Trains to Stonehaven Fireball Festival
The Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony is a thrilling festival celebrated on Hogmanay, Scotland’s unique answer to New Year’s Eve. It takes place on the northeast coast, in the town of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.
The ceremony consists of around forty seasoned locals parading along the high street, swinging flaming wire cages ablaze just two or three feet from their heads. Join CrossCountry as we explore this spectacular and hypnotising festival that has been wowing onlookers for at least 150 years.
How to Get to Stonehaven Fireball Festival by train:
Stonehaven station is serviced by CrossCountry, making it easy to pay a visit from nearby Scottish cities, like Aberdeen and Dundee. You can also reach Stonehaven directly from Edinburgh Waverley with CrossCountry, so whether you’re local or coming from further afield, travelling to Stonehaven by train is a breeze.
Once in Stonehaven, it’s roughly a twenty-minute walk to the High Street where the festival takes place. Be sure to dress warmly as temperatures can be brisk during Hogmanay night, and wear comfortable shoes for the short walk and standing during the ceremony.
The journey from Dundee takes roughly an hour, and from Aberdeen, even less time - so why not explore one of these great locations too?
Things to do at the Stonehaven Fireball Festival
New Year’s Eve in Stonehaven is a little different. The festival, held every year on December 31st, draws crowds from around the globe, all eager to witness this traditional spectacle. The High Street starts to fill up around 10pm with visitors enjoying street entertainment like live music and dancers while waiting for midnight to strike.
The procession begins at midnight and lasts roughly twenty minutes, moving up and down the High Street and captivating the crowds of people with crackling and snapping flames. Once the ceremony is complete, onlookers will be dazzled with a fireworks display overlooking the glasslike North Sea beyond the harbour.
If you’re spending the day in Stonehaven in the run-up to the festival, be sure to pay a visit to Dunnottar Castle, a fascinating ruin with over 400 million years of geological history. You could also book a New Year’s Eve meal at one of Stonehaven’s cosy pubs and restaurants. The Tolbooth releases an exclusive Hogmanay menu each year with Scottish delicacies, like haggis with neeps and tatties, Morangie brie, and hearty tattie scones.
Explore Aberdeenshire
While you’re in the area, why not make the most of your visit and explore Aberdeenshire? Aberdeen offers plenty to see, even for a day trip. You can visit Aberdeen Beach, considered one of the best beaches in the UK, where you can enjoy the crisp winter air or even brave a swim. Or there’s Mills Observatory, a fantastic free activity in Dundee.
If you’re travelling up from Edinburgh, look out for some of Scotland’s east coast sights during the journey, like the quaint coastal towns and villages of Kirkaldy and Aberdour, the rugged Arbroath Cliffs lining the North Sea, and, as you approach Stonehaven, the ruined medieval fortress that is Dunnottar Castle.
About Stonehaven Fireball Festival
The Stonehaven Fireball Festival is believed to date back around 150 years, though some speculate it may have even older roots in ancient Paganism. The ceremony likely began as a superstition among fishermen to ward off evil spirits in the coming year, and burning old, broken fishing gear was thought to bring good luck.
Today, each fireball swinger crafts their own fireball, filling a wire cage with a blend of flammable materials - a recipe often kept secret among participants to ensure their fireball burns the longest.
Stonehaven Fireballs is volunteer-run and completely free, with no need to book in advance. However, they do accept donations to cover the costs associated with running the festival each year. There are accessible viewing areas available which can be pre-booked before the event, just contact Stonehaven Fireballs for more information.
If you’re planning a trip to the Stonehaven Fireball Festival this Hogmanay, 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.
