Are you planning a trip to East Lothian for the 2024 New Year?
Whether you stay in the centre of the seaside town North Berwick, in a cottage in the smaller town of Gullane or plan to stay in a rural retreat outside Haddington, there’s something for you this New Year.
© Visit ScotlandDon’t be surprised if those around you cross hands with you as if you were old friends, and invite you to sing alongside them.
Edinburgh and East Lothian NYE events 2024
Celebrate New Year in North Berwick and across East Lothian
Let’s dive into what’s on.
A trip to the towns of North Berwick, Gullane and Haddington offers a more sedate New Year than Scotland’s historic capital, with sumptuous food, beautiful music and the best of company.
Hogmanay at the Lawn
Marine and Lawn Hotel Resorts
For a sophisticated start to 2025, try a luxurious 4-course meal accompanied by live music and entertainment until after the midnight bells.
Hogmanay Ceilidh Celebration for 2024/5
Marine and Lawn Hotel Resorts
For a more active start to the year, try the 4-course meal created by Chef Chris Niven, then dance with the ceilidh band until after midnight.
Restaurants in East Lothian
There are plenty of other fantastic restaurants to visit during the New Year period.
For world-class menus, try Osteria and La Potinière.
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Holiday homes in GullaneOur Gullane holiday homes are perfectly located to enjoy fine dining for Hogmanay in 2024 at restaurants such as the Bonnie Badger or La Potinière.
Choose from Primrose Cottage, a two-bedroom period property on Goose Green, or Summerside Cottage, a delightful two-bedroom holiday home.
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Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party for 2024/5
Arguably one of the most well-known events across Scotland is the capital's Hogmanay Street Party.
As Pulp headlines the stage in the Pop Zone, you can enjoy entertainment with “live soundtracks, giant screens, Street Performers, Pipers, Drummers, funfair attractions and delicious street food & drink.”
The Tartan Zone on Waverley Bridge will have Ceilidh dancing and Scottish live music, guaranteed to keep you warm as you dance along.
If you’re looking for fun but without the noise, you’ll love the Silent Disco in the Disco Zone.
If you haven’t tried this yet, make 2024/5 the year to have a go!
Edinburgh New Year Fireworks
Keep all eyes on the castle for the final New Year Fireworks of 2024/5, managed by world-class pyrotechnic experts.
Family Hogmanay in Edinburgh
At the Assembly Rooms, in the iconic George Street, you can dance with your kids to the live Ceilidh music at the more reasonable daytime hours of 1pm.
Hogmanay choirs in Edinburgh
For a more gentle introduction to the New Year, visit the Concert at St Giles' Cathedral in the High Street of J.S.Bach Weihnachtsoratorium Parts 4,5 & 6. The concert starts at 6.30pm on 31st December.
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Holiday homes in North BerwickBegin the New Year with loved ones in 2024 at a North Berwick holiday home, all within easy distance of the main train line to Edinburgh.
All Day View, located on North Berwick High Street, boasts sea views and is an ideal spot to enjoy time with family.
Sandacres, also in North Berwick, is a luxury Victorian villa situated just minutes from the town's beach.
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New Year’s Day traditions in Scotland
The Loony Dook across Scotland
If you’ve not experienced a Loony Dook before, you’re in for a treat.
Every New Year’s Day, at midday, the bravest, craziest and strongest take the leap into the icy waters at one of the local beaches.
Crowds join them to admire, sympathise and cheer on these swimmers, who travel from afar to join in the fun.
Locations may vary, so check closer to the time, but you may find brave souls entering the water at South Queensferry, North Berwick, Portobello, Kirkcaldy, St Andrews, Kinghorn, Broughty Ferry and Dunbar
First footing with coal
First Footing has a long history in Scotland and refers to the first person to step foot into a home after midnight, carrying small gifts of coal.
The arrival of this guest brings good fortune, and warmth for the following year.
If you want to join this celebration, whisky and shortbread make a much-welcomed substitute.
First Footin’ Festival
As the rest of Scotland sleeps, visit Edinburgh for a new event to the annual calendar, the First Footin’ Festival.
First Footin’ is a series of free live music and performances that take place across the city centre.
From jazz, rock, and DJ sets, to rap, folk and classical music, there will be something for you in this New Year's Day treat.
Auld Lang Syne
It’s a Scots tradition to sing the unifying song by Robert Burns‘ “Auld Lang Syne”.
Don’t be surprised if those around you cross hands with you as if you were old friends, and invite you to sing alongside them.
You have time to learn the words and join in!
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”
© Visit ScotlandYoung and old are sure to enjoy East Lothian Christmas and Hogmanay events in 2024, from ceilidhs and fireworks to Loony Dooks.
Book with Coast Properties and begin 2025 in style!
For more things to do in East Lothian throughout the year, make sure to read our blog.