Just that it is a city of contradictions, rambunctious charm and has an incredible rarefied character. In case you are wondering, we are talking about the Scottish city of Edinburgh that is flanked with roaring waters on one side and dark brooding cliffs that remind you of Wuthering Heights on the other. The old crumbling buildings that perch majestically on rocky mountains further add to the rustic charm and a ruminating vibe seems to engulf this beautiful city.
New Years Celebrations are quite an event in this historic city, in fact the Scots have their own name for it, which is Hogmanay and the celebrations generally last up to three to four days. This year the dates are December 30th — January 1st and you can access the event guide online here. The city comes alive during Hogmanay and every corner is dotted with events, music concerts and fireworks.
There are direct flights to Edinburgh airports from England, Wales, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Scandinavia and one can reach one of Europe’s most beautiful city by train as well. First ScotRail operates a regular shuttle service between Edinburgh and Glasgow and for more information you can also call up National Rail Enquiry Service to enquire about the timetable. To experience the earthy character of the city get accommodation in the heart of Edinburg and ditch the fancy hotels in favor of a traditional Bed and Breakfast. It makes sense to get a place near the Waverley Station and somewhere central, so try getting a room at the 20 Albany Street.
On 30th December around 6 PM, the famous Torchlight Procession leaves the Parliament Square and ends with a dazzling fireworks display above the Edinburgh Castle. Then the next day the party spills over to the street and over 100,000 revelers fill Princes Street and the Royal Mile, as the city center also holds a number of musical events.
Those who don’t want to splurge big bucks on private parties in nightclubs and hotels can join in the Edinburgh New Year’s Ceilidh (a traditional Celtic party), which usually starts at 8PM and is a free open-air event. But if you thought the fun stopped at 31st then boy are you in for a surprise, as you clearly haven’t heard of the Loony Dook. The event takes place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m and requires participants to dress up in quirky and strange costumes before they jump into the icy waters of the Firth of Fourth.
Edinburgh is one the few European cities that has such a distinctive and time-honored New Year tradition. So next time you are planning a trip to the Scottish highlands, plan it around New Years to immerse yourself in a stunning and unforgettable celebration.