Five things to do on Hogmanay in and around Aberdeen
Aberdeen street party
Live music from the Mersey Beatles and The Banjo Lounge 4 from an open air stage at Schoolhill will help ring in the New Year at the Aberdeen City Council run street party.
The free event, which starts at 8:45pm ends with a fireworks display from His Majesty's Theatre rooftop at midnight. The best views for the display will be from Union Bridge, Union Terrace and Schoolhill.
While there is no charge or tickets for the event, there is a maximum capacity, so restriction on entry could be enforced.
Stonehaven fireballs parade
One of the most exciting ways to bring in the New Year is with the free fireballs festival in Stonehaven.
Traditionally a cleansing ritual to ‘burn off’ bad spirits from the old year, so the New Year can begin in a purified manner, the event sees almost 40 men and women parade along the High Street, swinging the flaming balls around their heads.
Tickets are not required for this event, but people tend to begin gathering from 10:30pm along the High Street, with the parade starting at midnight, led by a piper, and lasting for 20 minutes. It is followed by a fireworks display.
Please remember to wrap up warmly – the fireballs won’t be enough to keep you cosy!
Hogmanay hilarity
If you’re looking to ring in the New Year with peals of laughter, comedy club Breakneck Comedy has something to tickle your funny bone.
Doors open at 7pm for the Aberdeen Hogmanay event, which sees four comedians performing up until the bells, as well as stovies for attendees.
Tickets must be bought in advance, with the event due to run until 2am.
Gig at the Brig
Ellon is again hosting a music event Gig at the Brig on New Year’s Eve, with Red Hot Chilli Pipers heading the line-up.
The event is ticketed, with options for family tickets as well as adult and children tickets, so make sure to book in advance if you are wanting to attend.
Starting at 8pm, Gig at the Brig will run through to 1am on the 1st of January.
Bells at the Bettridge
Prefer to spend your New Year’s Eve inside? Head to the Bettridge Centre in Newtonhill for a Hogmanay celebration featuring Roadrunner Entertainment, with music and games for the little ones.
The event is ticketed (free for children under 2, but they do still require a ticket), and kicks off at 7:30pm, before running until 0:45am in the morning.