New Years Eve Events

Five events that you don’t want to miss this New Year’s Eve

As we edge ever closer to the end of another year, you might be starting to think about how exactly you’ll wave in 2024. Want to go all-out or keep the night super low-key? Either way, you’ll find no shortage of exciting New Year’s Eve events taking place across Northern England and Scotland.

Need a little inspiration? Take a peek at our five fabulous picks which are all perfect for celebrating New Year’s Eve with a bang in 2023. Family-friendly festivities – from firework displays to live music shows – and fancier adults-only affairs are just some of the outstanding options on offer.

1. Experience the magical Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh

   Nowhere puts on more of a show at New Year than Edinburgh. Scotland is famed for its lively Hogmanay celebrations, with the capital hosting its biggest and best events.
   
   The main attraction is the Hogmanay Street Party. Celebrating its 30th year in 2023, the street party is set to take place in the heart of the city from 8.00pm onwards on the 31st of December. As one of Europe’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations, it typically sees the sky above Edinburgh Castle illuminated with hundreds of colourful fireworks. You can also expect loads of food and drinks stalls to tempt your tastebuds, plus every ticketholder will receive an LED wristband that allows you to become part of the display for the Midnight Moment once the clocks strike midnight.
   
   There are plenty of other Edinburgh Hogmanay events – from live bands to DJ sets – to add to your agenda too. After something a little more child-friendly? The Night Afore Disco Party on the 30th of December is a great pick for those celebrating with kids and it’s set to be headlined by ABBA tribute act Björn Again.
   
   
   
   

2. See Newcastle beautifully lit up during the Lasers of Light New Year show

   Forget firework displays. New Year’s Eve in Newcastle is all about…lasers! Returning after successful runs in 2021 and 2022, the Lasers of Light show is a truly innovative experience which’ll see hundreds of lasers cast wonderful illuminations across the city’s most iconic sights – including the Tyne Bridge and the ancient Hadrian’s Wall.
   
   The light installation has some pretty impressive credentials, with Seb Lee-Delisle (a BAFTA award-winning artist) responsible for its design. The show will be accompanied by music too, making it a particularly fantastic option for families looking for a fun and unique way to say goodbye to 2023.
   
   The NYE event kicks of at 4pm on Sunday 31st December and finishes in spectacular fashion at midnight. The best view is from the Quayside, so make sure you get down early to get a good spot. In between shows, why not make a beeline for the Tyne Bridge where you’ll be able to curate your very own show using the structure’s controllable lasers?
   
   
   
   

3. Soak up the festive ambiance with a York New Year’s Eve break

   Why wait until January to book your next city break? New Year’s Eve is often the perfect time to explore a new city or revisit an old favourite – or you could make the most of the quieter time between Christmas and New Year with a relaxing city break. Charming York couldn’t be a better pick thanks to its wonderful festive ambiance and vast variety of New Year events – from themed parties and fun tribute shows to swish black-tie balls.
   
   The city is also packed with luxury hotels which make the ideal bases for a night or two of celebrating, whether for New Year’s Eve itself or in between the festivities. Many have fantastic New Year’s Eve offers, including The Grand right next door to York station and Middlethorpe Hall on the outskirts of the city. From exquisite fine dining to plush suites and sensational spa treatments, there’s no better way to kick off a brand-new year than with a little R&R!.
   
   
   
   

4. Get ready for a night of dancing at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall

   Manchester’s musical heritage makes it a natural choice for a night out on New Year’s Eve – no matter your age. Plenty of venues across the city are set to host events in 2023, from the cool Depot Mayfield near Manchester Piccadilly station to numerous clubs and bars in the Northern Quarter.
   
   For an unforgettable night, why not check out Bridgewater Hall’s spectacular Signed, Sealed, Delivered Event? This fun throwback New Year gala will see the venue’s talented Bridgewater Hall Concert Orchestra perform live versions of the best soul smashes, from the likes of Lionel Richie, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.
   
   Seats start at £38.50 and are limited, so don’t forget to book well in advance. There’s also an option to upgrade your ticket with either a slap-up three course meal and champagne or a sharing platter with fine wine from the venue’s swish Charles Halle Restaurant.
   
   
   
   

5. Gaze up at fantastic fireworks in the Lake District

   If you’d prefer to be a bit more relaxed after the hectic Christmas period, why not escape all the hubbub with a New Year’s Eve break in the Lake District? You can head to the Lakes a day or so after Christmas to relax in the countryside before enjoying the NYE celebrations.
   
   The breath-takingly beautiful National Park is an ideal spot to visit in late December due to its lush scenery, cosy accommodation options and wonderful range of wholesome dining venues. Windermere is particularly popular and couldn’t be easier to reach by rail via Oxenholme Lake District station. And many of its hotels and lodges make a real effort to celebrate New Year’s Eve with firework displays and special parties.
   
   Why not enjoy a Lake District New Year watching fireworks explode over the surface of Lake Windermere? You’ll also find many pubs and restaurants in places like Penrith, Carlisle and Keswick host ticketed events where you can ring in 2024 with delicious food, lively music and plenty of good company. If you’re staying in Keswick, remember to make your way out of the pub or party to gather around the clock tower in the town centre for the midnight countdown.
   
   
   
   

Ready to party this New Year’s Eve?
Remember to check before you travel and book your tickets in advance on our website or using the TPExpress app.