Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is said to be one of the largest New Year parties in the world with thousands of people in 2023 expected to return to visit the city.
Here are my top places to visit making the most of this beautiful city when visiting with your family during Christmas and New Year.
1. Hogmanay Torchlight Procession
This is one of the most incredible experiences you can do as a family during the New Year which starts the Hogmanay celebrations on the 30th December. Buy your torch tickets in advance as they can sell out quickly. (you can purchase tickets here)
The torch lit procession has such a happy, celebratory atmosphere as you follow the procession carrying torches through the city and up onto Calton Hill where you enjoy traditional music followed by stunning fireworks.
2. Night Afore Disco Party
Internationally acclaimed ABBA sensations Björn Again will headline the Night Afore Disco Party with Greatest Hits Radio beneath Edinburgh Castle, joined by the fringe festival smash-hit Massaoke
30th December – tickets
3. New Years Eve Midnight Fireworks
Although the evening Hogmanay street party is perfect for adults with Pulp headlining the concert at Princess Street Gardens, its not recommended for children as its really busy.
TIP – For families wanting to take part in the midnight celebrations and to get a great view of the fantastic fireworks take a trip up Calton Hill or Arthur Seat. Both offer tremendous views of the castle, the city and the fireworks.
If you are staying in the city over the New Year period then the iconic Balmoral hotel is one of the very best places to see the fireworks display with the family from the warmth and comfort of your hotel room.
The scene of New Year’s eve fireworks over Edinburgh castle bringing in the New Year is one of the most memorable scenes shown across the world.
4. Winter Wonderland
East Princess Street Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland which is a must visit for families.
Our girls love this part of Edinburgh which has been transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas market, Christmas tree maze, ice rink, fairground rides, star flyer and the giant ferris wheel providing a fantastic vantage point to see this fantastic city.
5. Panto – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
This has been crowned as the best panto in Scotland with a truly magical mix of humour, fun and music. This is very popular and if you are lucky to be able to get tickets then it’s well worth a visit.
This year’s performance is at the Festival Theatre and what makes the panto such a success in Edinburgh is its tried and tested cast including Allan Stewart and Grant Stott who make sure this an event that is not to be missed.
Festival Theatre Edinburgh, Edinburgh South – Tickets – £17.50 – £35.00*
6. Castle of Light – Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is transformed this year in a display of light and colour for the festive season. This light show tells the story of Scotland’s heroes through fabulous light installations creating stunning visuals in such a unique location.
From 24 & 25 November. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23 & 27-30 December. 2 & 3 January 2024
Book tickets at https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/whats-on/castle-of-light
7. Bairns New Year Revels – Massaoke & Ceilidh Spectacular
A special Bairns New Year Revels allows young party-goers a chance to join the Hogmanay celebrations, a family-friendly edition of live music, singing and ceilidh dancing, where you are the star of the show!
Bring the sing with festival favourites Massaoke providing a live band sing-a-long soundtrack of kids favourite party tunes, whilst in the Ceilidh room, kids will be birlin’ off energy to the legendary Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience
31st December
8. Candlelit Concert
See out the end of 2023 with a beautiful candlelit concert featuring classical music at the cities St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile.
9. Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh
A fun party event with an afternoon of ceilidh dancing and fun on New Year’s Day hosted by the famous Edinburgh Ceilidh Club. A fun, relaxed ‘have-a-go’ environment suitable for all levels of experience, and a great way to introduce kids to the joys of ceilidh dancing and music.
1 January
10. Sprogmanay
‘Sprogmanay’ returns this year offering a free afternoon of fun for kids on New Year’s Day, within the incredible surroundings of the National Museum of Scotland. It’s free, unticketed, with the events and activities operating on a ‘First Come First Served’ basis.
1st January
11. Loony Dooks
Start the first day of the New Year with a difference with Loony Dooks, an Edinburgh tradition in the shadow of the Forth Bridges at South Queensferry. With temperatures often around freezing, brave dippers in fancy dress, scantily clad or even fully clothed brave the chilly water raising money for charity and getting rid of their Hogmanay hangover. Its a fun event that’s great to watch as a family and a unique way to start the new decade.
Other dooks also take place at Musselburgh’s dook at Fisherrow Back Sands and further down the coast at Dunbar, the dip takes place at 1pm.