Why would you choose a New Year break in Scotland? Well, no other nation in the world celebrates the New Year with quite as much revelry and passion as Scotland does, and it's hardly surprising that the enormous celebration that engulfs the country is legendary the world over.
Hogmanay is what we Scots call New Year's Eve - 31 December - the big night that marks the arrival of the new year. Its origins reach back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Vikings with wild parties in late December.
But whatever the scale of the event and wherever it's held, Scotland's Hogmanay celebrations guarantee a warm welcome and more new friends than you ever knew you had, all in a frenzy of goodwill! At midnight, sing along with Auld Lang Syne. For an unforgettable Hogmanay break, it's got to be Scotland.
Hogmanay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Hogmanay - When it comes to Hogmanay, Edinburgh certainly knows how to put on a show whether it's the enchanting torchlight procession, the famous Hogmanay street party and spectacular firework display or a toe-tapping ceilidh and concert in Princes Street Gardens.
Celebrations might be different this year but that doesn't mean we can't have a good time! For the first time ever, Edinburgh's Hogmanay are bringing the party online from the 28 December 2020 - 1 January 2021 with a whole host of virtual events to look forward to.
Over three nights, a series of free, online shows will be hosted on edinburghshogmanay.com with fans from all over the world able to enjoy a visually spectacular event! Narrated by an incredible group of Scottish talent, the line-up included actors David Tennant, Lorne MacFayden and Siobhan Redmond; Scots Makar Jackie Kay and Celtic fusion band Niteworks.
When the clock strikes midnight, gather your friends and family virtually to raise a toast to a much brighter 2021 where we hope to celebrate in style again.
What to look forward to in 2021
In 2021, enjoy three days of fantastic atmosphere and unforgettable memories. It must be experienced to be believed!
30 December - Torchlight procession
Join the revellers and get the party started! In Scotland, New Year's carousing gets underway when thousands of torch-bearers join Up Helly Aa's Vikings, pipes and drums. Together, they march through the heart of Edinburgh with flaming torches, creating a river of fire down the historic Royal Mile to Holyrood Park for the finale and closing celebrations.
31 December - Hogmanay Street Party
Princes Street welcomes the merrymakers to one of the greatest events on the planet (and we mean it!). Set beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, dance the night away at the Concert in the Gardens featuring incredible live music, entertainment, DJs, giant screens, and outdoor bars.
As the bells strike midnight, admire the world-famous Edinburgh Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks on the castle ramparts. And make sure you don't leave before Auld Lang Syne - a national sing-along where you join hands with friends you just met from across the globe in its biggest rendition in the world.
1 January - The Loony Dook
And if you need something to clear your head the morning after, why not take part in the (literally) breathtaking Loony Dook, the annual splash in the River Forth at South Queensferry? Take part in the Dookers Parade through the High Street before taking the plunge in the freezing Forth with the iconic Forth Bridges as a backdrop. And don't forget your fancy dress! Or you could just sleep in.