CHAT PLUS

During our weekly online chat (most Mondays at 2 p.m.), you ask and we answer your travel questions -- mostly. Here's one that we couldn't answer fully last week.

Aix-en-Provence, France: I'll be spending my New Year's up in Edinburgh. Any suggestions of things to do over the hogmanay weekend in Scotland?

At Edinburgh's Hogmanay the Scots party for four straight days, not resting until Jan. 2. The nonstop action kicks off Dec. 29 with a torchlight procession that culminates in the burning of a Viking ship and an effigy. The following night is a crazy carnival of oompah music, stilt walkers, a Berlin nightclub and Scottish dancers twirling down George Street.

Bring in the new year at the outdoor Royal Bank Street Party, which includes cash bars and three main stages featuring three types of music (folk, indie rock, cheesy pop). Or catch Paolo Nutini and the Pet Shop Boys at the Concert in the Gardens. At midnight, look skyward at the massive fireworks display, then continue the revelry.

If you're still standing Jan. 1, partake in the One O'Clock Run, or watch sled dogs race around Scottish streets. Also on New Year's Day, the Moorings pub in South Queensferry holds the Loony Dook, where hundreds dress up, then dive into the River Forth -- and thousands watch the loons from dry land. During your downtime, take a spin on the Edinburgh Wheel or the Flying Carousel, or a bounce around the Bungydome. For more info: 011-44-131-473-2000, http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/.

-- Andrea Sachs