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Hogmanay around East Lothian

Hogmanay around East Lothian

24th November 2023

Are you planning a trip to East Lothian for the 2024 New Year?

Toast in the New Year of 2025 in East Lothian - A tray of glasses is filled from a bottle of champagne. (© Alexander Naglestad) — A tray of glasses is filled from a bottle of champagne.

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.

Hogmanay Fireworks in Edinburgh - Hogmanay Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle (© Visit Scotland) — Hogmanay Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle

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.

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 Gullane

Our 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 Berwick

Begin 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.”