At the lastminute.com blog we know you like to party and we know you like to party in style – especially at New Year.
New Year’s Eve or “Hogmanay”, as it is affectionately known in Scotland, is a time for huge celebrations and they don’t come any bigger or better than Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2017. So much so that the hard partying Scots get the 2nd January off work as an extra bank holiday – just to recover.
Back in the day, as the bells rang out at midnight, it was predominantly the locals cramming on to the world famous Royal Mile and having a wee jig and snog to the tune of Auld Lang Syne.
However, now properly organized and funded, it is arguably the best New Year festival in the world.
The event is in its 24th year and has grown into a three-day festival jam-packed with unique things to do.
Edinburgh Hogmanay highlights 201/17
The spectacular Torchlight Procession on 30th December – a family event with over 25,000 torch carriers accompanied by massed pipes and drums and led by Shetland’s Up Helly Aa’ Vikings.
The route starts in the Old Town and takes them from George IV Bridge to the fireworks finale on Calton Hill (there is also a viewing place at Waterloo Place).
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Torchlight Procession Up Helly Aa Vikings (c) Lloyd Smith
The highlight of the festivities is on 31st December. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party on Princes Street is where 80,000 revellers party it up and countdown to midnight.
As the clock strikes 12 there is the world’s largest rendition of Auld Lang Syne along with a spectacular fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle.
With DJ’s, ceilidh dancing and live music from headliners, The Charlatans – this is the big event.
Street Party (c) Chris Watt
Sort out your New Year’s Day hangover and celebrate the start of 2017 by taking part in the truly crazy and breathtaking Loony Dook.
This is a mass plunge into the refreshingly chilly waters of the River Forth under the shadow of the world famous Forth Rail Bridge.
Are you brave enough?
Follow the latest news for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2017 on Twitter
Midnight Fireworks (c) Chris Watt
Okay, so there are more things to do than physically possible in this great city (in fact we found 100 things worth seeing) and you’ll need somewhere to stay.
Like any world class city, when there is an epic event on, accommodation is at a premium.
Our top 5 Edinburgh hotels for New Year stays:
1. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian sits at the West End of Princes Street in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.
‘The Caley’, as it is known among Edinburgh locals, is smack bang in the centre of all the New Year action.
It embodies the very best in Scottish hospitality.
2. Macdonald Houstoun House sits 12 miles west of Edinburgh in West Lothian and is a perfect choice for those not looking to party the night away.
It’s still close enough to Edinburgh to enjoy some of the many side events to the Hogmanay celebrations.
Built in the 1600s to host Mary Queen of Scots, this is a hotel steeped in Scottish history.
3. The Roxburghe Hotel – you’re right in the centre of the action here in this refurbished Georgian hotel.
It overlooks Charlotte Square (Edinburgh’s Downing Street) but more importantly it’s right next to George Street which has loads of cool bars and restaurants to get into the New Year’s spirit.
If you’ve got tickets for the New Year’s Eve parties, you’ve only got a five minute walk to Princes Street – no taxis needed here.
4. Fountain Court – Stewart Apartments offer boutique chic styling in practical serviced apartments.
Located in the heart of the New Town and parallel to George Street you could not be more central to the festivities.
With all the ‘mod cons’ including a dishwasher, HD TV, blu-ray player, iPod dock, free Wifi plus Sky sports and movie channels, you will feel right at home.
5. The George Hotel is on one of Edinburgh’s most stylish streets, George Street; so this is the ideal location if you fancy designer shopping and bar hopping for Hogmanay.
If that isn’t all it has one of the finest dining rooms in Europe.
More essential information
Why not visit our special Edinburgh Hogmanay page for all the latest New Year hotel deals.
Our general Edinburgh hotels page also might tempt you to visit a little off peak!
We’ve also put together a guide to where to stay during the Edinburgh Festival season – which is equally busy and might give you some further accommodation ideas.
And if you fancy heading out of the city, we’ve put together a guide to some great Edinburgh day trips to see a little more of the surrounding Scottish countryside.
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