Spend New Year’s Eve in Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, New Year’s Eve celebrations, known as Hogmanay, include a torchlight parade through the city, concerts, and a massive street party on Princes Street. “Auld Lang Syne” was written by Scotsman Robert Burns, and the song takes on special significance when sung in the streets of Edinburgh. The Scottish practice the tradition of “first-footing” – when the first guest of the New Year brings gifts such as whisky or Scottish shortbread. On January 1, spectators gather at the River Forth to watch a group of brave souls splash into the freezing water in the annual Queensferry Loony Dook charity event.