How to spend your Hogmanay

With Hogmanay fast approaching, many people are looking to make plans for the big night in the hope of welcoming the new year with a bang. But with so many choices on offer, where is the best place to celebrate? Looking for something different? Here are our suggestions.

Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony

You’ve seen the adverts on telly, but nothing can compare with the majesty of the Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony live in person.

Stonehaven’s annual tradition of welcoming the new year with a spectacular display of pyrotechnic brilliance. Each member of the parade swings balls of fire to warm up the cold night as they’re cheered on by the crowds. And the best part? It’s free!

Stirling Castle

Lighting the fuse for a party in “the heart of Scotland” on the doorstep of Stirling Castle, The Proclaimers lead the way as the castle sees in 2013. A proud Scottish favourite, The Proclaimers are a sure crowd-pleaser for anyone who wants to shout along to their favourite hits as the new year beckons.

Edinburgh 2012-13

Perhaps one of the most famous Hogmanay destinations is Edinburgh. The Princes Street celebration this year boasts Simple Minds, The View, and local heroes Bwani Junction. Full information here .

Also this year Edinburgh’s Tron Kirk, the traditional gathering place for Hogmanay celebrations will once more host a series of events sponsored by Drambuie.

Snowsports paradise

If skiing is your thing (or snowboarding), why not spend Hogmanay in Aviemore so you can get a fresh start to 2013 on the slopes on New Year’s Day? The Cairngorm Hotel boasts one of the best known shindigs in the area, and assuming you’re in a fit state to get up in the morning then you can get a taste of the fresh snow on CairnGorm for a New Year slide. Accommodation here.

Glasgow

Offering a child-friendly celebration, Glasgow hosts a series of events that end at 10pm, giving you plenty of time to get the little darlings home to bed so you can indulge in a quiet tipple. Storytelling, street theatre, and music all play a part in the fun, starting at midday, so why not take the family along? Full info here.

Loch Ness Lodge

If you’re looking for something more upmarket and you’ve a spare grand lying around, why not try the Loch Ness Lodge? It’s a steep ask with 3-day package prices starting at £690 per person (based on two sharing a room). But for your cash, the lodge promise “gourmet food, elegant décor, panoramic views and discreet service” to ensure the ultimate in Highland hospitality.

The quiet night in

There’s a good chance it’s going to be freezing outside, so why stand around at a big outdoor event getting frostbite when you can get comfy in your own home with friends and family. Turn up the heating, open a bottle, and enjoy the Hogmanay offerings of the TV. This year the BBC will have music courtesy of Frightened Rabbit, Rachel Sermanni, Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain, not to mention comedy from Only An Excuse.

Get away

Ever thought of just getting away from it all for New Year? With all the fuss and stress of organising your Hogmanay it could be easier to escape to somewhere more remote with a few friends. One way of doing that is to rent a cottage somewhere and celebrate with those close to you. By all chipping in you can bring down the cost and enjoy a relatively cheap escape, perhaps basking in the picture-esque backdrop of the Highlands. And if you’re not sure where to start, there’s no need to worry. Cottages4you.co.uk lets you find the right cottage in the area you want at the right price, all at the click of a button.