From traditional ceilidhs to classical music, there’s a great variety of events to enjoy while “bringing in the bells” in Edinburgh this New Year.
Have a look at some of the events taking place in Edinburgh this New Year, and welcome the start of 2025 in style.
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 2024
- The return of the much-loved Torchlight Procession creates a river of fire through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. 20,000 participants will illuminate the city, alongside performances from Up Helly Aa’ Vikings, pipers, drummers and fire performers.
30 December 2024
- Toe-tapping jigs and reels, mixed with a scattering of well-known songs will lift your spirits and give you a spring in your step as The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra make a welcome return to the Usher Hall.
- Disco divas get ready! Grab your dancing shoes and be prepared to party the night away as DJ sensation Hot Dub Time Machine headline this year’s Night Afore Disco Party. Taking place at the Ross Band Stand in Princes Street Gardens, against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, be entertained with a show packed full of non-stop bangers from 1962 to 2024.
- Taking place the day before Hogmanay, the aptly-named Night Afore Concert will see Scottish band Idlewild take to the stage of the Assembly Rooms for a night of indie-rock classics.
31 December 2024
- An event for all the family, Bairns New Year Revels invites young and old to don their best tartan outfit for an afternoon live music, dancing and Hogmanay fun at the Assembly Rooms.
- The tranquil and serene atmosphere of this 12th century cathedral is the perfect setting for the Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral. Enjoy the talented St Giles’ Cathedral Choir and guests as they perform three cantatas from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.
- Taking place beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Scottish music icons TEXAS will headline Concert in the Gardens, alongside special guest, Callum Beattie. Wave good bye to 2024 and welcome 2025 at this world-famous festival, which also features one of the world’s greatest New Year firework displays. Please note that Concert in the Gardens and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party are separate events, with tickets required for each event.
- Contini’s Scottish Café and Restaurant is offering revellers a dinner and street party combo package. Tickets for the Pre Hogmanay Street Party Dining Experience include a three-course light supper and entry to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party.
- Edinburgh’s world-famous 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 2025 with live music, DJ’s, giant screens, street theatre, pipers, drummers and funfair attractions.
- Scotland’s only beer palace and the city’s largest restaurant, Brewhemia is pulling out all the stops for party-goers with Hogmanay at Brewhemia. Dance and revel in all the New Year glory, with delicious dining and an array of show-stopping entertainment.
- The Hogmanay bash at Apex Grassmarket Hotel is in the fabulous Heights suite which means you can ring in the bells with the stunning backdrop of the city’s famous fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle. There will be no allocated seating at Hogmanay in Heights, but you’ll want to stand to get the best views!
- What better way to celebrate Hogmanay than dancing to one of Scotland’s leading modern ceilidh bands. The Haggis Ceilidhs Hogmanay Party at O2 Academy Edinburgh will give you the opportunity to experience a fun, authentic and energetic ceilidh.
- Experience unrivalled views of Edinburgh from the comfort of the W Lounge or Deck, dance the night away and celebrate the start of 2025 in style with the backdrop of the city fireworks at W Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. Enjoy a selection of Laurent‑Perrier La Cuvée Champagne, signature cocktails, house wine, beer and a selection of spirits alongside a range of savoury and sweet bites served throughout the evening.
- Experience a New Year’s Eve to remember with Hogmanay Aboard Britannia. Taking place on Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, guests will arrive to a spectacular fire dancer, before enjoying a glass of champagne and a tour of the State Apartments. Then, take your place in the State Dining Room where a four-course dinner of exquisite dishes and perfectly complemented wines will be served. As a spectacular end to the meal, step out on to the Royal Deck for a countdown to the bells with a traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne and dance in the New Year.
- Fill up on award-winning street food, washed down with local beers and cocktails at Hogmanay at Edinburgh Street Food. After you’ve feasted, dance your way into the New Year with music from dynamic band Harmonia and Edinburgh disco sensation, The Forget-Me-Nots.
- Norton House Hotel & Spa welcomes guests to its sumptuous Hogmanay Ball. Enjoy champagne on arrival, followed by a delicious four-course meal and evening entertainment. As midnight strikes, sip on a glass of something bubbly while enjoying the sounds of the traditional Scottish bagpipes. There is also the option of adding an overnight stay to your booking.
- Enjoy a night of glitz and glam at Hogmanay at The Dome. For dining guests, enjoy a red carpet welcome, arrival drink, three- course meal, live ceilidh and DJ music, magic from magician Elliot Bibby, a selection of canape and a glass of bubbly to welcome the bells. There’s also the option of party-only tickets.
01 January 2025
- The family-friendly Sprogmanay returns with a packed day of family fun on New Year’s Day. Free and available on a drop-in basis, enjoy music, arts, and crafts for all ages at the National Museum of Scotland.
- If you fancy getting 2025 off to a sporty start, the New Years Day Triathlon could be for you. 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.
- Conducted by Joana Carneiro and joined by soprano Magdalena Kuźma, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will be entertaining guests with a melody of musical delights in the SCO New Year Gala. The wonderful acoustics of the Usher Hall will be resounding with classics such as the Blue Danube and Radetsky March.
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.
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