Hogmanay, Scotland’s New Year’s Eve celebration, is one of the world’s most famous events and brings thousands of partygoers on to the streets of Edinburgh.
The three-day end-of-year Hogmanay festival kicks off on Friday 30 December with a “Night Afore Disco Party” featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor and special guests Altered Images.
On New Year’s Eve itself the huge street party will take place as well as the Concert in the Gardens, which is headlined this year by pop legends Pet Shop Boys. The Edinburgh Castle fireworks and traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne will welcome in 2023.
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On New Year’s Day, the “Final Fling” outdoor concert will be an all-Scottish affair, headlined by Tide Lines, who are joined by special guests Elephant Sessions and Edinburgh’s own Hamish Hawk.
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London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations return to the banks of the Thames, with 100,000 ticket-holders expected to watch the fireworks display. Hear Big Ben’s famous “bongs” ring out at midnight and watch the spectacular explosion of colour as the fireworks are set off near the London Eye.
The London New Year’s Eve Ball at Evolution London in Battersea Park will have a New York vibe. With Broadway-style entertainment, the evening will start with fizz and canapés followed by a four-course banquet and also feature a live six-piece band, dodgems and tunes from some of London’s top DJs. Tickets cost £199 per person.
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There will be a sparkling celebration at Somerset House on the Strand. Held in conjunction with champagne house Moët & Chandon, the evening will see NYE ice skating on one of London’s most spectacular ice rinks in the beautiful surroundings of the courtyard. There will also be DJ sets from Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star Jonbers Blonde and Soho Radio to get visitors and skaters moving, as well as food and drink. The “midnight moment” on Somerset House’s River Terrace will give guests great views of the Mayor of London’s world-famous fireworks display. Ticket prices range from £55 (general admission) to £75 (general admission plus skating).
New Year's Eve at The Savoy will be a night of revelry, with live music, incredible food and dancing. The big bash at the iconic hotel on the Strand starts with a champagne reception in Parlour, followed by a four-course meal, paired wines and entertainment in the Lancaster Ballroom.
If you want to enjoy the festive season in the Welsh capital then head to Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland. The funfair, Sur La Piste and ice bar will be located at City Hall Lawn, while the ice rink and ice walk are at the Castle Grounds. The opening time for New Year’s Eve is 11am to 12.30am. Visitors can celebrate with a special ice skating session starting at 11.30pm.
The party scene in Cardiff will see Clwb Ifor Bach host its “Stacked” club night, with pop, disco and indie hits, while at Revolucion De Cuba there will be a NYE “fiesta”. Jacobs Roof Garden is hosting a “Dancing in the Moonlight” party and Loft Live Sessions is throwing a “Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Soiree” at the Coal Exchange Grand Hall.
Europa Hotel Belfast will once again host its annual Gala Ball on New Year’s Eve. Starting with a champagne and canapé reception, guests will then enjoy a five-course dinner followed by dancing to the Motown Sensations and Tina Turner tribute and compère Johnny Hero. There will be a piper at midnight to ring in the new year. Prices for the gala dinner start from £140 per person, or you can book the gala ball getaway overnight package from £220 per person sharing.
Dress to impress and celebrate in style at Cabaret Supper Club’s New Year’s Eve Glitter Ball, which includes a prosecco reception, three-course meal and show (£79.50 per person).
If heading to one of the UK capitals isn’t in your plans for NYE then read on. We pick out some of the best other events taking place on 31 December.
Allendale Tar Bar’l, Northumberland
The sizzling Allendale Tar Bar’l ceremony has been celebrated for centuries. This “weird and wonderful tradition involves 45 local men carrying burning whiskey barrels through the town”, said the Visit Northumberland tourism board.
The Cornish town of St Ives has built quite a reputation for its New Year celebrations. It’s believed to be the third largest fancy dress party after London and Edinburgh and attracts huge crowds. At midnight, the annual fireworks are launched at the harbour.
Stonehaven Fireballs
Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, hosts a unique fireball ceremony to welcome in the new year. As midnight strikes around 40 men and women parade up and down the High Street “swinging fiercely flaming balls around their heads”.
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