Best time to go to Scotland

New Year's Eve in Scotland 2024-2025

New Year's Eve in Scotland is celebrated loudly and passionately, making it a perfect destination for this holiday season

Dates: late December–early January

New Year's Eve in Scotland
Biggar Bonfire in the South Lanarkshire
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Celebrating the New Year in Scotland means diving into the atmosphere of passion and revelry mixed with fireworks and a warm welcome of the locals. To take the best out of it, check out our article, showing you the best places and events in this country on New Year's Eve.

Hogmanay in Edinburgh (December 29, 2023–January 1, 2024)

One of the biggest celebrations in Scotland is Hogmanay in Edinburgh. It's the enormous street party and spectacular firework display located in Princes Street Gardens. This year Hogmanay features a magical torchlight procession, Party at the Bells to dance the night away, and the Loony Dook (the annual splash in the River Forth at South Queensferry). Let's face it—Hogmanay is the best party to let your hair down on New Year's Eve.

Stonehaven Fireballs (December 31, 2023)

This unique to Scotland spectacle has been celebrated for over 100 years and still attracts a lot of beholders. Historically, it was a ritual with the idea to burn off any evil spirits left from the old year. The whole show looks breathtaking— the piper leads the parade, marching down the street as the participants swing balls of fire above their heads.

Biggar Bonfire in the South Lanarkshire (December 31, 2023)

Biggar Bonfire is a New Year's Eve festival in the South Lanarkshire town of Biggar. Every Hogmanay at 9:30 pm on High Street, the bonfire is lit, brightening the area around with a warm, fiery glow. All the participants welcome the New Year while burning out the old and bringing in the new.

Hogmanay in Dufftown (December 31, 2023–January 1, 2024)

While all the small cities celebrate New Year's Eve almost the same, Dufftown has its own special charm. The festivities begin at 7:30 pm with the annual Hogmanay ceilidh at the Commercial Hotel and a party at the Royal British Legion. Then, the citizens head to the Square, where complimentary drams of whisky and shortbread (a traditional Scottish biscuit) are handed out. The whole community gathers together to salute the last day of the year in a unique way. That's why Dufftown is also called the "malt whisky capital of the world." Besides, on the New Years Day, a Boys Walk is held by the Dufftown Juvenile Society in late morning. The first day of the year is typically capped off with another local tradition—the Boys Ball.

Inverness Hogmanay: Red Hot Highland Fling (December 31, 2023)

Red Hot Highland Fling, organized by the Highland Council, is Scotland's biggest free Hogmanay celebration, founded in 2008. Located in Northern Meeting Park in Inverness, this New Year's Eve concert features a lot of music, fireworks, and other festive entertainment to fascinate the crowds. Also, it's believed to be one of the friendliest festivals ever. Come and see it for yourself.

To get more information about the New Year's Eve events, check the External Resources below. What's more, you can also look at the map, offering you the best places to live nearby.

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin