Torchlight Procession kicks off Hogmanay 2011

Hogmanay is the world famous New Year festival held in Edinburgh. Best known for the New Year’s Eve street party which attracts upwards of 120,000 people every year, this is the largest New Year event in the world and is not to be missed!

Fiona's torch

Torchlight Procession

Kicking off Hogmanay is the Torchlight Procession.

Beth’s Recommendation: There are so many fantastic events planned for the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 it’s hard to choose but the Torchlight Procession from the Royal Mile, along Princes Street and up Calton Hill is my absolute favourite! My best advice to avoid long lines is to pick up your torch on the Royal Mile (near St Giles Cathedral) at least two hours ahead of time.

Edinburgh Sparkles – Nov & Dec

Edinburgh welcomes thousands of visitors for the winter holidays. As always, the city sparkles and comes alive with lights, food, reindeer.

Princes Garden rides

There are plenty of choices for shopping for that extra special holiday gift.

If you drive into Edinburgh the parking metres stop an hour early at 5:30pm to encourage visitors. Might as well take advantage of this while you can!

Beth’s Recommendation: Princes Gardens hosts holiday rides which are beautiful to see against the famous Old Town skyline. Walking through the gardens, all wrapped up, sipping from a hot cup of Glühwein makes for a perfect evening.

Rainbow Warrior docked in Leith at Ocean Terminal – 28 & 29 November 2009

How often in life do we get the chance to see in person the iconic objects or people that appear on our TV screens? Well, now’s your chance to see the famous Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior and walk on her decks. She will be berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith for two days.

RAINBOW WARRIOR sailing near Stac Lee. North Atlantic, off West Scotland

The Rainbow Warrior will be visiting Edinburgh on her way to the climate summit in Copenhagen in December. But keep in mind that she is a working ship and can actually be called away at any time.

Register your interest online and Greenpeace will let you know if the ship is called away.

Beth’s Recommendation: I was lucky enough to visit the Rainbow Warrior on a previous visit to Edinburgh some years ago. I remember being in complete awe of the ship as I sat in front of my tellie and watched Greenpeace ships ride up along side huge tankers when I was a little girl growing up in Arizona. So for a kid from the dessert to actually be on a Greenpeace ship felt quick emotional and as if I became a piece of their history. This is a highly recommended experience!