New Year in Edinburgh: Thrilling Activities and Iconic Events You Can't Miss

Thinking about heading to Edinburgh to bid adieu to 2024? Oh lucky, you are! New Year in Edinburgh, also known as Hogmanay in the Scottish language, is considered one of the biggest festivals in the world. With elegant music, stunning firework displays, street parties, age-old ceremonial traditions, and full-on entertainment, you can spend your NYE with fun and thrill. Edinburgh's Hogmanay lasts for three days starting from 29 December 2024 to 1st January 2025.

Explore These Activities and Events to Celebrate a Grand New Year in Edinburgh

Edinburgh attracts thousands of visitors during New Year's to enjoy firework displays, lavish parties, and scrumptious food with laughter and fun. There are many ways to embrace, explore, and have fun to create long-lasting memories in Edinburgh. The best time to visit Edinburgh is from June to August. If you wish to celebrate New Year in Edinburgh, this blog post is for you. Here, you'll be provided with top events and activities to attend the grand NYE celebration in Edinburgh. Let the adventures begin, my friend!

• Princes Street Gardens
• Calton Hill
• Waterloo Place
• Torchlight Procession
• St Giles' Cathedral
• Beehive Inn

1. Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh New Year’s Eve is packed with exciting events, and Princes Street Gardens is the place to be! One of the highlights is the mega concert featuring Scottish music icons Texas, including Sharleen Spiteri, along with Callum Beattie. This incredible show is part of the Hogmanay in Edinburgh celebrations, but remember, it’s a ticketed event starting on 31st December 2024. Be sure to grab your tickets before they sell out! There’s so much to explore, from live music to fireworks, making it a night to remember. Don’t miss out on the unforgettable experience of Hogmanay in Edinburgh!

Location: Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG, United Kingdom

Famous Hotels:

• Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel
• Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
• The Balmoral
• Motel One Edinburgh Princes
• Hotel Indigo Edinburgh - Princes Street, an IHG Hotel

Major Attractions:

• Panoramic view Castle
• Princes Street Gardens Playground
• Floral Clock
• Ross Band Stand
• Edinburgh Christmas Market

Popular Restaurants:

• The Boozy Cow
• Côte Edinburgh
• Makars Mash Bar
• Five Guys Edinburgh Frederick St
• Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre
• Howies Restaurant

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2. Calton Hill

If you want to enjoy the stunning fireworks on New Years Eve in Edinburgh without being in the middle of the big crowd, head to Calton Hill. It offers one of the best views of the fireworks, so you can relax and take in the amazing show. Calton Hill also gives you a chance to experience the celebration in a quieter spot, while still being part of the action. You’ll see the street parties, with music, dance, and all the fun of Edinburgh's NYE celebrations. It's the perfect place for a memorable New Year’s Eve with a beautiful view!

Location: Edinburgh EH7 5BN, United Kingdom

Famous Hotels:

• Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
• The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
• Parliament House Hotel - Lovely Edinburgh Hotel in City Centre
• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
• Princes Street Suites

Major Attractions:

• Nelson Monument
• National Monument of Scotland
• Dugald Stewart Monument
• City Observatory
• Robert Burns Monument

Popular Restaurants

• Brasserie Prince
• Taste of Italy
• Mamma Roma
• Nando's Edinburgh - Omni Centre
• Oink Canongate

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3. Waterloo Place

Waterloo Place is a historic square in Edinburgh, perfect for celebrating Edinburgh's Hogmanay. If you're looking for a special way to enjoy Edinburgh's New Year’s Eve Party, consider staying in one of the many Edinburgh hotels New Year offers. You can experience luxurious dinner cruises, amazing fireworks, and live music. There are plenty of fun things to do, from joining street parties to enjoying a hotel gala with delicious food and drinks. Whether you want to party or relax with stunning views, Edinburgh has it all to make your New Year's Eve celebration unforgettable!

Location: Edinburgh, UK

Famous Hotels:

• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
• Travelodge Edinburgh Central Waterloo Place
• Destiny Scotland Hanover Apartments
• Braid Apartments By Mansley
• Eden Locke - Studio Apartment

Major Attractions:

• The Real Mary King's Close
• Edinburgh Castle
• Dynamic Earth
• The Edinburgh Dungeon
• Scott Monument

Popular Restaurants:

• Howies Restaurant
• Thai Express Kitchen
• Society Bar & Kitchen
• Duck & Waffle
• Maki & Ramen

Suggested Read: Atypical Things To Do In Scotland For An Exciting Excursion

4. Torchlight Procession

Edinburgh's Hogmanay torchlight procession is a magical tradition held at the end of December every year. It starts at The Meadows and ends at Castle Terrace, with thousands of people holding burning torches as they walk through the city. The procession lights up the streets and welcomes the coming year with hopes for good fortune. It’s a beautiful way to kick off New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh, filled with excitement and energy. The sight of so many torches lighting up the night sky creates an unforgettable atmosphere, making it one of the most special parts of the Hogmanay celebrations.

Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Famous Hotels:

• Radisson Blu Hotel
• The Balmoral Hotel
• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
• Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
• Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

Major Attractions:

• The Royal Mile
• Holyrood Park
• Edinburgh’s Old Town
• Nelson Monument
• National Museum of Scotland

Popular Restaurants:

• Côte Edinburgh
• Howies Restaurant
• MUMS Great Comfort Food
• The Boozy Cow
• Taste of Italy
• City Restaurant

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5. St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles' Cathedral is one of the best places to celebrate New Year in the world. Each year, it hosts a beautiful NYE concert with religious music from famous composers like Mozart, Handel, and Bach. Local choirs add to the magical atmosphere, making it a unique way to welcome the new year. The peaceful and stunning setting of the cathedral creates a special experience for all who attend. If you're looking for things to do in Edinburgh New Year, this concert is a perfect choice. It’s a wonderful blend of music, history, and celebration that you won’t forget.

Location: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, United Kingdom

Famous Hotels:

• St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh Old Town
• Cheval Old Town Chambers
• CoDE Pod – THE CoURT
• Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate
• Market Street hotel

Major Attractions:

• Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh
• The Scotch Whisky Experience
• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• John Knox House
• The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle

Popular Restaurants:

• Burgers and Beers Grillhouse
• Angels with Bagpipes
• Le Bistrot
• Makars Mash Bar
• Filling Station
• Howies Restaurant
• The Outsider Restaurant

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6. Beehive Inn

The Beehive Inn is one of the best places for a bachelor party in the world. You can enjoy delicious food, plenty of drinks, and live music performances. It’s a great spot to celebrate and have fun with friends. If you’re planning to spend your New Year's Eve there, you’re in for a treat. Don’t miss the famous Edinburgh New Year’s Eve fireworks during Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration. The atmosphere is electric, with stunning views and a vibrant crowd. Book your tickets now to make your New Year's celebration unforgettable at the Beehive Inn.

Location: 18-20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, United Kingdom

Famous Hotels:

• Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
• High Street Hostel
• Novotel Edinburgh Centre
• Britannia Hotel Edinburgh
• DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre

Major Attractions:

• Forward and Half Moon Battery
• Advocate's Close
• Edinburgh Castle - Mill's Mount Battery
• The Witches Well
• City of the Dead Tours

Popular Restaurants:

• Petit Paris
• Mamma's American Pizza
• Made in Italy
• O'Oliviero
• Dough Pizza
• Howies Restaurant

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New Year Eve Events in Edinburgh

29th December 2024

• Torchlight Procession: A huge fire parade lights up Edinburgh’s Old Town. 20,000 people join in, along with Viking performers, pipers, drummers, and fire shows.

30th December 2024

• Scottish Fiddle Orchestra at the Usher Hall: Enjoy lively Scottish tunes and famous songs played by the orchestra to get you in the party mood. It’s the perfect way to kick off your celebrations in this vibrant city! Consider staying at one of the hotels in Edinburgh for New Year for easy access to such festive events.
• Hot Dub Time Machine - Night Afore Disco Party: Dance to non-stop music from 1962 to 2024 at this fun disco party at Princes Street Gardens, with Edinburgh Castle in the background.
• Idlewild at the Night Afore Concert: Scottish indie-rock band Idlewild will perform their hits at the Assembly Rooms for a night of great music.

31st December 2024

• Bairns New Year Revels: A fun event for all ages with live music, dancing, and Hogmanay celebrations at the Assembly Rooms. Don’t forget to wear your tartan!
• Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral: Looking for a memorable way to celebrate New Year's Eve Edinburgh? Enjoy a peaceful concert in the stunning cathedral, with the St Giles’ Choir performing Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. It’s a serene and beautiful experience to add to your New Year’s festivities in the heart of Edinburgh.
• Concert in the Gardens: Scottish band TEXAS headlines this outdoor concert, with special guest Callum Beattie and one of the world’s best New Year fireworks shows.
• Pre Hogmanay Dining at Contini’s: Enjoy a three-course dinner at Contini’s, followed by entry to the Hogmanay Street Party.
• Hogmanay Street Party: Join 45,000 people to celebrate New Year with live music, DJs, giant screens, street theatre, pipers, drummers, and fireworks in Edinburgh.
• Hogmanay at Brewhemia: Celebrate with music, food, and lots of entertainment at Brewhemia, Scotland’s largest restaurant and beer hall.
• Hogmanay at Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Celebrate in style with amazing views of Edinburgh Castle and the fireworks from the Heights Suite at Apex Grassmarket Hotel.
• The Haggis Ceilidhs Hogmanay Party: Dance the night away to a lively ceilidh band at O2 Academy Edinburgh.
• Hogmanay at W Edinburgh: Party in the W Lounge with drinks, food, and a fantastic view of the Edinburgh New Year fireworks. It’s the perfect place to ring in the New Year with a lively atmosphere and an unforgettable fireworks display!
• Hogmanay Aboard Britannia: Celebrate New Year on the Royal Yacht Britannia with a champagne reception, a tour of the ship, a delicious dinner, and a special countdown to midnight.
• Hogmanay at Edinburgh Street Food: Enjoy street food, local beers, cocktails, and music from the band Harmonia and The Forget-Me-Nots at Edinburgh Street Food.
• Hogmanay Ball at Norton House Hotel & Spa: Start with champagne, followed by a four-course meal, entertainment, and bagpipes at midnight. Overnight stays are also available.
• Hogmanay at The Dome: A glamorous New Year in Edinburgh with a red carpet, welcome drink, three-course meal, live ceilidh, DJ music, magic, and a glass of bubbly to celebrate the New Year.

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New Year Events in Edinburgh

1st January 2025

• Bairns New Year Revels: Enjoy another day of family fun with live music, dancing, and Hogmanay celebrations at the Assembly Rooms.
• Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral: The beautiful St. Giles’ Cathedral hosts a peaceful concert with Bach’s Christmas Oratorio sung by the St Giles’ Choir.
• Concert in the Gardens: Scottish band TEXAS will perform live with fireworks lighting up the sky in this famous Edinburgh event.
• Pre Hogmanay Dining at Contini’s: A three-course meal and entry to the Hogmanay Street Party make for a great start to your celebration at Contini’s Scottish Café and Restaurant.
• Hogmanay Street Party: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with 45,000 people, enjoying music, performances, pipers, drummers, and a stunning fireworks display in Edinburgh.
• Hogmanay at Brewhemia: Dance, eat, and celebrate New Year’s Eve with great entertainment and food at Brewhemia.
• Hogmanay at Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Watch the fireworks at the Apex Grassmarket Hotel’s Heights Suite, with amazing views of Edinburgh Castle.
• The Haggis Ceilidhs Hogmanay Party: A fun and energetic ceilidh party at O2 Academy Edinburgh to bring in the New Year.
• Hogmanay at W Edinburgh: Celebrate with drinks, food, and a perfect view of the fireworks at W Edinburgh.
• Hogmanay Aboard Britannia: Experience New Year’s Eve on the Royal Yacht Britannia with a champagne reception, dinner, and fireworks.
• Hogmanay at Edinburgh Street Food: Enjoy tasty street food, drinks, and live music from Harmonia and The Forget-Me-Nots to ring in the New Year.
• Hogmanay Ball at Norton House Hotel & Spa: A night of champagne, food, and entertainment, plus bagpipes at midnight to celebrate the New Year.
• Hogmanay at The Dome: Glamour, delicious food, live music, magic, and a glass of bubbly to bring in the New Year at The Dome.

Edinburgh’s New Year’s Eve or Hogmanay is renowned for its stunning firework displays, superb music, extravagant parties, traditional dancing, and family events, attracting millions of revelers around the world. From the inspiring Torchlight Procession to massive fireworks against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, New Year in Edinburgh is one festival that no one should miss. Are you excited to be a part of Hogmanay this year? Book Edinburgh tour packages and make your NYE filled with fun, thrill, and entertainment.

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