THE CAPITAL IS AT ITS BEST WHEN WELCOMING IN THE NEW YEAR

Celebrating the New Year in Edinburgh has become a must, one for the bucket list... Indeed, the Scottish city’s Hogmanay celebrations have gained an international reputation as a party not to miss. Whether you join in the street party, find the best vantage point to catch the midnight fireworks, or join the busy crowds in the city’s many bars and restaurants, the atmosphere is unbeatable. Stay close to all the action in one of our Edinburgh hotels, and ask our staff for tips on what else to see and do on your visit.

THE STREET PARTY

Join one of the world's biggest outdoor street parties as live bands, DJs and pop-up bars fill the streets of Edinburgh. The city comes alive with celebrations from 7pm on 31st December. At midnight, catch the fireworks watched by 1 billion people worldwide, live. Previous acts helping to party the night away include the likes of Mark Ronson, Friendly Fires and the Kaiser Chiefs. No wonder it’s made the ‘Top 100 things to do before you die’ list and the Discovery Channel’s Top 25 World Travel Experiences! Tickets £25.00.

THE TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION

On 30th December, don’t miss the opening event of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations. From George IV Bridge to Waterloo Place and Calton Hill, it’s a sell-out affair that brings an extra touch of magic to the city and marks the official start of a three-day spectacular. In 2014 as many as 50,000 participants and spectators met to carry the wax-based torches to the sound of pipes and drums, illuminating the city, before a splendid fireworks finale.

COOL CONCERTS

There’s no better way to soak up the atmosphere than catching a live concert. This year, Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro will be headlining at the Concert in the Gardens with special guests Idlewild and Honeyblood. Garden tickets now on-sale from £49.50. For something a little more sedate, the Candelit Concert at St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile will welcome St Giles’ Cathedral Choir.

OUTDOOR CEILIDH

The most family-friendly of events to celebrate Hogmanay, the outdoor ceilidh is always popular. Get to grips with traditional Scottish music and dancing at the UK’s largest outdoor New Year ceilidh, starting at 8pm. ‘Birl’ through the bells until 1am or make the most of the bars and food village. Learn from the Ceilidh Caller and enjoy the midnight fireworks.

STOATS LOONY DOOK

A crazy, or ‘loony’, tradition that has seen folk dip into the freezing waters of the River Forth for thirty years! Welcome the New Year with a splash at the South Queensferry annual plunge, and help a good cause by raising money for a charity. Sponsored by Stoats porridge pioneers, you’ll even get a free warming bowl of oats for your troubles. Travel to South Queensferry takes approximately 45 minutes with Stagecoach’s New Year’s Day service.