How to organise a trip to Edinburgh for Hogmany? (next year)

[Mamarsupial]

I’d love to take my parents. I know it’s something they’ve always wanted to do. I’m a bit daunted though because it’s a bit of a big deal and I know everywhere is booked up months in advance. To those who go often, what are the main things that people enjoy doing and what should I bear in mind when planning this trip? I think my parents would like to go to the tattoo, but that’s about all I know!

Thanks in advance for any pointers!

I think the tattoo is in on the summer during the festival, not at Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is over priced & over rated

I'd go for the Tattoo instead. It's fantastic
Tickets for that & a few days sightseeing would be a great trip

Oh, oops - shows how much I know! I’ve probably just picked that up from hearing my parents talking and thought it was a New Year thing. They do definitely want to go at New Year though, not August.

The tattoo is in august, Hogmanay is new year. YABVU.

Oh okay. Hmm. I need to think about this the. - perhaps we might end up doing two trips!

In what way is Hogmany overrated?

Sorry! 😳🤨

Both are over rated and totally geared up for tourists willing to pay over inflated hotel prices. Edinburgh is a great city but neither are the best time to see it at its best.

Tattoo is in August would be a better experience but is during the fringe so accommodation is extortionate

New year tends to be ticketed if you want to attend the main bash its outside in the cold too are your parents really fit for that?

At new year it's really just a load of people getting drunk in the street with some fireworks at midnight. I would go for the festival season, it will be warmer and there will be loads to see.

Hogmanay in Edinburgh is going to involve insanely expensive hotels and restaurants, and about ten million people packed into a small area of town. I'd go to the Tattoo in the summer, myself!

I live in Edinburgh. Prior to covid the few days leading up to Hogmanay were nice. Torchlit procession down the mound, years ago there would be a massive ceilidh on Queen Streen, I actually enjoy the Christmas market then as it gets quieter after actual Christmas.

but on Hogmanay we generally avoid town and go to friends. You could prebook dinner at a nice hotel with ceilidh. Avoid the cold and drunk people. Apex Grassmarket might have decent views of the fireworks.

or head out of Edinburgh to countryside hotel, even the Dalmahoy on the outskirts you could still get a decent view of the fireworks from a few miles away.

Also, I love the festival, but even I get hacked off by the crowds, impossible to move or find a seat. Easier if you do Mon-Wed but you need to book a year in advance for hotels.

According to residents of Edinburgh I know, don't bother! Accommodation for miles around is vastly expensive, it costs a fortune to get onto Princes Street or the other venues, it's packed. you can't get to the loo and the beer is extortionate!

I'm told that the Biggar Bonfire west of Edinburgh is far better at New Year.

Been once and it was a good night.

Thanks, much food for thought here!

I've been told off for mentioning it on MN though, it may attract more people!