1. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay
Various venues, Edinburgh, until Monday
The capital’s world-class Hogmanay celebrations kick off on Saturday with a torchlight procession, a spectacular sea of light that will illuminate the winter night to mark the opening of Edinburgh’s New Year celebrations. Then, on Sunday, say to the world, “I was there,” and join people from across the globe to bring in the New Year at one of the world’s biggest and best outdoor parties, complete with live music, DJs, street entertainment and the ultimate fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle. Then, on Monday, combat the hangover from the night before by dressing up and running into the revitalising waters of the Firth of Forth at one of Scotland’s finest Hogmanay traditions and raise some money for charity.
Head to edinburghshogmanay.com for more information and ticket details.
2. Concert in the Gardens
West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, Sunday
Part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, this is one event not to be missed. Bring in 2018 in spectacular style at the Concert in the Gardens main stage, featuring festival headliner Rag'n'Bone Man, plus supporting acts Declan McKenna and the capital’s own Nina Nesbitt. With amazing views of both the main stage and the fireworks, this really is your ticket to the ultimate, memorable Hogmanay experience.
Tickets are £65, with booking fee, and are selling fast. Entry includes a wristband for access to the street party. Doors will at 8pm, and the event starts at 9pm. Book at edinburghshogmanay.com.
3. Mamma Mia!
Theatre Royal, Glasgow, until Saturday
Set on a Greek island paradise, the hugely-popular story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face-to-face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a very memorable wedding.
Tickets are priced between £23.40 and £70.90. Book at atgtickets.com.
4. MagicFest Christmas Special
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, until Saturday
After a successful launch of their festive edition last year, MagicFest Christmas is back with this special, featuring stars of magic from around the UK and guest performers from Spain. Audiences of all ages are invited to enter MagicFest’s wintery world of wonder with performances from magicians, including grand illusionist Chris de Rosa, magic vaudevillian Paul Dabek, magician-scientist hybrid Kevin Quantum, and Spanish performers David Blanco -a master of misdirection - and the legendary “Bubble Poet” Señor Pérez, who will bring the show to a spectacular finish with a flurry of bubbles.
Tickets are priced between £15 and £22 and can be booked via magicfest.co.uk.
5. Hootfest!
The Stand, Glasgow and Edinburgh, until Sunday
Laugh your way to the end of the year at the popular comedy club with a two-hour special from either Big Gary Little, Ian Coppinger, Ashley Storrie, Gary Meikle or Billy Kirkwood in Glasgow, where four out of five acts are local. Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, Tom Stade, John Scott, Gus Lymburn, Marc Jennings and host Susan Morrison take to the stage to help audiences chuckle their way to the end of 2017. A 2am license for Hogmanay at both venues ensures customers can celebrate through the bells.
Tickets are £27.50. Book at thestand.co.uk.
6. The Wee Hogmanay Party
National Piping Centre, Glasgow, tomorrow
Don’t want the little ones to miss out on the New Year’s Eve celebrations? Take them and the grandparents along to the centre for a special party night, perfect for families. For children, there will be a party food buffet, with haggis pies for the adults. A special “bells” celebration with Auld Lang Syne will round off the evening. Ideal for those aged two to 10.
Adult tickets are £17 with concessions at £15 each. Book at thepipingcentre.co.uk.
7. Red Hot Highland Fling
Northern Meeting Park, Inverness, Sunday
One of Scotland’s biggest and best free Hogmanay parties regularly features in lists of top places to welcome in the New Year. Hosted by comedian Craig Hill, this year’s show features three hugely popular traditional bands, Hò-rò, Skipinnish and Skerryvore. Family-friendly shows will also feature a fireworks display over Inverness Cathedral at midnight which attracts visitors from far and wide to the banks of the River Ness.
No tickets are required for this event and hot food and drink are available inside the park. Celebrations kick off at 8pm and wind down at 12.30am.
8. Tinsel Toon
Tron Theatre, Glasgow, until Sunday
Looking for post-Christmas fun for the little ones? Tinsel Toon is a gentle, playful tale for children aged between three and six. When stormy clouds gather over Tinsel Toon, what can be done to bring back the residents’ festive cheer? This lovely tale tells the story of how the most wonderful time of the year brings people together.
Tickets cost £8.50 with various family offers available. Book by calling the box office on 0141 552 4267.
9. Hogmanay Celebrations
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Sunday
Bring in the bells at an open-air stage in Schoolhill for the ultimate Aberdeen street party. With live music from the Mersey Beatles and The Banjo Lounge 4, before a spectacular fireworks display from His Majesty’s Theatre rooftop at midnight, this party is not-to-be-missed.
Free to attend. Festivities kick off from 8.45pm to 12.15am.
10. Hogmanay Ceilidh
Bonar Hall, Dundee, Sunday
Ceilidh celebrations will commence at 8pm with a glass of fizz on arrival. At 8.30pm, the ceilidh band will begin. A supper of stovies, oatcakes, coffee and shortbread will be available.
Cost is £34.95. Dinner plus the ceilidh is also available for £59.95. Contact the Dundee Rep box office on 01382 223530 for more information and to book.
DON’T MISS...
Black Bun Special
Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, Saturday and Sunday
Fancy doing something a bit different this Hogmanay? Then jump aboard one of the final steam trains of the year at the heritage railway near Edinburgh. Complimentary traditional Scottish Hogmanay black bun and a hot drink can be enjoyed whilst travelling on board the nostalgic steam railway. Juice and shortbread is available for the little ones and the resident piper will be on board to entertain.
No need to pre-book. Just buy tickets from the booking office at the station. Visit bkrailway.co.uk for more information.
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