Hogmanay

If you're in Edinburgh at the tail end of December, first of all, we hope you booked a hotel well in advance; second, you should take to the streets and see how the Scots ring in the New Year. Hogmanay (the name's origin is still up for debate) celebrations include a magical Torchlight Procession on December 29 and both a concert in the Princes Street Gardens and a massive Street Party on December 31, for which you'll need to purchase a ticket.

One TripAdvisor traveler recommends buying your Street Party tickets early. He also says, "Download the full lyrics to the Auld Lang Syne and bring them with you, and you will sing like a pro at midnight." For more information, check out the official website.