drinks and plastic cups

 

– If you hate the masses and drunk people, you might want to reconsider Hogmanay… OR challenge yourself to try it anyway!

It’s well worth staying a few extra days to explore the city. Edinburgh is a beautiful gothic city with a strong personality. There is much to see, to do and to taste!

haggis
haggis
Scotch Whisky tasting
Scotch Whisky tasting

– There are plenty of other activities going on around New Year’s Eve. You can participate in a torchlit procession through town or ride the ferris wheel. Let your inner child go nuts in the ‘winter wonderland’ attractions. For the real daredevils, why not start the new year fresh by taking a splash in the river -for charity. Find out more about Hogmanay and the other events here

– If you’re on a budget, you’ll find lots of cheap food in town, admittedly not the most healthy food, but hey, you’re on holiday… I’d also recommend you stay as far away from the shops as you possibly can! There are sales during this period and you could easily be tempted!

 

Spending New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh, was an unforgettable experience. I’d do it again in a heartbeat! Not only is the event well organised, but the Scots are warm, welcoming and know how to throw a party! 

 

Have you already made plans for New Year’s Eve? 

The post “New Year’s Eve abroad: Hogmanay Street party, Edinburgh” first appeared on Travel Cake.

 

Comments

12 responses to “New Year’s Eve abroad: Hogmanay Street party, Edinburgh”

  1. kim Avatar

    I wanted to go abroad for NYE, but since I just stared working I cannot take any days off, so yeh, I will be just home this year 🙁 But I was in Pokhara last year and in the USA the year before.. so no complains 😉

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      Wow! NYE in Pokhara sounds like fun! Starting a new year with clean air in the lung, WooP! 😀

  2. Leni Avatar
    Leni

    Or try celebrating New Year’s in Poland! Vodka, vodka, vodka…

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      That’s what Poland is all about, right?! 😀

  3. Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans Avatar

    It would be so great to spend NYE in a foreign country, and the celebrations in Edinburgh look like fun times! It’s always hard for me to plan what to do on NYE because Jave is usually working. Work…it always seems to get in the way!

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      Yes, I’ve had the same issue up until now, but it never really bothered me… It’s nice to be abroad, but being near friends and family has its perks too, right?! 😀

  4. Tana B Avatar

    Sounds like quite the adventure and a great way to kick off the new year. The firework show sounds amazing

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      It really was, Tana! How did you kick off the new year?

  5. Douglas Deleu Avatar
    Douglas Deleu

    Ow yeah I’ve spent new years eve in Scotland and it was awesome… but rainy 🙂

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      Very rainy indeed! But nothing a yellow rain coat and wellies can’t take care of! Whiskey helps too, me thinks. 😉

  6. Nikki Avatar
    Nikki

    Literally just came back from Scotland. We went to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, among other places. If you haven’t been, you def should check it out.

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      I heard of Fringe! It’s definitely something I want to check out!

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