New Year party Scotland

Celebrations will begin with the Torchlight procession on December 30, which last year saw 30, 000 people walk through the Scottish capital, and continue through to the 30th “Loony Dook” on New Year’s Day, which sees hundreds of people in fancy dress plunge into the freezing River Forth in view of the renowned bridges.

Biffy Clyro, the band that formed in Kilmarnock, will headline the sold-out main concert in Princes Street Gardens on New Year’s Eve, while other revellers can join the Street Party, with live bands and DJs in the city centre.

The Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks are an annual fixture (Chris Watt)

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Fireworks will see in the new year at midnight on December 31.

The countdown to this New Year will have a distinctly Scottish feel.

Richard Lewis, Edinburgh city council's festivals and events champion

The celebrations, which have been overhauled this year, will also include a new “Old Town Ceilidh” that promises to combine traditional music, food and drink in the old part of the city.

Richard Lewis, Edinburgh city council's festivals and events champion, said: "The countdown to this New Year will have a distinctly Scottish feel with scores of home-grown musical talent and the striking Old Town featuring as the setting for the new 'Old Town Ceilidh', where revellers will be tested to perform the longest Strip the Willow dance in the world.

An Up Helly Aa style procession has been part of previous years' events (Lloyd Smith) Photo: lloyd Smith

Torchlight Procession

This memorable event sees tens of thousands of people walk through the streets of Edinburgh carrying torches, in a marvellous spectacle.

This year's Concert in the Garden as already sold out, but there are plenty of other events (Lloyd Scott) Photo: Lloyd Scott

December 31

The Concert in the Gardens, with headline act Biffy Clyro, is sold out. Party-goers can however still join the following events:

Street Party

Four stages of the best traditional, rock and pop music as well as alternative acts in locations around the city centre. Previous acts have included Mark Ronson, Django Django, and The Vaccines.

Arena, bars and attractions open from 7pm, live acts from 9pm

After the Street Party, CityLink buses will depart from Edinburgh Bus Station to a number of destinations across Scotland; pre-booking essential. Details to be announced shortly; check for updates.

Candlelit Concert, St Giles’ Cathedral

A concert featuring performances by the St Giles' Cathedral Choir and young soloists.

The Old Town Ceilidh

What claims to be the UK’s largest Ceilidh will take place on High Street/Parliament Square, replacing the extremely popular Keilidh on the Mound from previous years. Dancing is on paved and cobbled surfaces, so appropriate footwear is advised.

Midnight Fireworks

Pictures of fireworks over Edinburgh Castle bringing in the new year are some of the most memorable of the Scottish capital. They are best seen from a distance, rather than from near the launch areas, which will be cordoned off.

The fireworks are best seen from a distance (Lloyd Smith)

The Stoats Loony Dook

This classic New Year’s Day dip in the River Forth sees people in fancy dress jump into the water in the shadow of the Forth bridges. Stoats oats is supporting the event this year and will be handing out warming bowls of porridge.

Check-in at RNLI Lifeboat Station - between 12.30pm – 2pm

How do I get there?

Edinburgh Hogmanay Travel Centre is offering packages from £259 per person, which include city centre accommodation, street party tickets, and breakfast; upgrades are available, although packages including Party in the Gardens tickets are sold out. See for more information.

By train

Alternative routes are operated by ScotRail: scotrail.co.uk and Network Rail: networkrail.co.uk.

By car

The official Edinburgh Hogmanay website recommends using Arnold Clark car rental while in Scotland (arnoldclarkrental.com) but also advises using car sharing services (to minimise the amount of traffic attempting to circulate in and around the city. Check nationalcarshare.co.uk or gocarshare.com.

By air

Edinburgh International Airport is served by many low cost airlines edinburghairport.com and is 7.5 miles from the city centre. See skyscanner.net for the best deals from your departure airport.

Where to stay?

Accommodation will get booked up quickly as, like August for the Edinburgh Festival – Hogmanay is peak season in Edinburgh.