These British cities are the most popular for New Year’s Eve!
Goodbye 2021, ‘cause we’re feeling ‘22
It’s safe to say that, like at the end of last year, we are not short of reasons to be happy about seeing the back of 2021. Whether you prefer getting dressed up for a black-tie event or heading to a street party to count down to the New Year, the UK has something for absolutely everyone. While restrictions and regulations undoubtedly make things a little more complicated, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the occasion safely with your nearest and dearest.
Holidu, the search engine for holiday rentals has investigated which cities are the most popular on Google, looking at New Year’s Eve-related searches. Check out our guide on how best to spend New Year’s Eve in the top five most popular British cities for the occasion!
1. Edinburgh – 8,220 searches per month
It’s hardly a surprise that we have the wonderful Edinburgh in first place! Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival dates back to 1993 and is largely regarded as one of the world’s greatest New Year’s Eve celebrations. The famous Street Party sees revellers fill up Princes Street for a night of live music, fireworks and the world’s biggest rendition of Auld Lang Syne as the clock strikes midnight! For lovers of tradition, make sure you head to South Queensferry on New Years Day to spectate (or take part, if you dare) as hundreds of people throw themselves into the icy water as part of the Loony Dook. This tradition dates back to 1987, and was first done in an attempt to cure a hangover!
2. London – 4,800 searches per month
The second most popular option for where to spend New Year’s Eve is London! Unfortunately, the fireworks display over the River Thames has been cancelled for the second year in a row, but fear not, as there is still an abundance of exciting events taking place across the city. From boozy day-long bottomless brunch and cruises along the river, to masquerade balls and spectacular shows, whatever you fancy doing on December 31st, London has got you covered.
3. Manchester – 3,710 searches per month
In a respectable third place with an average of 3,710 NYE-related searches per month over the past twelve months is Manchester. Manchester’s buzzing hospitality and nightlife scene makes it more than capable of hosting a night to remember all year round, but especially on New Year’s Eve. A specific party tip is the Great Gatsby 20s-style night of glitz and glamour that is being held by the Peaky Blinders Manchester bar. Offering a fizz reception and extravagant 5-course meal alongside an evening packed with entertainment, this is the place to be on the 31st.
4. Birmingham – 1,920 searches per month
Next up on the list is Birmingham, with an average of 1,920 searches per month in the past year. For a Havana-style fiesta, head to Revolucion De Cuba’s Año Nuevo event. You’ll be treated to live entertainment, music and performances from Samba dancers to get you into the party spirit. The highlight in Birmingham is the big party that is held in Centenary Square, in the heart of the city, which is where you can go to view the magnificent fireworks display at midnight.
5. Glasgow – 1,760 searches per month
In fifth place, we have Glasgow! As mentioned before, Scotland is world-renowned for its Hogmanay celebrations, so it’s no surprise that its biggest city makes the top five. Head to Ashton Lane for one of the most popular New Year’s Eve parties in the city. Expect street performers, DJs and even a live ceilidh band, so get ready to link arms and swing your loved ones into the New Year. There will also be feed stalls scattered up the street and access to many of the brilliant bars situated there.
6. Liverpool – 1640 searches per month
7. Bristol – 1260 searches per month
8. Leeds – 1140 searches per month
9. Nottingham – 890 searches per month
10. Cardiff – 880 searches per month
Methodology:
All British towns and cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants were considered for this study. The average monthly Google Search Volume over the past 12 months for the keywords ‘nye’ + the destination, ‘new years eve’ + destination, ‘new yer’ + destination and ‘hogmanay’ + destination, was gathered. The ranking was formed by sorting the cities based on the combined search volume of all keywords, from highest to lowest. The data was collected in December 2021.