New Years Eve options in Edinburgh

- Definitely get street party tickets in Edinburgh, whether you spend the entire evening there or not, as it allows you critical access to the heart of the city, which you may need in order to get to other activities like a ceilidh ("Kay-lee"). Street party and most other city parties go from 9p to 1a.

- Consider attending the Candlight Concert at the St Giles cathedral from 730p to 9p. It's a beautiful church and wonderful classical concert.

- Definitely attend one of the ceildh's - the outdoor one also treats you to the midnight fireworks. You will enjoy learning the scottish folk dances with thousands of new friends. Many people there are also learning the moves for the first time, so you are not alone, and it's a lot of fun.

-Download the full lyrics to the Auld Lang Syne and bring them with you, and you will sing like a pro at midnight.

- and the #1 PLANNING CONSIDERATION: ARRIVE TO THE STREET PARTY BEFORE 11PM, OR THE OFFICIALS WILL NOT LET YOU IN! This was the case in 2008/09 - so make sure you read the fine print on your ticket about access.

A winter wonderland - Edinburgh

A New Year city break in Edinburgh offers enduring festive traditions such as candlelit concerts and choral performances at St Giles Cathedral and an alluring torch lit procession through the city streets. New Years day offers little respite from the fun and action with lots to see and do and especially rewarding for family city breaks. The famous Winter Fayre is the perfect cure for that hangover with a traditional funfair, dog sledding, open air ice skating and numerous speciality shops selling all kinds of tempting local snacks, souvenirs and gifts.

With more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the UK, revellers will certainly not go hungry on a New Years Eve in Edinburgh. Special festive menus of every description are available in the myriad of elegant dining rooms, cafes and taverns catering to all taste buds from European specialities, oriental and Asian delights and traditional Caledonian food such as succulent game dishes, stews and Scottish salmon. Most hotels have gala dinner evenings on the 1st of January along with traditional Scottish entertainment.

In Edinburgh - New Years Eve

The historic streets of Edinburgh city centre resound to the sights and sounds of what is universally renowned as the largest and most unique New Year celebrations in Europe. A New Year city break in Edinburgh is much more than a single night of fun and partying with a four day program of events and entertainment designed to cater to all ages and tastes.

The main focus is the main Hogmanay street party where over 100,000 people will brave the chilly midnight air to see in the New Year against the spectacular illuminated backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Here all manner of entertainment is on offer from street theatre, vibrant dance music stages, concerts and a truly enthralling fireworks display.