Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve Festival) is Scotland’s legendary New Year celebration, renowned for its fire festivals, street parties, and centuries-old traditions of warmth and togetherness. Centered in Edinburgh but marked across the country, the festivities span December 30th to January 1st, featuring torchlight processions, concerts, ceilidhs, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle. Traditions like first-footing—welcoming the first guest of the new year—and the communal singing of “Auld Lang Syne” embody the Scottish spirit of friendship and renewal. Blending ancient customs, modern music, and fiery spectacle, Hogmanay stands among the world’s most iconic and heartfelt New Year festivals.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Edinburgh or a Scotland route—we’ll plan the street party & concerts, fireworks timing, and a walkable stay near the action.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 29 December 2025–1 January 2026 (Monday–Thursday).
• Torchlight Procession (launch night): Mon 29 Dec 2025 from 19:30 (pre‑show from 18:30) starting at The Meadows — see Torchlight Procession.
• Night Afore concert: Tue 30 Dec 2025 — listings on Program.
• Street Party (New Year’s Eve): Wed 31 Dec 2025 evening into midnight on Princes Street — event page: Street Party.
• First Footin’ (free live‑music trail): Thu 1 Jan 2026 — details on First Footin’.
• The exact timetable publishes annually — check the official Program for daily times and updates.
LOCATION
• Edinburgh city center — main festivities around Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town; overview on the city’s Tourism page. Central vantage: Princes Street Gardens — Open in Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Admission required for Street Party and some headline shows — buy via the official Buy tickets · event‑specific links on Program.
• Free events include First Footin’ on 1 January — see Details.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Outdoor events are weather‑dependent; follow official updates on the day — Official site.
• Public transport: use Lothian Buses journey planner · Edinburgh Trams planner for city travel.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a Scotland route that includes Hogmanay at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.