We are a married couple in our 30s and are trying to plan our itinerary for Edinburgh's Hogmanay. We are not big party people. Our primary interest in this trip is to experience what is great about New Years in Edinburgh. A few of our questions.... Is the Street Party or the Keilidh a better option? What is the difference between the two and is it worth it to pay more for the Keilidh? If we buy tickets to the Keilidh and want to go to the street party, can we do that then return to the Keilidh? Should we just forget about both of them and go somewhere else to view the fireworks? Also, we are big foodies and enjoy local cuisine off the beaten path. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Posted by
aberdeen, scotland & london, uk
241 posts
Hogmanay in edinburgh is a major event. Tons of things will be booked up. You can try to get tickets for fireworks/concerts but think these may have been allocated by poll. Ceilidh with dinner is a good option but you'll need to book - usually hotel with overnight stay. Hogmanay is a big event in scotland! Lots of parties. People almost always dress up for ceilidhs. Locals wear kilts. ceilidhs involve Scottish country dancing but once the parties started it's really not a big deal if you don't know the dances - you'll be helped out! Lots will try for both fireworks and ceilidh. Good luck
S
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I would do the Ceilidh (I've usually seen it with a C.) You'll find that if you did folk dancing in school, you've probably done some of the country dances - Gay Gordon's, Strip the Willow and Circassian Circle - are all very common. Also, as Susan says people will help you do the dances. The music is infectious. It will be a very big crowd on Prince's Street. Here's a link to a similar discussion on TripAdvisor. http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/ShowTopic-g186525-i108-k4783558-Hogmanay_Concert_or_Keilidh-Edinburgh_Scotland.html I saw the fireworks at the end of the Edinburgh Festival one year. I went to Prince's Street and was there with the big crowd. It was wonderful, but it was packed. And, you stand up to see the fireworks. There is no place to sit. There were lots of teens and 20 somethings traversing in long trains. There were families as well. I never felt unsafe, but if you don't like crowds you'll be uncomfortable. In later years I went to a park near the Royal Botanic Gardens and there I found the familiar lawn chairs and blanket for stretching out and watching fireworks. And, lots of families. ; ) Pam