Edinburgh's hardly short of things to do to ring in the bells. Hell, Hogmany in Edinburgh is listed in Top 25 Things to Do Before You Die lists the world over. And no wonder. No one quite celebrates Hogmany like Edinburgh. We've rounded up our top picks - from ghost walks to street parties - of how to bring in the bells.
Panda & Sons Hogmanay
Queen Street is home to some of Edinburgh's finest bars and boutiques (it's no accident our new store opened there after all) and one of Edinburgh's newer drinking establishments is giving a more sophisticated and laid back atmosphere to ring in the new year. The not-so-secret bar has some serious prohibition/barber shop vibes going for it, so if you make it past the bookcase, you're in for a night of some of the finest cocktails in town. With a barbershop quartet, djs and a relaxed atmosphere coupled with an entry fee that's guaranteed not to break the bank, this has got to be one of our top picks.
Kelidh on the Mound
Fancy something a bit more traditional? The "Kelidh on the Mound" is the world's biggest ourdoor new year Celidh and is a guaranteed sell out every year. The party atmosphere is second to none, and Johnnie Walker/Lothian Buses have teamed up to provide a free shuttle service around town to make sure you get home safe. Glorious.
Whisky Galore
It's become a bit of a Hogmonay tradition as The Filmhouse screen their annual New Year screening of Whisky Galore. It's the perfect way to ease yourself in to an evening with this special matinee performance before heading out for a drink at your favourite whisky bar. Our vote is with Bow Bar hands down.
Ain't No Party Like An Edinburgh Street Party
Remember the award winning party? This is it. With Lily Allen headlining this year as well as some of our favourite djs from around Edinburgh, this is a must for a Hogmanay virgin. Everyone should experience the Edinburgh Street Party at least once (make sure to catch the torchlit procession on the 30th) - there really is nothing like it.
Hanging Bat
For beer lovers (and their friends who love them) The Hanging Bat's New Beer's Eve has carved itself quite the niche over the last few years. It's pretty simple. You pay £30 and get 8 bottle caps - 7 for beer, 1 for food, and your own glass. Not in to beer? You'll get softs and spirits of your choice (though slightly less caps if you're on the harder stuff.) They only sell a limited amount of tickets to stop everything from being blustered and over crowded, and they have some of the best variety of beers out East.
Gasoline Dance Machine
One of the best club nights in Edinburgh, Gasoline Dance Machine sets up in Cabaret Voltaire with their mix of electronic and mutant disco. Always a great night and if looking for something a little less bagpipes with a little more funk, Gasoline Dance Machine fits the bill.
Briefs: The Second Coming
A fringe staple and a welcome return to Edinburgh's stages, the boys from Briefs return for a night of trash, vaudeville burlesque.
An all male, sharp shooting cabaret of burlesque with balls, high flying circus bandits and savage gender offenders! Described as an Aussie Cirque du Soleil meets Ru Paul’s Drag Race, get ready for a madcap safari through extravagant birdbath boylesque, too-close-for-comfort yo-yo tricks, valiant aerial acrobatics, irreverent interludes, ferocious fanfares and show-stopping drag artistes.
Expect the unexpected this Christmas as the BRIEFS boys present a riotous evening of intoxicating physicality, unexpected stumbles, gob-smacking comedy & ridiculous showmanship. The perfect warm up to a night on the town.
Hogmanay at The Caves
Edinburgh isn't short of unusual venues, but The Caves continues to be a certified classic. Their own in house party (no club promoters, just their annual take on the new year) opens up The Caves to the public with a little something for everyone. From a full on celidh to classic floor fillers, this is perfect if you're looking to dance the night away.
Vegas! at Voodoo Rooms
If you're looking for something a bit more flash, look no further than Vegas. Prepare for an evening of moonlight & martinis, showgirls & swings, cocktails & cabaret, blackjack & burlesque, roulette & romance - seriously what more could you want?
And for the morning after.....
Underground City of the Dead Tours
Our capital has acquired itself quite the grizzly past and with that a good few ghosts and poltergeists to go with it too. Take an alternative approach to New Year's Day with Mercat's Underground Ghost Tours through Edinburgh. Not one for the faint of heart.
How are you ringing in the bells?
Buying Christmas beard gifts for the man in your life can be tricky no matter if they are your brother, boyfriend or dad, even the bearded ones.
However, if the guy has a beard, you can be certain that some beard care items and or some form of facial hair item will be loved and cherished way beyond Christmas time.
