Annually, over 100,000 revellers descend on Edinburgh to welcome in the New Year known to the Scots as Hogmanay. Although the origins of that phrase remain uncertain there are many different theories. According to whom you believe Hogmanay has its origins in French, Anglo-Saxon, Flemish, Gaelic, Scandinavian, or even Viking culture!

A torch lit procession on the evening of December 29th kicks-off the extended celebrations. This is a stunningly visual family event which involves hundreds of characters in fancy dress carrying torches trailing behind a group dressed as Vikings, who in turn are dragging a traditional Long Ship up Edinburgh’s Carlton Hill. A fantastic firework display signals that the procession has reached its destination, and then the torches are thrown into the Ship providing an incredible climax as it burns bright; visible from many parts of the city.

On the night before Hogmanay, the city holds a monster Ceilidh which provides street theatre, music and dance for all to enjoy. Then, onto New Year’s Eve when the city is literally buzzing with anticipation as tens of thousands of partygoers fill the streets. If this description of the New Year celebrations is whetting your appetite and you are now considering going to the next Hogmanay, it is worth bearing in mind that as many revellers come from outside Edinburgh getting a hotel room can be a challenge. It is best to book well in advance as many of the bigger independent hotels and large chains such as Thistle hotels offer reasonably priced Hogmanay packages.

With so many people wanting to be part of this exciting spectacle only those holding passes, which can be bought in advance, are allowed into the central party area. There is a huge choice of pubs, restaurants, and outside entertainment centered on Princess Street. Three stages all host live music, two giant screens broadcast the revelry, and there is a Ceilidh in the gardens. At midnight a magnificent fire work display erupts over the seven hills signifying the start of the New Year and everyone joins hands to sing “Auld Lang Syne”.

After the official welcome to the New Year the party continues until the early hours but the festivities certainly don’t stop there. On New Year’s Day witness the thousands of brave souls who take a dip in the freezing cold Forth River, in a ritual known as the Loony Dook. It’s all for charity as is the reason why many others will be running the Royal Mile.

For the kids there is a duathlon which involves a 600 metre run, two miles cycling, and then a further 600 metre run. Adults can take part in a grueling triathlon, if they really feel the urge! Alternatively, take it easy after the night’s exertions and treat yourself to Edinburgh’s Dogmanay; husky dogs racing through Holyrood Park.

For those who are dilettantes in French and English literature or just dabble with the works of great authors and philosophers, Edinburgh is a sheer delight and a glorious opportunity for lots of introspection. The great Georgian and Victorian architecture itself is an interesting and immense input to the knowledge of English and French literature and some of the propounding philosophies. And not just for the connoisseur of literature, there are lots of things to do in Edinburgh for the art aficionados.

Besides, arts and literature, if you have an inclination towards historic things and activities, then you will also gain a good experience in Edinburgh. Edinburgh provides you a good opportunity to get back to the medieval times and era. You can look at the Victorian and Georgian architecture and handicrafts that are still preserved and maintained in Edinburgh.

For more details on places to see and Things to do in Edinburgh, you would find ready guides and travel books that will provide you all the details. Attractions during different parts of the year, festivals and celebrations, hospitality and culture, places to see and must visits – you would find everything in pamphlets and journals dedicated to Edinburgh.