By Robbie Shade (Fireworks over Edinburgh) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Hogmanay in Edinburgh is a fantastic occasion, and the largest New Year's Eve celebration on the planet. Encompassing three days of culture, art, music, dance, and street theatre, it is an occasion not to be missed. From the Torchlit Procession through the historic streets of Scotland's capital, to the sky-filling fireworks display - one of the biggest in the world - this celebration welcomes the New Year in an unforgettable style.
The festivities start on the 30th of December with the Torchlit Procession, a river of fire that runs from the Royal Mile in the heart of the city, to Calton Hill, where the fireworks finale takes place. Join in with the many other thousands of participants from all over the world who join together to create this spectacular sight. The procession begins in early evening and winds its way through the town, culminating in the Son et Lumiere on Calton Hill, a light and fireworks performance which ushers in the New Year and bids farewell to the old.
On the night of Hogmanay itself, Edinburgh city centre explodes into life as crowds gather to celebrate the end of the year. Some 80,000 people congregate on Princes Street for the New Year's Street Party, as the old year draws to a close. The party includes Djs and outdoor bars, and at midnight you'll be in one of the best places to watch the world-famous Hogmanay fireworks. With the historic Edinburgh castle as a backdrop, the party kicks off around nine in the evening, and continues right through to the New Year. Be in the best place for the countdown and get yourself a ticket to the Edinburgh Street Party as early as you can.
That same night, in Princes Street Gardens, runs of the biggest musical events of the year – the Concert in the Gardens. This regularly sold out event is a great experience, and hosts a wide array of world famous musicians and special guests. If you are looking for a more traditional brand of music, there is the outdoor ceilidh. This take on the traditional Scottish ceilidh is the largest of its kind in the world. Held in a separate area of the Street Party, this a fantastic opportunity if you have never experienced a keilidh before, and is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.
The next day you might be feeling a little worse for wear, but the Hogmanay experience doesn't stop. On New Year's day hundreds of participants take part in the Dooker's Parade and proceed to the Firth of Forth. Once there they take the icy plunge into the cold waters of the river, an event known as the Looney Dook. Raising thousands of pounds for charity, this annual event is definitely worth a watch - or if you are feeling brave you can always join in!
The Edinburgh Hogmanay event spans three whole days of unique Scottish culture, entertainment, and art. With shows, fireworks, street performances, parties, dancing and parades, you won't find a bigger or more spectacular New Year's performance. If you decide to visit Edinburgh for Hogmanay, you are guaranteed not to be disappointed - though you may find yourself spoilt for choice!
