The Scots word for the last day of the old year, Hogmanay is a celebration held annually on the 31st December. While a huge number of people celebrate New Years Eve all over the world, Hogmanay is a traditional celebration specifically in Scotland. With events and festivities taking place across Scotland on this day, join CrossCountry as we highlight the best places for Hogmanay in Scotland.
History of Hogmanay
Hogmanay predates its first written mention back in 1604 and has been commonplace ever since. Originally a celebration marking the passing of the shortest day of the year, it has since evolved into a multi-day event leading up to New Year's Eve. The origin of the term remains unknown, though educated guesses suggest it may have entered the Scots lexicon via French, Flemish, Gaelic, or even Old English.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay Festival
Held annually for over thirty years, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival has become a worldwide phenomenon due to its famous celebrations. Spread over four days, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the festivities. One of many things the city is famous for is live music venues, and there are plenty of performances hosted throughout the city, and even candlelit concerts inside St Giles’ Cathedral. With several events happening across Edinburgh - such as the free culture trail across the city that gives everyone, including locals, a chance to explore the city in a different light – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
With this in mind, the opportunity to wander through the streets of Edinburgh is simply too good to pass up. Countless restaurants and pubs will be eager to extend the party invitation and carry on the cheer from the main events. With a number of CrossCountry services running to Edinburgh Waverley, you’re never to far to get the Hogmanay party started early.
Stonehaven Fireballs
Stonehaven offers a totally unique way to ring in the new year with Stonehaven Fireballs. As soon as the clock strikes midnight to welcome the new year, forty men and women make the journey through the high street to Stonehaven Harbour swinging giant fireballs around their heads! During the twenty-minute walk through Stonehaven, the streets are packed with tourists and locals alike to catch a glimpse of the flames.
At the end of this walk through the town, the harbour is lit up by a spectacular fireworks display to make the occasion of Hogmanay even more special. There are many trains to Stonehaven Fireball Festival from Aberdeen, and CrossCountry run a number of services towards Aberdeen. It is sensible to change here when making your way to the Stonehaven Fireball Hogmanay from Aberdeen to catch a different train to reach your final destination of Stonehaven.
Hogmanay in Aberdeen
Aberdeen also has a wide range of events to celebrate the new year. Head towards the infamous Aberdeen beach, one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, where there will also be plenty of celebrations happening, with Ceilidh dancing and fireworks for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a celebration for the whole family to get involved in, then pay a visit to the family Hogmanay gala ball, an annual celebration hosted at the beautiful Marcliffe Hotel & Spa. This historic accommodation puts on a night that will be hard to forget and provides you and your family with a special way to enjoy Hogmanay. A luxurious five-course gourmet dinner awaits you alongside drinks, a pipe band, and children’s entertainment to make sure you see off the year in style.
Getting to Aberdeen is simple with CrossCountry too, with plenty of services from Scotland and further south of the border too.
Highland Hogmanay
The Scottish Highlands are famous for its incredible scenery and fantastic festivals, such as the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in the Summer. It’ll be hard to find a better backdrop for a New Year’s Eve fireworks display than the lochs. Inverness hosts its very own Hogmanay party called Hot Highland Fling and includes a huge selection of entertainment to celebrate the past year with your friends and family.
Previous years have included the world's largest Hogmanay ceilidh, with over four thousand people taking part in the traditional dance. Over fifteen thousand people on average attend this huge event, with more expected every year due to its increasing popularity.
Aberdeen is the closest station CrossCountry travel to, but other trains will be available to take you to Inverness station, with regular services running throughout the year.
If you’re planning on visiting Scotland for Hogmanay, or you’re looking to spend New Year’s Eve elsewhere, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia