What makes Edinburgh’s Hogmanay so special?
Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the world's greatest New Year celebrations, featuring three days of spectacular events. Highlighted as one of the ‘Top 100 things to do before you die’ and recently the only festival to appear in the ‘Discovery Channel – Top 25 World Travel Experiences’, Hogmanay sees hundreds of thousands of revellers gather in Edinburgh every year to join marchers bearing fire lit torches, enjoy birling to traditional Scottish music beneath the striking edifice of Edinburgh Castle, and watch top stars and incredible fireworks from Princes Street Gardens. Then, as the bells strike midnight, join hands with friends from across the globe in the world’s biggest rendition of Auld Lang Syne!
If that hasn't convinced you to book your tickets for this year, then here’s a list of all the things that make Edinburgh's Hogmanay so special.
1. A celebration with deep roots
Hogmanay is Scotland’s New Year celebration, observed on 31 December and shaped by centuries of Scottish customs. Its origins draw on winter festivals, including Norse and Gaelic influences, and it has long been associated with themes of renewal, hospitality and community. Traditions include cleaning your house (so you start the new year with a clean slate) first-footing (the first visitor to a home after midnight bringing symbolic gifts), fire (to ward off evil spirits), as well as music and dancing.
These long-standing customs have evolved into a large-scale public festival, bringing together events such as the torchlight procession, ceilidhs and the city’s iconic midnight fireworks.
2. A global gathering
Every year, thousands of visitors from across the globe descend on the city to be part of the celebrations and welcome in the new year with optimism and joy. Locals and tourists alike laugh, dance or sing, whether joining in a ceilidh in Princes Street Gardens or linking arms to belt out the world’s biggest rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
The Guinness Book of Records actually recognised Edinburgh’s Hogmanay as the world’s largest New Year party. In 1996/97, approximately 400,000 people were in attendance.
3. Torchlight procession through the city
The traditional torchlight procession launches Edinburgh's Hogmanay in spectacular fashion. Join the river of fire as over 10,000 torchbearers make their way through the ancient streets of the Scottish capital in a celebration based on Viking tradition and watched by tens of thousands of spectators.
The route begins at The Meadows and winds through the historic Old Town - passing famous Edinburgh landmarks including the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Tolbooth Kirk and the National Library of Scotland - before the fiery finale underneath Edinburgh Castle.
4. An unforgettable backdrop
And on that subject, is there a more dramatic and inspiring setting for a New Year's celebration than Edinburgh? With its impressive castle perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, its winding cobbled streets, its stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture, and the imposing Arthur's Seat overlooking the city, Edinburgh itself is a key ingredient in the Hogmanay magic.
5. World famous street party
For one night of the year, the centre of Edinburgh transforms into a pulsating hub of live music, DJs, dazzling light displays, funfair attractions, a delicious selection of street food & drink throughout the arena, bonhomie by the bucket load and of course a fantastic view of the midnight fireworks.
6. Legendary music acts
The Night Afore Disco Party only joined the festival schedule in the last couple of years, but it’s already gained status as the place to be on 30 December. Expect a night of dance beats, pop tunes and dancing. Lots and lots of dancing. Recent guests include Bjorn Again, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Hot Dub Time Machine.
Taking place on New Year's Eve, The Concert in the Gardens is the hottest ticket in town, welcoming party-people from around the globe to dance their way into the new year beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Every year, a world famous act headlines the event; past performers include Paolo Nutini, Pulp, The Pet Shop Boys, Primal Scream and Simple Minds.
7. Dazzling fireworks
And of course, there are the fireworks. As the clock strikes midnight, the sky above Edinburgh Castle explodes into colour, lighting up the city in a dazzling display you can see for miles around.
8. Family friendly events
Don’t worry about your wee ones missing out on all the fun if they’ll be safely tucked up in bed when the clock strikes midnight. There are plenty of events over the three days aimed specifically at children. The Bairns New Year Revels is a junior version of ceilidh dancing at the famous Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, and is suitable for all levels of experience.
Sprogmanay, in partnership with our friends at the National Museum of Scotland, kicks off 2025 with a bumper afternoon of music, arts, and crafts for all ages.
And if you just fancy exploring, there’s also free live music and performances that take place in locations throughout the city.
Hogmanay runs from 29 December 2025 to 1 January 2026. If you want to join us this year, check out Edinburgh's Hogmanay festival page for further information and links to all the details for this year's festival.