So, you’ve already made the right decision – you chose to attend one of the most famous Hogmanay celebrations in the world! This guide should help you make the right decisions about what to do with the rest of your time here as well and make the most of Let’s Play 2012.
Attractions and venues are numbered...see the map below for their locations. Zoom in and click on the number on the map for more information.
Friday 30th
Consider this day the calm before the storm and head to the Edinburgh Filmhouse (1) to enjoy one of the many Edinburgh based films showing for the Let’s Play film season – maybe One Day for a modern day love story or catch up with a classic, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
You can easily wander from here to the Torchlight Procession which signals the start of the Hogmanay celebrations – head along to the start through the Grassmarket (2) – not only an old meat market but also the site of Edinburgh’s old public executions. Sitting beneath Edinburgh Castle (3), this area is one of the most historical in Edinburgh and if you have time, there are a number of traditional pubs on this street where you can enjoy a Deuchars (our locally brewed beer and the cause of the wonderful hoppy smell in the city).
At 5.30pm, head to Parliament Square, (4) purchase a torch for charity and join the 20,000 people (start 6.30pm) heading to Calton Hill (5) for the 7.45pm Son et Lumiere (light) and fireworks display. You’ll also enjoy some traditional pipes and drums here but wrap up warm!
Saturday 31st
You’ll need a hearty breakfast so head along to the Kings Wark (6) in Leith to enjoy their famous Scottish breakfast. Lothian Buses provides information on transport.
Suitably full, head down to Ocean Terminal (7) to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia (8) – most well-known for being the only place the Queen could really relax – you can view magnificent living rooms, bedrooms and the Sun Lounge on the stern where the Royal Family enjoyed many beautiful sunsets all over the world.
Leith is home to two of Edinburgh’s Michelin starred restaurants, so for a gastro-treat, visit either Martin Wishart (9) or the Kitchin (10) for lunch.
Head back to the city centre in plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere - wander along the pedestrianised Princes Street (11) enjoying the views, the shops and maybe one of the many varieties of mulled drinks at the Edinburgh's Traditional Christmas Market.
Parties start from 8.30pm for the Concert in the Gardens with Primal Scream (12) or 9pm for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street party . Wrap up warm!
Street Party Bus services are available for destinations across Scotland from citylink.co.uk and if you staying within the city make sure you take advantage of the FREE New Year buses which run throughout the city from after midnight on the 31st December. Full transport and bus information is available at edinburghshogmanay.com
The Street Party offers five live music stages to suit your taste - The West End Stage (13) features Friendly Fires, The East End Stage (14) boasts Mark Ronson, you’ll find The Cuban Brothers on the Mound Party Stage (15) and The Waverley Stage (16) is headlined by The Vaccines. For something a bit more traditional the Scott Monument Stage (17) features Scottish music including the Peatbog Faeries. Try and see all five stages for the ultimate experience!
Where will you be 'At the Bells'? One of the world’s most famous and stunning fireworks displays will occur, both from Edinburgh Castle and from Calton Hill. Hold hands with those nearby and join in the street-wide rendition of Auld Lang Syne – the traditional Scottish welcome to the New Year.
Still going? The HMV Picturehouse (18) hosts the official Hogmanay After Show Club which is open until 5am! If you haven’t seen enough of Mr Ronson, you’ll also find him here.
1st January
Slightly fuzzy head? Time to wake up! The Loony Dook will literally take your breath away as you plunge into the icy waters of the River Forth (19). Catch buses from the city centre and head to South Queensferry for this unique experience under the (scaffold-free!) Forth Rail Bridge (20). (Note, you must book in advance)
Head back into the city centre for a reviving lunch at any of the remarkable George Street (24) restaurants and then…..
It’s time to play!
Pick your side – Uppie or Doonie - and let the games begin.
In various places throughout the city, you can compete in games designed by Scottish artists to win points for your team – games vary from hopscotch to a daring attack on a minotaur’s lair so come prepared for anything!
You’ll find group challenges in The Hub (21), St Giles’ Cathedral, (22) Dance Base (23) and the National Museum of Scotland.(24)
Games start at 2pm and will wind up by 5.15, then head to the Grassmarket for the Closing Ceremony where the winners will be announced before 6pm. Leave with pride or head hung with shame.
To round the entire experience off, head to Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the Ice Rink, Big Wheel and Helter Skelter. (25)
2nd January
Hit the January Sales! One of the least cloned retail districts in the UK, Edinburgh offers a wide range of shopping experiences and since Edinburgh Sparkles in the winter, you’ll find plenty of relaxing spots to watch the world go by.
Enjoy!
View all the numbered locations on our Hogmananay Plan Map
Zoom in and click on the numbers for more information.
