Dec 31 - Jan 1, 2027ConfirmedSource
At midnight on Hogmanay, the Scottish town of Stonehaven blazes as dozens of locals march down the High Street swinging great balls of fire on chains around their heads. The spinning fireballs light up the New Year's sky in a dramatic old seaport ritual said to burn away the evils of the year gone by.
Day 1 · Dec 31
Spectators line the streets in cold winter to watch residents lead a procession of glowing fireballs, culminating in vibrant spurts of flame along the harbor. The sound and sight of flaming orbs overhead create a memorable, almost primal ringing in of the new year.
Dec 31
Stonehaven, United Kingdom
Open in MapsWear warm, flame-resistant clothing
Reading safety guidelines
Crowd level: moderate.
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Stonehaven, United Kingdom
At midnight on Hogmanay, the Scottish town of Stonehaven blazes as dozens of locals march down the High Street swinging great balls of fire on chains around their heads. The spinning fireballs light up the New Year's sky in a dramatic old seaport ritual said to burn away the evils of the year gone by.
Historically a seaport community tradition, the Fireballs ceremony may derive from older fire festivals. Locals say it drives away evil spirits from the past year and celebrates community spirit at Hogmanay. In Stonehaven the practice melds New Year celebrations with the town’s fishing heritage and a sense of ritual purification through fire.
Spectators line the streets in cold winter to watch residents lead a procession of glowing fireballs, culminating in vibrant spurts of flame along the harbor. The sound and sight of flaming orbs overhead create a memorable, almost primal ringing in of the new year.
first-timer tips
Wear warm, flame-resistant clothing
Reading safety guidelines
Dec 31 - Jan 1, 2027
Confirmed
Stonehaven
Scotland (Aberdeenshire)
Free public events available
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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