Lettings of DistinctionHogmanay in East Lothian and North Berwick The towns of North Berwick, Gullane, and Haddington provide a more tranquil New Year experience compared to Scotland's bustling capital, but there are opportunities to bring in New Year if you plan on leaving your Lettings of Distinction holiday home. Each town has its unique charm and a variety of activities to make your New Year's celebration special. Hogmanay at the Lawn, North Berwick Marine and Lawn Ease into 2024 with a refined touch by indulging in a luxurious 5-course meal accompanied by the soothing tunes of a live jazz band, extending the elegant ambience well past midnight. It's a perfect way to savour exquisite flavours and enjoy the rhythm of jazz, creating a memorable and sophisticated start to the new year. Hogmanay Ceilidh Celebration, North Berwick Marine and Lawn For a lively and energetic kick-off to the new year, immerse yourself in a delightful 4-course meal meticulously crafted by Chef Chris Niven. The lively tunes of a Ceilidh band will extend the festivities well past midnight. It's a perfect blend of gastronomic delight and lively entertainment for an active and celebratory start to 2024. Hogmanay Dinner at the Bonnie Badger, Gullane Welcome 2024 with the stirring sounds of traditional Scottish bagpipes as you enter the Bonnie Badger, where the evening unfolds with Champagne and Canapés in the Garden. Enjoy the culinary excellence of a Michelin Guide restaurant, situated in The Stables, as you savour a celebratory 5-course menu. The entertainment continues until the chiming of the bells, creating a memorable transition into the new year. NYE dinner at La Pontiniere, Gullane Arguably one of the best restaurants in East Lothian, enjoy a set menu in this intimate restaurant owned by award-winning chefs Keith Marley and Mary Runciman. ** There are a number of other restaurants in East Lothian that have not yet released their New Year menu. Check them out when making your plans. --------------- East Lothian Holiday Homes Lettings of Distinction offer luxury holiday homes throughout East Lothian, including in North Berwick and Gullane. Choose East Cliff, located in the heart of North Berwick, or Primrose Cottage, ideally located for enjoying a meal at the Bonnie Badger or La Potinére in Gullane. --------------- Edinburgh New Year’s Eve events Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party Undoubtedly, one of Scotland's most iconic events is the Hogmanay Street Party in the capital. Featuring a headline performance by Pulp in the Pop Zone, the festivities offer a dynamic blend of entertainment, including live soundtracks, giant screens, street performers, pipers, drummers, a lively funfair, and a tempting array of street food and drinks. For those seeking a traditional Scottish experience, the Tartan Zone on Waverley Bridge promises Ceilidh dancing and live Scottish music, ensuring a warm and vibrant atmosphere as you dance the night away. If you prefer a more laid-back yet enjoyable experience, the Silent Disco in the Disco Zone is a must-try. Make the final hours of 2023 the time to immerse yourself in this unique and entertaining activity! Edinburgh Castle NYE Fireworks All eyes will face Edinburgh Castle as the skilled pyrotechnic artisans of Titanium present the grand finale of the 2023 New Year's celebrations with a spectacular fireworks display. The night sky will illuminate in a breathtaking display of colour, fireworks and light displays, bringing a dazzling close to the festivities. Hogmanay for kids in Edinburgh Celebrate the New Year with the whole family at the Bairns New Year Revels – Massaoke. Head to the Assembly Rooms on George Street, where you can dance with your kids to live Ceilidh music during the more family-friendly hours of the afternoon. It's a perfect opportunity to enjoy the festivities as a family together in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Hogmanay choirs in Edinburgh For a serene start to 2024, consider attending the Candlelit Concert at St Giles on the High Street. Immerse yourself in the beautiful performance by the St Giles' Cathedral Choir alongside talented young soloists. It promises to be an enjoyable experience as you welcome the new year in the historic surroundings of St Giles. --------------- North Berwick Holiday Homes North Berwick is ideally situated for joining the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, with the train taking just 30 minutes to reach the capital. Rooftops, a 2-bedroom apartment, is centrally located for exploring the town's local shops, cafes and restaurants. For those travelling with a larger group, The Beach House is a fantastic choice. With space for up to 10 guests and wonderful sea views, this is a special holiday home to celebrate this New Year. --------------- New Year’s Day traditions in Scotland The Loony Dook at North Berwick Prepare for a unique and exhilarating experience with the Loony Dook tradition. On New Year's Day at noon, the boldest, most spirited individuals take the plunge into the frigid waters at North Berwick beach. It's a spectacle of courage and enthusiasm that draws crowds from near and far who gather to admire, sympathise, and cheer on these adventurous swimmers. Don't miss the chance to witness this festive and daring event, where the spirit of celebration and camaraderie takes a refreshing dive into the new year. First footing with coal Experience the rich tradition of First Footing in Scotland, where the first person to step into a home after midnight carries small gifts of coal, symbolising good fortune and warmth for the upcoming year. If you wish to take part in this age-old celebration, consider bringing whisky and shortbread as a much-appreciated substitute. It's a delightful way to embrace the cultural customs and extend warm wishes for prosperity into the new year. First Footin’ in Scotland While the rest of Scotland sleeps, Edinburgh comes alive with the inaugural First Footin’ Festival—an exciting addition to the Scottish New Year’s calendar. This event is a collection of free live music and performances scattered throughout the city centre. From the smooth melodies of jazz to the vibrant beats of rock and DJ sets, as well as the rhythmic flows of rap, the soulful tunes of folk, and the timeless elegance of classical music, the First Footin’ festival promises a diverse array of musical experiences for everyone to enjoy on New Year's Day. Singing Auld Lang Syne on NYE Embrace the Scottish tradition of singing the unifying song "Auld Lang Syne" by Robert Burns. Don't be surprised if those around you extend hands as if you were old friends, inviting you to join in the singing. Take the opportunity to learn the words and enjoy this heartwarming ritual, connecting with others in the spirit of camaraderie as you bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.

Bringing in Hogmanay 2023 in East Lothian

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Are you considering a getaway to East Lothian this upcoming New Year?

Champagne at New Year - 4 glasses of champagne with bubbles, poured by a person in whites. (© Deleece Cook)
4 glasses of champagne with bubbles, poured by a person in whites.
© Deleece Cook

Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of the central seaside town of North Berwick, the charming cottages in smaller towns like Gullane, or the tranquillity of a rural retreat outside Haddington, East Lothian has a diverse array of options to suit your preferences.

Fine dining at New Year - Meat and spices on a ceramic dish. (© Taylor Grote on Unsplash)
Meat and spices on a ceramic dish.
© Taylor Grote on Unsplash

Immerse yourself in the beautiful performance by the St Giles' Cathedral Choir alongside talented young soloists.

Hogmanay in East Lothian and North Berwick 

The towns of North Berwick, Gullane, and Haddington provide a more tranquil New Year experience compared to Scotland's bustling capital, but there are opportunities to bring in New Year if you plan on leaving your Lettings of Distinction holiday home.  

Each town has its unique charm and a variety of activities to make your New Year's celebration special.

Hogmanay at the Lawn, North Berwick

Marine and Lawn

Ease into 2024 with a refined touch by indulging in a luxurious 5-course meal accompanied by the soothing tunes of a live jazz band, extending the elegant ambience well past midnight.

It's a perfect way to savour exquisite flavours and enjoy the rhythm of jazz, creating a memorable and sophisticated start to the new year. 

Hogmanay Ceilidh Celebration, North Berwick

Marine and Lawn

For a lively and energetic kick-off to the new year, immerse yourself in a delightful 4-course meal meticulously crafted by Chef Chris Niven.

The lively tunes of a Ceilidh band will extend the festivities well past midnight. It's a perfect blend of gastronomic delight and lively entertainment for an active and celebratory start to 2024.

Hogmanay Dinner at the Bonnie Badger, Gullane

Welcome 2024 with the stirring sounds of traditional Scottish bagpipes as you enter the Bonnie Badger, where the evening unfolds with Champagne and Canapés in the Garden.

Enjoy the culinary excellence of a Michelin Guide restaurant, situated in The Stables, as you savour a celebratory 5-course menu.

The entertainment continues until the chiming of the bells, creating a memorable transition into the new year.

NYE dinner at La Pontiniere, Gullane

Arguably one of the best restaurants in East Lothian, enjoy a set menu in this intimate restaurant owned by award-winning chefs Keith Marley and Mary Runciman.

** There are a number of other restaurants in East Lothian that have not yet released their New Year menu. Check them out when making your plans.

---------------

East Lothian Holiday Homes

Lettings of Distinction offer luxury holiday homes throughout East Lothian, including in North Berwick and Gullane.

Choose East Cliff, located in the heart of North Berwick, or Primrose Cottage, ideally located for enjoying a meal at the Bonnie Badger or La Potinére in Gullane.

---------------

Edinburgh New Year’s Eve events

Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party

Undoubtedly, one of Scotland's most iconic events is the Hogmanay Street Party in the capital.

Featuring a headline performance by Pulp in the Pop Zone, the festivities offer a dynamic blend of entertainment, including live soundtracks, giant screens, street performers, pipers, drummers, a lively funfair, and a tempting array of street food and drinks. 

For those seeking a traditional Scottish experience, the Tartan Zone on Waverley Bridge promises Ceilidh dancing and live Scottish music, ensuring a warm and vibrant atmosphere as you dance the night away.

If you prefer a more laid-back yet enjoyable experience, the Silent Disco in the Disco Zone is a must-try. Make the final hours of 2023 the time to immerse yourself in this unique and entertaining activity!

Edinburgh Castle NYE Fireworks

All eyes will face Edinburgh Castle as the skilled pyrotechnic artisans of Titanium present the grand finale of the 2023 New Year's celebrations with a spectacular fireworks display. 

The night sky will illuminate in a breathtaking display of colour, fireworks and light displays, bringing a dazzling close to the festivities.

Hogmanay for kids in Edinburgh

Celebrate the New Year with the whole family at the Bairns New Year Revels – Massaoke.

Head to the Assembly Rooms on George Street, where you can dance with your kids to live Ceilidh music during the more family-friendly hours of the afternoon. 

It's a perfect opportunity to enjoy the festivities as a family together in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Hogmanay choirs in Edinburgh

For a serene start to 2024, consider attending the Candlelit Concert at St Giles on the High Street.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful performance by the St Giles' Cathedral Choir alongside talented young soloists.

It promises to be an enjoyable experience as you welcome the new year in the historic surroundings of St Giles.

---------------

North Berwick Holiday Homes

North Berwick is ideally situated for joining the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, with the train taking just 30 minutes to reach the capital.

Rooftops, a 2-bedroom apartment, is centrally located for exploring the town's local shops, cafes and restaurants.

For those travelling with a larger group, The Beach House is a fantastic choice. With space for up to 10 guests and wonderful sea views, this is a special holiday home to celebrate this New Year.

---------------

New Year’s Day traditions in Scotland

The Loony Dook at North Berwick

Prepare for a unique and exhilarating experience with the Loony Dook tradition. On New Year's Day at noon, the boldest, most spirited individuals take the plunge into the frigid waters at North Berwick beach.

It's a spectacle of courage and enthusiasm that draws crowds from near and far who gather to admire, sympathise, and cheer on these adventurous swimmers.

Don't miss the chance to witness this festive and daring event, where the spirit of celebration and camaraderie takes a refreshing dive into the new year.

First footing with coal

Experience the rich tradition of First Footing in Scotland, where the first person to step into a home after midnight carries small gifts of coal, symbolising good fortune and warmth for the upcoming year.

If you wish to take part in this age-old celebration, consider bringing whisky and shortbread as a much-appreciated substitute.

It's a delightful way to embrace the cultural customs and extend warm wishes for prosperity into the new year.

First Footin’ in Scotland

While the rest of Scotland sleeps, Edinburgh comes alive with the inaugural First Footin’ Festival—an exciting addition to the Scottish New Year’s calendar.

This event is a collection of free live music and performances scattered throughout the city centre.

From the smooth melodies of jazz to the vibrant beats of rock and DJ sets, as well as the rhythmic flows of rap, the soulful tunes of folk, and the timeless elegance of classical music, the First Footin’ festival promises a diverse array of musical experiences for everyone to enjoy on New Year's Day.

Singing Auld Lang Syne on NYE

Embrace the Scottish tradition of singing the unifying song "Auld Lang Syne" by Robert Burns.

Don't be surprised if those around you extend hands as if you were old friends, inviting you to join in the singing.

Take the opportunity to learn the words and enjoy this heartwarming ritual, connecting with others in the spirit of camaraderie as you bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.

New Year fireworks on Calton Hill (© Visit Scotland)
New Year fireworks on Calton Hill
© Visit Scotland

Choose Lettings of Distinction for Christmas or Hogmanay 2023 and enjoy the many fantastic events on offer this year.

Don't forget our other blog posts, providing all you need to know for your next trip to East Lothian. 

Nearby luxury self-catering in North Berwick & East Lothian

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