As we approach the end of another year, you might be planning how you will wave off 2024 and welcome in 2025. Whether you want to go all out or keep it low-key, there are plenty of exciting New Year’s Eve events happening in the North of England and Scotland.
Need a little inspiration? Check out our top picks for celebrating New Year’s Eve with a bang. From family-friendly festivities like firework displays and live music shows to fancier adult-only affairs, there are so many fabulous New Year’s Eve events in the UK to choose from.
Edinburgh is renowned for its vibrant Hogmanay celebrations, making it the perfect place to ring in the new year. The Hogmanay Street Party is set to take place in the heart of the city from 8pm onwards on the 31st of December, and entry tickets cost £30. As one of Europe’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations, you’ll get to see the sky above Edinburgh Castle illuminated with hundreds of colourful fireworks, whilst treating yourself to something delicious from one of the many food and drink stalls. Additionally, each attendee will receive an LED wristband for some added magic when the clock strikes midnight.
There are so many New Year's Eve events in the UK, but if you fancy something unique, how about dancing the night away at The Assembly Rooms’ New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball in Newcastle? There’ll be live music, canapes, fizz, and even a sausage butty at midnight! So, dig out your best partywear and most impressive mask, and welcome in the new year in style. Tickets start from £50.
For an unforgettable night, why not check out Bridgewater Hall’s spectacular Let’s Groove Event? This fun throwback New Year’s Eve gala will see the talented Bridgewater Hall Concert Orchestra perform live versions of the best soul smashes, from the likes of David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Prince and Chaka Khan. Tickets start from £40.25, but it promises to be a night to remember.
Another great Scottish event you won’t want to miss is the Stonehaven Fireballs, which is held (unsurprisingly) in Stonehaven. This 150-year-old tradition involves the symbolic burning of bad spirits from the old year ready to start the new year afresh. The High Street parade is a sight to behold, where more than 40 men and women take to the street with swinging fireballs. It’s a mesmerising spectacle that draws in an audience from around the country. Best of all, there’s no entry fee, so anyone can go and witness this unique and captivating ceremony.
An institution of the Manchester party scene, this New Year’s Eve, the Warehouse Project at Depot Mayfield will be hosted by the Defected Family for their 25th-anniversary celebrations. Promising a night of world-class house music, tier 1 tickets start from £54.45. But get them quickly as this all-night party is likely to sell out.
There are some unmissable events on in Liverpool this New Year’s Eve. And, if you’re looking for a glamourous experience where you can dress to impress, then the Gala dinner at The Shankly Hotel is the perfect choice. This exquisite event will take place on the 31st of December, starting at 7pm. For £99 per person, you can enjoy a night of elegance and style, complete with a sensational Michael Bublé tribute by Josh Hindle.
If you’d prefer something more relaxing after the hectic Christmas period, escape the hustle and bustle with a New Year’s Eve break in the serene Lake District. The breathtaking 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 a particularly popular choice and can be easily accessed by rail via Oxenholme Lake District station.
For those who prefer to stay in on New Year’s Eve, why not consider celebrating the night before instead? The Night Afore Disco Party on the 30th of December is a great pick for those looking for a fun event suitable for older children (12+), and tickets are just £30. This year, the party will feature the international DJ Hot Dub Time Machine, who will return to the capital for the first time in a decade. Joined by the musical band The Cuban Brothers, this event is set to be one to remember.
If great music, delicious street food and a buzzing atmosphere are on your NYE agenda, get yourself down to the Ashton Lane Hogmanay Street Party in Glasgow. Tickets are £40 and include an arrival drink to help you get the party started. So, dance the night away on the cobbled streets, treat yourself to a delicious meal from one of the many food stalls, and toast to the new year in style.
Looking for a classy way to ring in the New Year in Edinburgh? The SCO New Year Gala at Usher Hall is your ticket to a night of elegance and entertainment! Enjoy a stunning performance from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra set in the beautiful surroundings of this iconic venue. With a lively atmosphere, delightful music and tickets from just £15, it’s the perfect way to celebrate with friends or that special someone.
It’s glamour and glitz galore at the Royal Armouries Museum this New Year’s Eve. Ring in 2025 in Leeds surrounded by the elegance of the 1920s, with live jazz, flapper dresses and a Gatsby-style party atmosphere. Tickets are £79 per person and include a three-course set menu, live band and more.
Prefer to celebrate at midday instead or midnight? This family-friendly party is the one for you! With fabulous live performances, parachute games, face painting and a brilliant community vibe, Raver Tots is the perfect way to round off the year with your little ones. Tickets start at £15 and babies under 18 months can enter for free.
Ready to dance your way into the new year? Discos for Grown Ups at the Engine Shed in Wetherby is your spot! This isn’t just any party, it’s a retro-themed night filled with classic hits that’ll have you grooving like it’s the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s all over again. Spectacular vibes, fabulous drinks and plenty of space to bust a move – it’s the perfect place to let loose and celebrate the closing of 2024. Tickets start from just £32.50.
For a New Year’s Eve event in Sheffield that’s suitable for the whole family, the Boomchikkaboom Family Party at the Cambridge Street Collective is just the ticket. With loads of exciting activities, live entertainment and mouth-watering food options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let the kids dance, play and make memories, while you sit back and soak it all up. This event is also super affordable, with tickets costing just £2.60 per person.
Rounding out our list with the most serene and tranquil of our recommendations, the Candlelit Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral is a beautiful way to see out the year. The concert begins at 6pm and lasts 90 minutes, meaning there’s still time to head to a more raucous party after if you so wish! With ticket prices starting from £22.50, book now for an evening of stunning music in a breathtaking candle-lit setting.
With so much happening across our network, it’s hard to choose how to celebrate. But, if something on our list has taken your fancy, book your train now to avoid disappointment. For more inspiration this festive season, check out our guides on the best Christmas light trails and the best Christmas days out.
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