Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebration is one of the most renowned New Year celebrations in the world, with the city transforming into a festive wonderland filled with events and activities to ring in the new year. The Torchlight Procession, kicking off the four-day celebration, sees participants carrying flaming torches through the city’s old town, creating a mesmerizing river of fire. This event features fire performers, pipe bands, and drummers, with a portion of proceeds donated to various charities. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is the culmination of the festivities, with revellers enjoying live music, street performers, and street food in a carnival-like atmosphere. The event is capped off with a spectacular fireworks display launched from the castle at midnight, followed by the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne.
The Hogmanay celebration in Edinburgh is steeped in tradition, with Scots adhering to rituals such as first-footing, where the first person to cross a house’s threshold on New Year’s Day brings either good or bad luck. Visitors and locals alike can participate in free First Footin’ events in the old and new town, where there are live music and performances in various pubs and venues. The streets of Edinburgh come alive with the sounds of music, laughter, and celebration as people come together to welcome the new year with open arms. The event is a testament to the city’s rich heritage and cultural significance, with a mix of old traditions and modern festivities that appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Edinburgh Street Party has become a bucket list New Year celebration, attracting visitors from around the world who want to experience the unique atmosphere and energy of the city during this festive time. The Hogmanay celebrations seamlessly transition from Christmas into New Year, with events and activities held throughout the city to entertain and delight locals and tourists alike. The city sparkles with festive decorations, creating a magical backdrop for the various events that make up the Hogmanay programme. The world-renowned fireworks display at midnight is a highlight of the festivities, as rockets and fountains soar into the night sky, illuminating the city in a dazzling display of light and color.
One of the most popular events of the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the Torchlight Procession, where thousands of participants carry flaming torches through the city’s old town, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This raucous event is a mix of ancient traditions and modern celebrations, with fire performers and musicians adding to the excitement of the night. The event raises funds for charities and brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. The Edinburgh Street Party, held on Princes Street, is a carnival-like affair with live music, street performers, and plenty of food and drink to keep partygoers entertained well into the night.
While some events during the Hogmanay celebration require tickets, such as the Torchlight Procession and the Concert in the Gardens, there are also unticketed events like First Footin’ that allow visitors and locals to join in the festivities without any cost. The tradition of first-footing, where visitors bring gifts of coal, shortbread, or whisky to friends’ homes to bring good luck for the year ahead, is still practiced in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland. Visitors to Edinburgh can watch the castle fireworks from various vantage points around the city for free, including Inverleith Park, Calton Hill, or Bruntsfield Links. The Hogmanay celebration in Edinburgh is a vibrant and joyful event that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the passing of the old year and the welcoming of the new one in grand style.
