Edinburgh Hogmanay

Scotland is arguably the world centre for celebrations at New Year, and as Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland it should come as no surprise that Hogmanay is celebrated with particular enthusiasm and style here. The festivities begin a few days before New Year itself, though the exact date varies depending upon which day of the week Hogmanay falls; the opening event is usually a torchlight procession from Parliament Square along the Royal Mile to Calton Hill followed by a son et lumiere or other fire show and fireworks. As well as the concert in Princes Street Gardens, fireworks, oudoor ceilidh and a huge street party on New Years Eve (tickets must be purchased for this), the whole city is en fete. Expect big-name artists at the concert and a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne when midnight has struck.

Helpful Hints

Apply early for tickets (follow link below). The Torchlit Procession was reinstated in 2023 after a break for 3 years.

New Years Eve is a permanent fixture on 31st December but the date of the opening ceremony varies from year to year. The fireworks event is free and unticketed but other New Years Eve events must be booked and are always a sell-out, so apply well in advance.

Click here for the event website: https://www.edinburghfestivalcity.com/festivals/edinburghs-hogmanay

Photo by Graeme Pow.