How to get to Glasgow Hogmanay
Heading to Glasgow for Hogmanay? You’re in for a good night, and getting there with the help of Avanti West Coast is a breeze.
Arriving in Glasgow is simple by train. Arrive at Glasgow Central station with Avanti and you’ll find it easy to make your way to any Hogmanay event in Glasgow. Our services to Glasgow run from all over, whether you’re as close as Lockerbie or as far as London.
There are events across the whole city for Hogmanay, so it’s advisable to make the most of Glasgow’s public transport to get from venue to venue. Glasgow is a compact city, so it’s easy to get around on foot, by subway, or on the bus depending on where you’re headed.
What to do at Glasgow Hogmanay
There is so much to do in Glasgow for Hogmanay, and wherever you are you’re sure to be welcomed with classic Glaswegian hospitality. There are parties and Hogmanay events in Glasgow held all over the city, so you’re sure to find something for you.
One idea is to join in with a street party on Ashton Lane, an annual celebration that brings the community together to see in the New Year. Here, you’ll enjoy live entertainment, food stalls, BBQs and more.
The city of Glasgow lights up for Hogmanay. In the literal sense, too - New Year fireworks in Glasgow are a big deal. You’ll find firework displays scattered throughout the city as party-goers celebrate the New Year coming in.
With so many Hogmanay traditions still being practised, you have to get involved when celebrating in Glasgow. One common tradition that has spread to most of the English-speaking world is singing along to Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight. Another tradition is braving a swim in the nearest body of water on the morning of January 1st. The fresh water symbolises a fresh start for the new year.
Traditional foods like fruitcake, shortbread, and black bun are to be enjoyed at Hogmanay. It’s a good idea to save the January diet until after the celebrations are over. And of course, celebratory Scotch whisky should be enjoyed too.
About Glasgow Hogmanay
Hogmanay is a Scottish New Year celebration, with all kinds of traditions and festivities going on across the country.
History is unsure where the word ‘Hogmanay’ itself originates from. Regardless, it became common practice by the 1600s, when it first appeared in written records. It has been a well-loved celebration since. And where better to celebrate than in Glasgow?
Hogmanay is more than just New Year's Eve, so you can be forgiven for wondering ‘when is Hogmanay 2024?’ Festivities go on for 3 days in Scotland, beginning on 31st December and finishing on 2nd January.
The celebration comes with plenty of historic traditions, like first footing. This is the tradition of visiting friends or family immediately after the stroke of midnight. Traditionally it should be a tall man with dark hair, which likely dates back to Viking invasions. First footers should bring a lump of coal with them to provide warmth for the coming months of the new year.
Ways to save on your train ticket to Glasgow Hogmanay
Saving money on your train travel with Avanti West Coast is a good idea, leaving you with more spare cash to enjoy Glasgow’s New Year events with.
One simple way to enjoy cheap train tickets to Glasgow is to use a Railcard. With this helpful card, you’ll save ⅓ on tickets. There are lots of card types to choose from, like a 16-25 Railcard or a Family & Friends Railcard, so you’re sure to find the one for you.
You could also book in advance to find a great price. Advance Tickets mean that the earlier you book your journey, the lower the cost. You can even turn on Priority Ticket Alerts to be informed when tickets are on sale.
And don’t forget the benefit of booking direct with Avanti West Coast. When you book with us direct you’re guaranteed the cheapest price for your journey and you won’t pay anything in booking fees.
Get the app
Book your train tickets to Glasgow Hogmanay with the help of the Avanti West Coast app.
By booking directly with us through the app, you are guaranteed to pay the lowest price. You will also avoid any booking fees, meaning even cheaper prices.
Find your journey, book it with ease, and track the train through the app.