If you’re looking to rock out and celebrate this New Year in style, then look no further 🎆
The Scottish tradition of Hogmanay is an event full of celebration, culture, and of course fireworks!
So if you want to attend an event across Scotland this December, then we’ve got a guide for you with everything you need to know about the tradition.
What is Hogmanay?
New Year’s Eve is a well-known event for people all over the world. Full of partying, glitz, glamour and celebrations, you will find plenty of fun things to do all across the UK. But in Scotland, this period is referred to as Hogmanay and is a 3-day celebration beginning on the last day of December till the 2nd of January. The event was popularised in the Viking era to mark the arrival of the winter solstice.
Scotland also has two bank holidays; instead of 1 like the rest of the UK, to celebrate this cultural tradition. Lots of old traditions and rituals are celebrated in Scotland during this time and many believe that they bring good luck for the New Year.
What are the traditions?
1. First Footing – To ensure good luck, the first foot to arrive at your doorstep on New Year’s Day would traditionally be a black-haired male (which is a throwback to Viking traditions) but now in the more modern celebrations, it is usually family or friends. They should bring gifts such as coal, shortbread, salt, black buns or whiskey to ensure good fortune for the year ahead.
2. Clean the house – Having an untidy house at the start of the New Year is considered bad luck. Start the New Year off right with a tidy home and organise your home in the run-up to the Hogmanay celebrations.
3. Clear your debts – This is an old superstition that you should try and clear all debts by the stroke of midnight to ensure your new year remains smooth sailing.
4. Sing Auld Lang Syne – Popular all over the UK, this tradition is rooted in the celebrations of Hogmanay. The song is a staple of parties all across Scotland, and after the chime of midnight, everyone will join in a rendition of the song to start the New Year in style.
5. Fire at Hogmanay – It is a tradition to have a fire at your Hogmanay celebration. At many of the larger celebrations, there will be torchlight processions through the town to pay homage to the history, and on some occasions, you will see kilted men swinging fireballs around in their parade.
Where can I celebrate it?
Hogmanay celebrations take place all around Scotland, with the popular ones usually taking place in major cities and towns. Whatever the weather, the events offer everyone a warm welcome and celebration to be had. Enjoy the three days of amazing atmosphere Scotland has to offer!
Hogmanay in Edinburgh
The Scottish capital of Edinburgh celebrates Hogmanay bigger and better than you could ever imagine! Events include a candlelit concert at St Giles’s Cathedral for those who want a quieter celebration, as well as ‘Concert in the Gardens‘ at West Princes Street Gardens with Scottish music icons TEXAS and Callum Beattie.
For the biggest and best shindig in the city, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is the place to be this year! Party into the New Year alongside crowds of locals and tourists singing Auld Lang Syne at the strike of midnight.
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Hogmanay Ceilidh, Aberdeen
If you’re looking for a more traditional approach to Hogmanay, then why not try the Aberdeen Hogmanay Ceilidh. Organised by the city council, this Hogmanay event rings in the New Year perfectly with traditional music from Hipflask Ceilidh Band. Once the clock strikes midnight, it’s celebrations all around with stovies and a glass of fizz at the bells. This event is held at the Beach Ballroom, just minutes away from Aberdeen Beach.
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Hogmanay in Glasgow
There’s always a great selection of things to do throughout Hogmanay in Glasgow and this year is no exception! For a touch of laughter to finish off the year, check out The Stand Hogmanay Specials is the perfect choice. With five nights of guaranteed belly laughs, this beloved Glaswegian comedy club has something for everyone this Hogmanay season.
If you’re feeling the party spirit, explore Glasgow’s Hogmanay celebrations at Blackfriars for a classic Scottish experience packed with live swing and jazz music. Or if you’re looking for a unique Spanish soirée in the city, check out the Arta Hogmanay Celebrations. But don’t let the celebrations end there! Kick off the New Year with an NYD party at the Radisson Red Glasgow’s RED Sky Bar. DJs Jon Mancini and Michael Kilkie will be bringing all the tunes to start the New Year off right.
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