From traditional ceilidhs to classical music, there’s a great variety of events to enjoy while “bringing in the bells” in Edinburgh.
For over 30 years, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has welcomed millions of visitors and locals to party in Edinburgh, the ‘Home of Hogmanay’. Today, the festival is a bucket list experience for people around the world looking to celebrate New Year in Scotland.
Honouring Hogmanay traditions, old and new, the world-famous celebrations run from 29 December to 01 January each year. The four-day festival is packed with live music, spectacular fireworks, street party, traditional torchlight procession and more.
Take your pick from one, or several of the four-day events and get ready to celebrate the start of the year like never before.
Top Tip 1: Book your tickets in advance online.
Top Tip 2: Several of these events take place outdoors – be sure to dress warm, waterproof clothing.
Top Tip 3: Plan your travel (and be aware of road closures) with Edinburgh Buses and Edinburgh Trams.
Top Tip 4: Some of these events are only open to those aged 18 years+. Check when booking.
29 December
- The Torchlight Procession kicks off the festivities as a river of fire is weaved through the capital’s streets, with torches carried in aid of local and national charities. Over 15,000 torch bearers and friends from around the world illuminate the capital’s historic Old Town. Starting at The Meadows, guests enjoy a host of entertainment from live street theatre to fire performers and drummers, getting everyone warmed up before the Massed Pipes and Drums and Vikings from Shetland’s South Mainland Up Helly Aa’ Jarl Squad lead the iconic procession.
30 December
- Taking place the day before Hogmanay, the aptly named Night Afore Concert, takes place at the Ross Band Stand in Princes Street Gardens, beneath the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Or for toe-tapping jigs and reels, mixed with a scattering of well-known songs that’ll lift your spirits and give you a spring in your step don’t miss the The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra who perform each year at the city’s world-class concert venue, the Usher Hall.
- Hogmanay and Scotland’s national drink, whisky, go hand-in-hand. Meet the distillers behind some of the country’s most popular whiskies – and, of course, taste samples of Scotland’s national drink, at the annual Whisky Distillers’ Fair hosted by the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile.
31 December
- An event for all the family, Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club invites young and old to don their best tartan outfit for an afternoon live music, dancing and Hogmanay fun. While the late-night, Hogmanay Ceilidh Club features an impressive feast of live ceilidh music that’ll have you swirling across the dancefloor.
- For something a bit more tranquil, the serene atmosphere of 12th century St. Giles’ Cathedral is the perfect setting. Come along to Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral and enjoy the talented Cathedral’s talented choir and guests as they perform festive classical works.
- A highlight of the 4-day festivities is the Concert in the Gardens when a renowned act takes to the stage of the Ross Bandstand for a spectacular night of music. Previous acts have included Scottish music icons The Proclaimers, Texas and Paolo Nutini as well as Pulp, Pet Shop Boys and Franz Ferdinand.
- For an unforgettable start to the year ahead, the world-famous Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is the place to be at New Year. There are few events more photogenic than the city’s historic skyline lit up with fireworks as the bells strike midnight. Join 45,000 revellers from around the world and party your way into the New Year with live music, DJ’s, giant screens, street theatre, pipers, drummers and funfair attractions.
01 January
- As the New Year settles in, the festivities continue. The family-friendly Sprogmanay at the National Museum of Scotland invites youngsters and their families to shimmy, sparkle, and sing into the New Year with a free programme of live music, performances and crafts for all ages.
- While for the chance to discover some of Scotland’s most exciting rising stars and familiar faces in some of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric settings, don’t miss dipping into the annual First Footin’ programme. A cavalcade of music and performance, the packed line-up of free and ticketed events takes place in venues across the city on New Year’s Day.
- Fancy getting the New Year off to a sporty start? If so, how about taking part in the New Years Day Triathlon. Choose to complete the 400m swim (8 lengths of the Commonwealth Pool), the 11 mile cycle (three times around Arthurs Seat) or 3.5 mile run (once around Arthurs Seat) as an individual or as part of a team. For younger legs (8 to 15 years) there’s the Duathlon race, which involves a short run, 2k bike and short run. Or if you really fancy taking the plunge, the Loony Dook at South Queensferry could be for you. Free to enter with participants encouraged to wear fancy dress and raise funds for a chosen charity, join your fellow dookers as they take a dip in the cool waters of the Firth of Forth.
- For an unforgettable music experience, take your seat in one of the world’s great concert venues, the Usher Hall, for the annual Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) concert. Or take-in renowned art works at Turner in January. Returning each year to the Royal Scottish Academy, this much-loved annual tradition has been taking place since 1901 when art collector Henry Vaughan left 38 of Turner’s watercolours to the people of Scotland, on the condition that they are only displayed in the month of January, when light levels are at their lowest.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is just one the city’s renowned festivals. From books to film, art to science, find out more about the city’s acclaimed yearly programme of festivals.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
