The end of one year and the beginning of another can be a great time to celebrate with loved ones. As we are slowly drawing closer to the end of the year, it’s time to start thinking about how to celebrate and where to celebrate. We have found the best places to party, see fireworks and even try new traditions in the big cities, seaside towns, and rural villages. Check out our list below to see where you should be celebrating New Year’s Eve in the UK this year.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital sure knows how to welcome the new year in style. Thousands of people head to Edinburgh to celebrate Hogmanay (the Scots word for the last day of the year) with music, fireworks, and a whole host of arts events and entertainment. While the New Year’s Eve Street Party and Concert in the Gardens are the main events, the celebrations continue for three days and include a torchlight procession the night before. At midnight, the unforgettable fireworks will once again be back at Edinburgh Castle so get prepared for an epic show. Why not join in for a morning dip in the river, known as the Loony Dook, for a rather chilly New Year’s Day swim.
Cardiff
The Welsh capital has its very own name for its New Year celebrations. ‘Calennig’, which literally means ‘the first day of the month’, is always a fun, family-friendly occasion, with a fantastic firework finale to start off the new year with a bang. Make sure you take a look at the numerous parties that happen around the city to find somewhere to dance the night away and celebrate in style. You can even skate in the new year at the Winter Wonderland, where there’s a special midnight skate available too.
St Ives
The small Cornish town of St Ives has built up quite a reputation as one of the best places in the UK for New Year’s entertainment. Thousands of people, traditionally sporting all kinds of fancy dress, head to the small town to ring in the new year. The street parties and fireworks create such an electric atmosphere as everyone is busy enjoying themselves. Crowds gather down at the harbour at midnight to wave goodbye to the old year and say hello to the new one. It really is an occasion not to miss.
Salcome
Salcombe is a coastal South Devon town that enjoys a New Year’s Eve party, except its celebrations are a little more refined, making it a great destination for a romantic couples’ break or for those looking for a quiet start to the New Year. Begin your evening with an extra-special meal in one of the many fabulous restaurants found in the town, and then see in the new year with the fireworks display put on by The Ferry Inn. For a cosy start to the new year by the seaside, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Bristol
The countdown to the biggest midnight of the calendar is on. All over the city, Bristol’s concert halls, hotels, bars, and restaurants will be entertaining the many locals and visitors who descend on the city for a celebration like no other. Head to The Great Gatsby Mansion Soiree at Ashton Court Mansion for a lavish, indulgent, and highly exclusive event. Why not visit one of the many bars that will be having a DJ, live band, and much more for you to dance the night away and celebrate the new year with a bang.
London
You can’t talk about New Year’s Eve destinations without a mention of the UK’s capital, London. There are hundreds of small celebrations across London, from fun and fancy dances and sophisticated balls to concerts by some of the biggest names in music. For many, it is THE best place to celebrate New Year, and nowhere else comes close. Thousands of people will line the banks of the Thames to watch a dazzling 10-minute firework display when the clocks strike 12. If you do happen to find yourself fully functioning the following morning, continue the festivities by watching the New Year’s Day parade, which features over 10,000 performers from all corners of the world.
Allendale
The ordinarily quiet town of Allendale in Northumberland is the unassuming location of a New Year’s celebration with a difference. Men with blackened faces, known as ‘guisers’, bear flaming barrels of tar through the town, tossing them onto a ceremonial bonfire, creating an awesome spectacle that’s sure to make your New year celebrations one to remember. This family-friendly event is one of the best things to do with children over New Year too. Swap the fireworks display for a fire festival this New Year’s Eve at Allendale.
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