Planning A Festive Break For New Year's Eve

It may seem early, but now is actually a great time to start planning your New Year's Eve celebration or New Year holiday to reduce stress during the Christmas and New Year's period. This article should help you determine what activities you would like to do to celebrate and where the best places to go are. 

Read on and make a list of what appeals to you!

What to do on a festive break

Everyone has different views on what makes a celebration good, with some seeking big parties and fireworks, while others might prefer something more intimate with family or friends. Below are a few suggestions of popular activities to do on New Year's Eve, so you can pick or choose what works well for you. 

Festive meal 

Whether this is a romantic date between you and your partner, a family meal to get in the festive spirit, or a meal with friends to line your stomach before the night ahead, a festive meal is a great way to set the tone for a good night. 

Night out / night in

Night out

It is worth noting that New Year’s Eve events usually need to be booked in advance, as they can sell out. Be sure to look for nights out that match what you want once you’ve decided where you would like to celebrate. 

Night out options include: 

• Club night 
• Fireworks event 
• Party 

Night in

For people who would rather have a night in and spend quality time with loved ones, the celebration can still feel festive and fun. A night in is also a good option for people with kids who don’t want to or are struggling to organise babysitters and want to be with the family. 

Here are some things you could do at home or at your hotel: 

• Watch TV New Year’s Eve programmes like Hogmanay coverage (more on that later)
• Set off fireworks and light sparklers in your garden 
• Have late-night chats, drinks and snacks

Hotel stay 

If you want to go away for New Year’s Eve, it makes sense to pre-book a hotel, as these may fill up in advance. For many, integrating the hotel and meal is the most convenient way to plan two things in one go, especially since so many hotels offer fantastic festive menus and high-quality ingredients and kitchen staff. 

Below are some suggestions for where to go; once you’ve chosen an area, look for hotels with a festive feel (and menu). 

Walk 

After your New Year’s Eve celebrations, a walk is a great way to start your New Year's Day. A brisk walk in the winter air can be very grounding and get you excited for the coming year. In the UK, New Year's Day is a bank holiday, so it's a perfect opportunity to spend some time with people before you start work again. 

Where to go on a festive break 

Unless you're planning to stay home for New Year's Eve, deciding where to go is a significant part of the pre-planning process.  

The Lake District 

• New Year's breaks in the Lake District are a great option. It’s serene, Lake District hotels are fantastic, it offers traditional and often locally sourced food and it's perfect for people who want a New Year’s Day walk. 

Edinburgh 

• Edinburgh hosts Hogmanay, one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations. For people who want an event, this is a great choice. 

London 

• As the capital city, London has a wide range of things to do. London is an especially good choice for people who want to go clubbing or who live in the south and want an event that’s closer to home.

Booking your festive break 

When booking your festive break, figure out what you want to do and where you want to go, then search for events, hotels and places to eat. Start your new year off nicely with a festive break away for New Year's Eve.