The days are short and it is cold but December brings its own warmth as across the country the Christmas and Hogmanay festival spirit begins in earnest.  There is nothing like celebrating Hogmanay in Scotland. Bringing in the New Year has always been important to the Scots which is why both January the 1st and 2nd are public holidays.

After midnight it is traditional to ‘first foot’ which means to visit folk and wish them well. In the old days it was traditional to take a piece of coal with you to add to the fire and keep it burning through the night; nowadays, most folk are happy with you bringing a bottle of something to share…traditionally Whisky.

Towns and rural areas celebrate Hogmanay in different ways with Edinburgh putting on the biggest performance during the course of a week. Tickets for various events can be purchased through the Edinburgh Hogmanay website. But you don’t need to go to the Street Party to enjoy yourself…the midnight fire work display is there for all to enjoy and can be seen from most vantage points around the town.

Following is a list of other towns that celebrate Hogmanay with a town festival but wherever you are you will find a wee pub/village hall where there will be a gathering.

Edinburgh
https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Inverness
Red Hot Highland Fling
http://invernessfestivals.com/winter08/events_directory.php?target=december

Stonehaven
http://stonehavenfireballs.co.uk

Biggar
http://www.biggarbonfire.org.uk

Dufftown
http://www.dufftown.co.uk/diary_hogmanay.php

Comrie
http://www.comrie.org.uk/business-directory/125/comrie-flambeaux/

Stirling
http://www.stirlingwinterfestival.com