Scotland is a beautiful country in the UK known for its gorgeous scenery, especially the breathtaking Highlands, and various great things to do. One of the most-visited cities in the country is Glasgow, which is home to unique and wonderful architectural wonders, such as Glasgow Cathedral and The Lighthouse. Edinburgh is also a well-known destination in Scotland, being the country’s capital. Here, you can find Royal Mile, where there are plenty of shops to explore and pubs for some local brews and live music. If you are looking for a place to celebrate the start of a new year, there is no better destination than Scotland. To make the most of your visit, check out the best events & activities on New Year’s Eve in Scotland.
Winter in Scotland:
Since you’ll be visiting Scotland in December, I’d suggest taking a look at what winter feels like in Scotland.
According to the official tourism website, winter in Scotland is quite moderate, with average daytime temperatures of 5-7°C (41-45°F) in its coldest months (January and February). I’d still advise carrying warm clothes for a comfortable visit.
Check avalanche forecasts before your trip to ensure your safety.
Scotland offers some unmissable experiences in winter, like exhilarating winter festivals. Attend a Christmas event or a St Andrew’s Day celebration, whatever matches your holiday spirits!
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New Year's Eve celebrations in Scotland
About Hogmanay
- According to Visit Scotland, Hogmanay is one of the most important events in the country, dating back to the time of the invading Vikings. The Scots celebrate New Year's Eve like no other, and there are plenty of fun traditions and events that you can participate in if you're ringing in the new year in Scotland.
Traditions
- Historic UK affirms that there are several superstitions that locals do before midnight, including cleaning the house and clearing one's debts.
- Children go from house to house and are given treats, according to Britannica.
- Once the clock strikes midnight, everyone joins in to sing Auld Lang Syne.
Tips for tourists
- Since you'll be out and about celebrating with the locals, be sure to dress warm and layer up.
- Remember that many places will be closed on New Year's Day (and even on January 2) as these are considered public holidays. Many places will be closed, so you can take advantage and recover from a big night out!
Events and activities to celebrate New Year's Eve in Scotland
1. Learn the traditions at the Hogmanay Street Party in Edinburgh
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Welcoming the new year has never been this exciting. Take part in a street party that celebrates the coming of the new year in Edinburgh. You can join in the fun of one of the biggest celebrations in the country. It is important to note that joining the street party requires a ticket, so keep your eye out on the event’s official website for more details.
The street party is the main event for the New Year’s celebration. It features DJs playing some lively music and street theater performances to keep you occupied. The fireworks will be set off at midnight, so I’d suggest carrying your camera. You can enjoy street food and beverages at the arena too.
Hogmanay Street Party in Edinburgh
Address: Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Website: Hogmanay Street Party in Edinburgh
Date: For updated dates and hours, please visit official website
2. Celebrate Hogmanay at Holiday Inn Aberdeen - West with your family
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Why not join us for our Hogmanay Gala and celebrate the end of 2021 and toast with us to a much better 2022. With...
Posted by Holiday Inn Aberdeen - West on Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Celebrate your New Year’s Eve with your loved ones at Holiday Inn Aberdeen - West. You can reserve a table in the Glentanar Lounge and indulge in some evening entertainment while you are here. Since the event offers wonderful food selections, including vegetarian options, guests are sure to have a delightful dining experience here.
Dance the night away after enjoying a glass of your favorite champagne to make the occasion more memorable. Though up to 200 guests can enjoy their evening here, be sure to reserve your spot beforehand.
Hogmanay at Holiday Inn Aberdeen - West
Address: Holiday Inn Aberdeen West, Westhill Drive, Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB32 6TT
Website: Hogmanay at Holiday Inn Aberdeen - West
Date: For updated dates and hours, please visit official website
3. Have a wholesome Family Hogmanay Ceilidh in Edinburgh
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Celebrate New Year’s Eve, or Hogmanay as the Scots call it, at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre. This property has its own cocktail bar, SKYbar Edinburgh, that offers stunning city views.
On this special evening, you get to enjoy entertaining music while you count down to the new year. I’d love to try the package, which includes a glass of champagne, as well as filled rolls. Vegan options are also available to cater to different types of guests. Note that full payment will be required upon booking.
Family Hogmanay Ceilidh
Address: 34 Bread St, Edinburgh EH3 9AF, United Kingdom
Website: Family Hogmanay Ceilidh
Date: For updated dates and hours, please visit official website
4. Witness the Bannockburn New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Stirling
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Bannockburn offers a festive way to celebrate your New Year’s Eve with your loved ones.
During the celebration, you get to watch a delightful fireworks show that I’m sure will make your evening a lot more special. There are also food and drink vendors on the premises if you wish to enjoy some refreshments. Afterward, you can explore some local hotels to continue the festivities for the evening.
Bannockburn New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Address: Bannockburn, Stirling, FK7 United Kingdom
Website: Bannockburn New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Date: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official website
5. Make your New Year REDolution with Johnny Mac & Friends! in Glasgow
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Spend your New Year’s Eve at Radisson RED, where you can enjoy some awesome music while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the property’s very own Oui Bar. Here, you can watch some performers, such as Johnny Mac & The Faithful, Robin Ashcroft, and The Caledonia Three, who are sure to make the evening more memorable and engaging.
If you do not feel like leaving the venue, you can also book a room here at a special rate, which comes with tickets for the event for two people.
New Year REDolution with Johnny Mac & Friends!
Address: 25 Tunnel St, Finnieston Quay, Glasgow G3 8HL, United Kingdom
Website: New Year REDolution with Johnny Mac & Friends!
Date: For updated dates and hours, please visit official website
6. Have a unique experience at Stonehaven's Fireball Ceremony
Want to celebrate New Year’s in a unique and interactive way? Then I’d recommend making a fireball while you wait for the new year with an interesting crowd on High Street in Stonehaven. If you want to witness the whole process, you may want to get to the venue around 10pm. Do note that the venue closes as soon as it reaches full capacity.
The initial celebration starts at midnight and may last for less than half an hour. After the fireball show, you can admire stunning fireworks lighting up the evening sky, making the special occasion extra delightful.
Stonehaven's Fireball Ceremony
Address: High Street, Stonehaven, United Kingdom
Website: Stonehaven’s Fireball Ceremony
Date: For updated dates and hours, please visit official website
7. Dance the night away at the Hogmanay Party by Stirling Court Hotel
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This party at Stirling Court Hotel is a great way to celebrate the start of the new year. This eventful Hogmanay party comes with sparkling beverages and light savory snacks upon arrival, as well as a three-course meal with tea and coffee. Indulge in a glass of sparkling wine as you toast to the beginning of a new year.
You can even dance your heart out until 2 am. If you wish to stay at the hotel after the party, you can opt for the package that includes a classic room with a traditional Scottish breakfast. After partying all night, the hotel offers late check-out for your convenience.
Hogmanay Party by Stirling Court Hotel
Address: University of Stirling, Airthrey Rd, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
Website: Hogmanay Party by Stirling Court Hotel
Date: For updated dates and hours, please visit official website
8. Join the Rare Hogmanay Rave at The Tunnels in Aberdeen
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Note: This event no longer takes place as of 2024.
A festive five-hour celebration, i think this event is ideal for adults who want to have fun while surrounded by a large crowd. Held at a nightclub called The Tunnels in Aberdeen, this rave party will allow you to unwind as you enjoy some of your favorite alcoholic beverages.
With a large dance floor in the center of the venue, you can show off your moves while you listen to some sick beats. Whether you are celebrating your New Year’s Eve with a group of friends or if you just want to meet some new people, this is surely a great way to spend your night.
Rare Hogmanay Rave at The Tunnels
Address: Carnegie’s Brae, Aberdeen AB10 1BF, United Kingdom
Website: Rare Hogmanay Rave at The Tunnels
9. Enjoy Freddie Fever - New Year's Eve Show in Crieff
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Note: This event no longer takes place as of 2024.
A special event held at The Melville at Crieff Hydro Hotel in the UK, Freddie Fever is an exciting way to spend the beginning of your new year. During the event, you can enjoy listening to songs from the popular rock band, Queen.
To make the experience more enjoyable, a delicious beverage upon arrival is included with the ticket. If you wish to arrive early, doors open at 7:30pm, but the show proper starts at 9pm. A glass of champagne is also included.
Freddie Fever - New Year's Eve Show
Address: Crieff Hydro, Strathearn House, Ferntower Rd, Crieff PH7 3LQ, United Kingdom
Website: Freddie Fever - New Year’s Eve Show
10. Attend the New Years Botanical Banquet in Glasgow with your partner
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A massive Happy New Year to all of our customers. Thank you for making 2019 an unforgettable year. It's not too late to get your hands on our Festive Cocktails
Posted by Citation Weddings & Events on Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Note: This event no longer takes place as of 2024.
Held to Citation Weddings & Events in Glasgow – this New Year’s Eve celebration comes with refreshing cocktails and delicious food. During the event, you can indulge in a five-course meal, as well as three delectable Hendricks drinks.
Ensuring that the guests stay entertained throughout the night, there is a dance floor where you can enjoy the New Year countdown as you move to the beat. Whether you are planning to spend the special occasion with your friends or with your partner, this event is definitely worth considering.
Citation x Hendricks present: New Years Botanical Banquet
Address: Citation Weddings & Events, 40 Wilson Street, Glasgow G1 1HD, United Kingdom
Website: Citation x Hendricks present: New Years Botanical Banquet
Enjoy a festive evening in Scotland
A wonderful tourist destination, Scotland offers much more than beautiful villages and natural beauty. It is a great place to start the new year with a variety of experiences on offer. Enjoy a festive evening by checking out the best events & activities on New Year’s Eve in Scotland.
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