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It's never too early to plan your festive celebrations and Hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve, is one of the biggest events on the Scottish calendar, anticipated almost as much as Christmas itself. Thought to have originated from the invasion of Nordic Vikings as a way to observe the winter solstice and celebrate its passing, Hogmanay has taken many forms over the years. Today, us Scots celebrate in style across the country. Whether you plan to hunker down with loved ones or party the night away, there’s an event for you. Join us as we share our favourite ways to ring in the bells.
It wouldn’t be Hogmanay in Scotland without mentioning the capital’s major celebrations. With firework displays, live music, and organised marches, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is unbeaten in its grandeur. Let’s dive in to our recommendations for making your New Year’s Eve one to remember:
In true Scots fashion, the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations are spread over a number of days, giving locals and visitors alike the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves into the traditions.
Surround yourself with excitement and wonder at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party, a yearly affair that takes over Princes St and treats the city to a world-class firework display, along with live music, DJ’s and street performances. Make sure you don’t miss the torchlit procession on the 29th, and the Night Afore concert in Princes St Gardens on the 30th, hosted this year by the brilliant Peat and Diesel. These events are ticketed, so be sure to lock in your spot soon. If you don’t fancy the crowds, there are plenty of options around the city for a quiet spot to take in the celebrations with your loved ones.
Tickets to Edinburgh Hogmanay Party here.
If you want to get your 2026 off to a fresh start, head out to the seaside towns of Portobello or South Queensferry on the 1st January to take part in the annual Loony Dook! This brilliantly fun day out sees hundreds of locals storm the beaches for a refreshing dip in the ice cold sea. Some look at the Loony Dook as an opportunity to cleanse themselves from last year's worries and stresses, others see a fun challenge diving into the unforgiving winter sea. No matter your reason for joining in, it’s always an exciting way to start off your year. If you’re interested in giving it a go, we’d recommend staying in touch with local Facebook groups as these are often unofficial, non-ticketed events. Costumes are encouraged!
The Outsider is a European style restaurant in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh with arguably some of the best views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Dive into their curated menus filled to the brim with tasty selections, and browse their extensive wine list to find your perfect match. Only a stones throw from the main Edinburgh celebrations, this could be the perfect spot to get your Hogmanay off to a great start. Book via telephone: +44(0)01312263131
If you fancy something a bit special, Montrose could be the eatery for you. With ingredients sourced from trusted local suppliers and a wine list that reaches all corners of Europe, Montrose is a bustling neighbourhood restaurant serving up memorable dishes that will warm your soul in the colder months. The best part is the restaurant is only a short 15 minute stroll to Calton Hill, the perfect viewpoint for watching the fireworks at midnight and a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike.
For something a bit further out of town, why not try meandering down to Piggs in Bruntsfield for a complete smorgasbord of your favourite tapas dishes. Piggs is a family-run business that has developed into an Edinburgh staple and a strong favourite amongst the Meander team, you simply can’t go wrong with such a variety of dishes and flavours. It truly is a taste of Spain on our doorstep. Don’t forget to head out to the Bruntsfield Links for a great view of the fireworks at Edinburgh Castle.
Booking and info: Click here
Newly opened earlier this year, The Hoxton Edinburgh is neatly nestled in the West End across 11 unified terraced houses, and is the first Hoxton Hotel to open its doors in Scotland. With inspiring, Scandi style furnishings and rooms filled with personality and surprises, the hotel has solidified itself as a must-stay for Edinburgh visitors. Treat yourself to a visit to their in-house Italian restaurant, or enjoy your favourite blockbuster in their intimate cinema, this place really has it all!
Booking and info: Click here
If you’re looking for something closer to the city centre, The Raeburn in Stockbridge has you covered. Just a quick 15 minute walk to the heart of the city, The Raeburn is an iconic Stockbridge staple. The modern-style pub on the ground floor covers everything food and drink, and the secluded attached rooms welcome you in with their bold colours and comfortable furniture pieces. Head around the corner to Inverleith park for a fantastic view of the Castle and Arthurs Seat. Even better, you’re a stone throw away from our flagship Edinburgh store, so be sure to pop in and say hello!
Booking and info: Click here
Finally, another of our favourite spaces in Edinburgh is the brilliant W Hotel, which you may recognise if you’ve observed the city skyline in the past few years. This new addition to the City Centre proves brilliant 360 degree rooftop views of the city and luxurious rooms built with comfort in mind. If you’d prefer to stay warm whilst you take in the New Year, this is the place to go.
For a more traditional cultural experience, try heading further north up to the seaside town of Stonehaven, just 15 miles from Aberdeen. Known for it’s charming old town and scenic views of the North Sea, Stonehaven is loaded with history and opportunities for adventure. Here are some of our top tips for visiting, as well as why the town is a hotspot for Hogmanay celebrations.
Stonehaven is home to one of the most traditional Hogmanay celebrations in the country, The Fireball Ceremony. Kicking off at midnight, approximately 40 men and women parade through the street swinging fiercely flaming balls around their heads, creating a captivating 20-minute display. It is believed that this long-standing tradition derives from ancient Winter Solstice celebrations with the flames signifying the power of the sun, purifying the world of evil spirits and casting them off into the freezing ocean. This event is non-ticketed, so ensure that you arrive early to secure a spot before the gates close!
When you’re visiting a seaside fishing village, what better way to embrace the culture than to dig into a classic fish and chips? The town has direct access to some of the best fishing ports in the country, so you always know that your battered haddock will be fresh and tasty. We recommend visiting The Bay for a locally produced meal sourced by trusted suppliers in the area. If you’re looking for a dessert, Stonehaven is also the birthplace of the heavily debated yet widely beloved Battered Mars Bar, so when in Rome…
Bookings and info: Click here
Less than half an hour from Stonehaven lies the beautiful Banchory Lodge Hotel. Perched on the edge of the River Dee, this 4 Star hotel offers visitors the perfect setting to reconnect with nature and nourish your soul. Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the River Dee, and make the most of the scenery with the abundance of activities on offer.
This archipelago perched on top of mainland Scotland is a must-see part of Scotland. Despite its remote location, Orkney offers up some of the strongest community ties in the country. Old norse traditions remain a solid part of daily life, wherever you go you will find a piece of history with an inspiring story. Take a look at our recommendations for making the most of your New Years, the Orcadian way.
The Orkney Islands are home to one of the more unique traditions that take place at this time of year known as the Kirkwall Ba, taking place on Christmas Day and New Years Day. In the game there are two opposing teams, Uppies and Doonies, who must push through the streets of Kirkwall, carrying, kicking, or smuggling a leather ball to their respective goals. The Uppies aim to touch the Ba to a wall in the east end of the town centre, and the Doonies must submerge the Ba in the harbour sea, making quite the spectacle. Traditionally, your team is determined by which end of town you were born in/the direction you travel home by from the hospital (by the sea or Uppie wall), or how you first arrived to Kirkwall (air arrivals being Uppies and ferry arrivals being Doonies). With no time limits, no restrictions on the number of players and next to no rules, this game is not for the faint of heart. A day spent at the Ba with a thermos of homemade soup is an Orcadians preferred way to shake off the Hogmanay hangover. The Boys Ba kicks off in front of the St. Magnus Cathedral at 10am, and the Mens at 1pm, so be sure to secure your spot in the crowd on time for the best view.
The Storehouse is a modern-style restaurant with history spanning over a century. Built around 1880 as a Herring and Pork curing station, the building still retains its original internal timbers, some of which were salvaged from local shipwrecked tall ships. Nowadays, the restaurant serves up locally sourced dishes that encapsulate everything that the isles has to offer. Sample whiskys brewed only a short walk away, and indulge in seafood and meat reared in local farms.
Bookings and info: Click here
Overlooking the Bay of Skaill, Skaill House is the finest and most historic mansion in all of Orkney. Not only do visitors get to experience a great night’s sleep, they are also privy to thousands of years of history spread throughout the house and the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to the neighbouring neolithic village, Skara Brae. Back at the house, you can choose from two of the house’s self-catering apartments and immerse yourself in your very own island getaway.
As a country, we are spoiled with unique and exciting ways to celebrate this special day. No matter where you are, you’re never far from a party. We hope you have found something that catches your eye, and that you have an amazing Hogmanay wherever you may be. Don’t forget to brush up on your Auld Lang Syne for the post-bells singalong!
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