New Year Traditions in Britain
Every part of Britain has its own New Year traditions, from the world-famous Scottish Hogmanay to more obscure celebrations. Whether they are ways to bring us luck for the coming year or simply about sharing food and gifts, these old customs are fascinating – and can be a lot of fun.
We’ve gathered a selection of weird and wonderful New Year traditions from across the UK. Where would you like to be celebrating on New Year’s Eve?
Scotland: Hogmanay and First Footing
With its many ways to celebrate Hogmanay, Scotland leads the way when it comes to welcoming the New Year (there is even an extra bank holiday to mark the occasion). The country that gave the world Auld Lang Syne throws the best parties at New Year, from the massive gatherings in Edinburgh and Glasgow to events in every village pub. The most famous tradition is that of the “First Footer”, who is the first person to cross your threshold after midnight. They’ll bring you luck, and hopefully also a present (can we hint for a nice single malt?). For maximum luck points, your ideal first footer is a dark-haired man.
Northumberland: Flaming Barrels
If you want to be transported back to a wilder time, spend New Year’s Eve in Allendale in Northumberland. A group of local men called “guisers” carry flaming barrels of tar through the streets, which they heave onto the bonfire at midnight. This tradition has been held for over 160 years, but it’s believed to be much older – medieval, or even pagan. There’s also a New Year flaming barrel tradition in Moray (north of Inverness).
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Yorkshire: Rabbits
God’s Own Country has a fair few New Year traditions, but this one has to be among the best. Just before the clock strikes twelve, you need to say “Black rabbits, black rabbits, black rabbits”. While the bongs sound out, say “White rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits”, bringing you luck for the new year ahead. Why rabbits? Nobody seems to be able to offer an explanation, but rabbits are cute and we love this rather more gentle custom.
Peak District: Possets
You can chant about rabbits in the Peak District as this beautiful area includes parts of South and West Yorkshire. However, the Peak District used to have its own New Year tradition, the “posset cup”. Posset is a warming spiced drink made from boiled cream, ale, eggs, treacle, ginger and nutmeg, traditionally served in a special pot. At New Year, the lady of the house would pop her wedding ring in the cup. Whoever found it would be wed within the next twelve months (provided they didn’t choke on the wedding ring).
Coventry: God Cakes
God Cakes are an old tradition in the city of Coventry, and happily, this was revived a few years ago. A God Cake is a sugar-sprinkled pastry filled with sweet mincemeat, in a triangle shape to represent the Holy Trinity. They were baked and given out on New Year’s Day, often by godparents to their godchildren. The cakes were relaunched with great fanfare at Coventry Transport Museum in 2012 – and jolly delicious they are, too. Here’s a recent recipe for Coventry God Cakes.
Wales: Calennig
Calennig is an old Welsh tradition, rarely seen these days. Groups of children would go door-to-door on the morning of New Year’s Day (hopefully the residents weren’t suffering from sore heads), carrying decorated apples and singing for coins or food, “calennig” meaning “New Year’s gift”. You are unlikely to be troubled by early-morning singing in your holiday cottage in Wales, as this custom has almost died out. Keep a few pound coins handy, just in case….
Cornwall: a line in the Sand
Cornwall has recently become one of the top spots in Britain for New Year, with people flocking to towns like St Ives and Newquay for a seaside celebration. The coastal county has its own version of first footing called “sweeping the sand”. You mark a line on the doorstep using sand, and the first person to cross the line brings the household luck for the coming year. Hopefully they will also gift a silver coin for extra luck.
Luxury Holiday Cottages For New Year 2025
There are so many beautiful places with wonderful traditions across the UK. Where will you go to welcome in 2025? At Handpicked Cottages, we still have luxury holiday cottages available for December and New Year. Please get in touch with us to book your New Year holiday.
