If you find yourself travelling Scotland during NYE, and you’re sitting behind the wheel of one of our motorhomes, you’ve certainly got a lot of events to choose from.
This is a country that takes New Year’s celebrations to a whole new level, to the point where we don’t even call it “New Year” anymore. No, this is Hogmanay. An NYE celebration that is far wilder, much more fun, and, of course, far more Scottish!
Every year, cities, towns, and villages have their own way of celebrating, but in our opinion, the best location for Hogmanay events has to be the city of Edinburgh.
This is where you’ll be picking up one of our Scottish motorhomes to begin your journey, but the city itself is far more than just a stepping-off point. Edinburgh is a place full of whimsical wonders, with plenty of things you can enjoy and experience.
So what kind of NYE events can you expect? Well, luckily – or unluckily, depending on how you look at it – there are several celebrations to choose from when Hogmanay comes to town, with some even starting as far back as the 29th of December. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of everything below.
Torchlight Procession – 29th December
Starting in the Meadows and ending in the City Centre, this torchlight procession is a tradition that started thirty years ago, with 20,000 people carrying a torch through the city streets to shine a light on homelessness. For those who want to enjoy a carnival atmosphere, the event has a variety of street performers, fire dancers, drummers, and, of course, an awful lot of bagpipes!
Ho-Ho-Hogmanay – 29th December
If you want to laugh your way into 2024, the ‘Ho Ho Hogmanay’ is happening in the Assembly Rooms on George Street, and it’s going to feature comedy from a range of acts including Fred MacAulay, Larry Dean, Susie McCabe, and Emmanuel Sonubi. Nominated for ‘Best Show’ at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2023, this is a great choice that has already proven to be a hit.
Night Afore Hoolie – 30th December
If comedy isn’t really your thing, however, Blue Rose Code will be seeing out the year with a long-awaited homecoming show in the same venue. Backed by the Caley Soul Band, and with some special guests including Dean Owens, Jill Jackson, and Sulidae, this is going to be a belting set for all lovers of Scottish Folk, Soul, and Americana.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party – 31st December
When it comes to the main event, multiple celebrations are happening across the city on the 31st of December, with the biggest being the infamous Hogmanay Street Party. Set alongside one of the best Christmas markets in the UK, this event welcomes around 40,000 revellers every year from around the globe, with street performers, funfair attractions, street food and fireworks that are more than worth the £28.50 entrance fee. It’s even got a small musical add-on for you to enjoy…
Pulp Concert – 31st December
That’s right! Pulp! Along with the Hogmanay Street Party, revellers will have access to Princes Street Gardens, where Pulp will be bringing in the New Year with an extraordinary headline set. Set against the backdrop of the famous Edinburgh Castle, and due to coincide with a twenty-minute-long firework display, this event is going to be a night to remember for everyone. Tickets are going fast, however, so if you’re a Pulp fan – and let’s be honest, who isn’t? – we recommend getting your tickets now.
Edinburgh Silent Disco – 31st December
For the small minority of people who aren’t Pulp fans, don’t worry, because there are several other activities to get involved with. One of these activities is the Mega Silent Disco, which is hosted by the Silent Adventures Team and will feature DJ James Longworth. With plenty of genres to choose from – and some state-of-the-art headphones to listen with – you and 4,000 others will be picking your own soundtrack to bring in the New Year!
Candlelit St Giles Concert – 31st December
Lastly, if you want to keep things a little more low-key, the candlelit St Giles Concert – which is celebrating its 900th anniversary – is going to be taking place a little earlier in the evening. This is a beautiful concert that will feature music from J. S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, performed by a full orchestra in one of the most iconic buildings in the country. For lovers of classical music, it’s a winner. And for lovers of Hogmanay and unforgettable NYE parties, you’ve got to say this city is too.
