Edinburgh Hogmanay Itinerary
No place in the world celebrates the New Year quite like Edinburgh. Every December, Scotland’s capital comes alive with Christmas markets and food stalls, fireworks, live music, dancing and joyful crowds as the city hosts Hogmanay, the greatest New Year festival.
If you’re planning to visit, this 72-hour itinerary will help you make the most of this must-see festival.
Day 1: 29 December
Take a little time to settle into the city. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the Old Town; wander down the Royal Mile, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse; indulge in some retail therapy; or dip into a cosy cafe or whisky bar to warm up before the festivities begin.
1 Food and drink
From hearty Scottish fare and local whiskies to gourmet treats and global delicacies, the city’s food and drink scene offers something for every taste and budget.
There are far too many brilliant cafes, pubs and restaurants to mention only one or two here. But luckily, we already have a guide to our favourite places to eat and drink in Edinburgh, broken down by region.
2 Torchlight Procession
The Torchlight Procession marks the start of the Hogmanay celebrations. Enjoy live street theatre and fire performers before you join over 15,000 other torchbearers in a walk through the city streets, led by pipers and drummers. The procession starts at the Meadows and winds through the Old Town before finishing beneath Edinburgh Castle.
The Meadows, Melville Dr, Edinburgh EH9 1ND
Top Tip!
Wrap up warm and wear comfortable shoes.
3 Music is the Answer
Or perhaps you’d prefer to kick off the Hogmanay celebrations with some live music and a dose of Vitamin C (BBC Scotland DJ and presenter Vic Galloway and artist and former Phantom Band keyboardist Andy Wake).
Expect rock 'n' roll, psych-funk, cosmic disco, and soul, all under one roof. Plus a DJ set by Stuart Braithwaite (of Mogwai).
The Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
Top Tip!
This one’s for the clubbers. Bring your dancing shoes and be ready for a proper party!
Day 2: 30 December
Explore some of the city’s cultural gems, enjoy the Christmas markets, or take in a concert before the streets fill with torchbearers for the annual procession.
4 Edinburgh Christmas markets
From mid-November, Edinburgh’s city centre is bustling with festive markets, street food stalls and pop-up bars. It’s a perfect opportunity to soak up the atmosphere, try some local delicacies and pick up any last-minute gifts.
Princes Street Gardens
Top Tip!
The markets are open from 10am to 10 pm. Give yourself enough time to explore and sample everything from mulled wine to Scottish cheese.
5 Lau by Candlelight
Experience an intimate evening of music with Lau By Candlelight, a special acoustic performance set within the historic St Giles’ Cathedral. Known for their inventive approach to Scottish folk music, Lau delivers an atmospheric evening of intricate melodies and harmonies.
St Giles’ Cathedral, High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE
6 Glasvegas acoustic show
Get tickets to watch Scottish rock favourites Glasvegas performing a special acoustic set as part of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. Known for their powerful lyrics and atmospheric sound, this show will feature stripped-back versions of their most loved songs.
The Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
7 Ho-Ho-Hogmanay
Keep the mood light with Ho-Ho-Hogmanay, an evening of stand-up comedy featuring some of Scotland’s sharpest comic talent. This year’s host is Susie McCabe, and acts include Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, Larry Dean and Ayo Adenekan.
The Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
8 Night Afore Concert
It’s time to get your dancing shoes on and enjoy live music, good vibes and a party atmosphere. Held in West Princes Street Gardens, beneath the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, this open-air gig welcomes thousands of revellers for a night of singing and dancing.
Each year, the line-up features a mix of Scottish and international acts, with previous acts including Hot Dub Time Machine and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. This year, Scottish folk rock stars Peat & Diesel headline.
West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2HG
Top Tip!
Wrap up warm; it can get chilly!
Day 3: 31 December
The countdown to the big event is underway!
There are several amazing events that take place in the evening, but unless you are planning to run between them (which we don’t recommend), you might only have time to attend one.
9 Museums and attractions
Many of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries host special exhibitions and festive events in the days leading up to Hogmanay. It’s the perfect way to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon before the late-night celebrations begin.
Highlights include the National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, and Camera Obscura & World of Illusions with its interactive exhibits and rooftop views. Other must-sees include Dynamic Earth and The Real Mary King’s Close for history and adventure.
In need of more inspiration? Our Edinburgh attractions guide has information about lots of popular events and attractions in the city.
Various venues
Top Tip!
Check opening hours in advance - some venues may close earlier on Hogmanay.
10 Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club
Perfect for families, the Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club offers a fun introduction to traditional Scottish dancing. With live music and friendly callers guiding every step, kids and adults can join in the festive fun and start the New Year on a lively note.
The Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
11 Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral
Ease into the evening with the annual Candlelit Concert at St Giles’ Cathedral, performed by the St Giles’ Cathedral Choir. Set amidst the cathedral’s stunning medieval architecture and the warm glow of flickering candles, this year’s concert features works by Bach and Mozart.
The Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
12 Hogmanay Ceilidh Club
Each year, the Hogmanay Ceilidh Club takes over the Assembly Rooms on George Street for an unforgettable night of live music and traditional Scottish dancing. With energetic folk bands leading the way, you’ll whirl and spin your way through classic dances like the Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow.
It’s a brilliant way to celebrate Hogmanay with friends, family, or even total strangers -the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and wonderfully infectious.
The Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
Top Tip!
Don’t worry if you’ve never danced a ceilidh before; the caller will guide you through every step.
13 Concert in the Gardens
Set beneath the twinkling lights of Edinburgh Castle, the stage in Princes Street Gardens comes alive with performances from some of the biggest names in music. This year, it’s being headlined by the exciting and critically acclaimed Wet Leg, with past headliners including Pulp, Pet Shop Boys and Franz Ferdinand.
Ross Band Stand, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2HG
Top Tip!
Gates open at 8:00 PM, and the concert runs until around 1:00 AM. Arrive early to enjoy the full lineup and secure a good spot for the midnight fireworks.
14 Edinburgh's Hogmanay Street Party
Join tens of thousands of revellers for the world-famous Hogmanay Street Party. With multiple live stages, DJs, street performers, bars and food stalls, it’s a festival atmosphere like no other. And when the clock strikes midnight, you can join arms and join in a chorus of “Auld Lang Syne” as fireworks burst overhead.
Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AN
Top Tip!
Street Party tickets do not grant access to the Concert in the Gardens area; separate tickets are required for each event.
15 Street Party Mega Silent Disco
Don your headphones, choose your favourite music channel, and dance the night away at the Street Party Mega Silent Disco. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, you’ll also have an amazing view of the fireworks when the clock strikes midnight.
Princes Street , Edinburgh, EH2 2AN
Top Tip!
Your ticket also gives you entry to the main Street Party area.
1 January
If you’ve still got energy - and your head isn’t too worse for wear - there are plenty of ways to continue the celebrations.
16 First Footin'
This free, unticketed live music trail takes place at hundreds of iconic venues, historic buildings and pubs across the city. Last year, over 15,000 visitors joined in.
The 2026 programme promises an eclectic mix of genres, from folk and jazz to indie and electronic.
Venues across the city
17 Sprogmanay
Travelling with children? Families can enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at Sprogmanay, with storytelling, crafts, puppet shows, music sessions and workshops. There’s plenty to enjoy for kids of all ages to enjoy.
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street
Top Tip!
ntry is free, but arrive early to grab spots for the most popular activities.
18 Muckle be the Light: Manson, The Makar & Dreamers Beyond
Hosted by Garbage lead singer Shirley Manson, alongside Scotland’s Makar (Poet Laureate), Michael Pedersen, and joined by special guests, this evening is a cultural reflection on the past and the future. Expect an evening of chat, storytelling and live music.
Portobello Town Hall, 47-149 Portobello High St, Edinburgh, EH15 1AF
After 72 hours of music, dancing, fireworks and partying, Hogmanay may be coming to an end, but the memories will last long into the year ahead. And the best part? Hogmanay comes around again every year, so you can start planning your next trip, try events you missed this time, and experience Edinburgh’s New Year magic all over again.