Christmas. I love Christmas; you love Christmas; everyone loves Christmas. You know what happens in December? Christmas! Christmas is great, but what we really love to celebrate here in Edinburgh is…..
Hogmanay!!
Hogmanay, in case you didn’t know, is the Scottish word for New Year’s Eve. Historians and linguists argue over where exactly the word came from as no one seems to know for sure, but what we do know is that it’s a time to celebrate the successes (and perhaps forgive the failures) of the year past and see in the year to come with good company and good times.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations are the stuff of legend, and it’s a reputation well-deserved. Every year Edinburgh’s city centre is packed with literally tens of thousands of revellers ready to watch the fireworks and dance the night away!
What Does it Involve?
The Hogmanay celebrations technically start on the 30th of December, with Edinburgh’s famous Torchlight Procession. Participants will march – accompanied by a pipe band – through Edinburgh’s Old Town before forming an image of two people shaking hands in Holyrood Park. This breath-taking spectacle is broadcast around the world so why not get involved and help make history?
On the night itself, the Street Party kicks off at 7.30pm with a host of musicians including homegrown talents such as Idlewild and Shooglenifty entertaining the crowds. In Princes Street Gardens we have superstar DJ Marc Ronson kicking off at 9pm with support from Rudimental DJ and Scotland’s own Mungo’s Hifi. You can expect crowds, drinking, dancing and good times had by all. If you are more of a single malt person than a vodka cocktail, there is the Ceilidh Under the Castle – perfect for those who like their Hogmanay on the traditional side. Edinburgh’s legendary fireworks display happens at midnight, so make sure you find yourself a vantage point from which to take in the spectacle – it really is a sight to behold.
But if it’s all a bit too much hustle and bustle for you, then that’s ok too! The spirit of Hogmanay is all about reflecting on old friendships and coming together again – something you can easily do from an armchair with your slippers on! Whether you decide to brave the cold and crowds, or curl up on the sofa with a hot chocolate instead, here’s wishing you a prosperous 2020 from Destiny Scotland!
With a variety of luxury serviced apartments available to rent, why not see in 2020 in Edinburgh with Destiny Scotland.
