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.
Take a look at our suggestions on how to welcome 2024 in style in Scotland’s capital city.
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.
Torchlight Procession
The return of the much-loved Torchlight Procession for the first time since 2019 will create 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, all while raising vital funds for homeless charity, Social Bite.
Be part of the Torchlight Procession on 29 December 2023.
Ho-Ho-Hogmanay
Held in the Assembly Rooms on George Street, have a giggle with Ho-Ho-Hogmanay.
Featuring some of the best acts on the comedy circuit, expect to have sore sides after an evening of laughs from Emmanuel Sonubi, Fred MacAulay, Susie McCabe and Larry Dean and more.
Ho-Ho-Hogmanay takes place on 29 December 2023.
Scottish Fiddle Orchestra – Hogmanay Celebration
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 – Hogmanay Celebration make a welcome return to the Usher Hall.
See the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra – Hogmanay Celebration on 30 December 2023.
Night Afore Disco Party
Disco divas get ready! Grab your dancing shoes and be prepared to party the night away as pop sensation Björn Again and fringe festival smash-hit, Massaoke entertain with a night of dancefloor classics at the Night Afore Disco Party.
Edinburgh’s Ross Bandstand in West Princes Street Gardens will be alive with sparkling pop hits at this family-friendly event.
Night Afore Disco Party happens on 30 December 2023.
Night Afore Hoolie
Taking place the day before Hogmanay, the aptly-named Night Afore Hoolie will see Scottish band Blue Rose Code take to the stage along with Caley Soul Band and special guests for a musical night of Scottish folk, soul and Americana.
Don’t miss the Night Afore Hoolie at Assembly Rooms on 30 December 2023.
Bairns New Year Revels – Massaoke
An event for all the family, Bairns New Year Revels – Massaoke invites young and old to don their best tartan outfit for an afternoon of live music, singing and ceilidh dancing.
Sing your heart out with festival favourites Massaoke, then whirl round the dance floor in the Ceilidh room with the legendary Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience.
Suitable for aged 6yrs+, Bairns New Year Revels – Massaoke takes place at the Assembly Rooms on 31 December 2023.
Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral
The tranquil and serene atmosphere of this 12th century cathedral is the perfect setting for a Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral.
Enjoy the talented St Giles’ Cathedral Choir and guests as they perform the first three cantatas from J.S.Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.
Experience Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral on 31 December 2023.
Concert in the Gardens
Taking place beneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, pop heroes Pulp will headline the 30th anniversary Concert in the Gardens.
Wave good bye to 2023 and welcome 2024 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.
See Concert in the Gardens on 31 December 2023.
Pre Hogmanay Street Party Dining Experience
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 two-course light supper and entry to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party.
Pre Hogmanay Street Party Dining Experience is available on 31 December 2023.
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 40,000 revellers from around the world and party your way into 2024 with DJ soundtracks, street performers, pipers, drummers and funfair attractions. Pulp’s headline Concert in the Gardens set will also be broadcast to screens and PA throughout Princes Street in the Pop Zone, creating one massive city centre party.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party takes place on 31 December 2023.
Glitterati Hogmanay at Brewhemia
Scotland’s only beer palace and the city’s largest restaurant, Brewhemia is pulling out all the stops for party-goers with Glitterati Hogmanay at Brewhemia.
Dance and revel in all the New Year glory, with cabaret, musicians and even pipers entertaining right through the night.
Be part of Glitterati Hogmanay at Brewhemia on 31 December 2023.
Hogmanay “Off the Street” Party
If disco, soul and Motown are music to your ears, be sure to book tickets for Summerhall’s Hogmanay “Off the Street” Party.
Grove your way in 2024 with lively music from popular band, Soul Foundation.
Hogmanay “Off the Street” Party is on 31 December 2023.
Hogmanay Aboard Britannia
Experience a New Year’s Eve to remember with Hogmanay Aboard Britannia.
Taking place on The Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, guests are treated to a red carpet welcome, before enjoying a champagne and canapé reception and a tour of the State Apartments. Then, take your place in the State Dining Room where a string duo will entertain as a four-course dinner of exquisite dishes is served.
As a spectacular end to the meal, step out on to the deck to see the pipe band perform the Beating Retreat, the traditional end of evening entertainment at State occasions, before dancing to the band on the Royal Deck. Countdown to the Bells with a piper to welcome in the New Year with a traditional rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Why not enhance your New Year with a special two-night Hogmanay package with their sister ship, luxury floating hotel Fingal.
Hogmanay Aboard Britannia takes place on 31 December 2023.
Hogmanay at Edinburgh Street Food
Fill up on comforting, award-winning street food from 11+ traders, washed down with local beers, ciders, cocktails or warming mulled punch at Hogmanay at Edinburgh Street Food. After you’ve feasted, dance your way into the New Year with music from Archie Topp, Shauna Doherty, Leanne Hood and Splendid Question.
The celebrations start at 4.30pm, with bookings available for groups of a minimum of 4+ people.
Hogmanay at Edinburgh Street Food is on 31 December 2023.
Hogmanay Ball
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.
Hogmanay Ball is on 31 December 2023.
The Dome’s Hogmanay Masquerade Ball
Join The Dome on George Street for a night of glitz and glam at their Hogmanay Masquerade Ball.
Guests can enjoy a red carpet welcome, arrival drink, magic from magician Elliot Bibby, casino in the Club Room, a ceilidh in the opulent Georgian Tea Room, a selection of canape and a glass of bubbly to welcome the bells.
Book now for the Hogmanay Masquerade Ball on 31 December 2023.
Pinktopia The Big Boom Hogmanay Party
Boom Battle Bar in Edinburgh’s Omni Centre is transforming into Pinktopia The Big Boom Hogmanay Party.
Step into a fully decorated venue, sip on a pink themed menu with specials including a strawberry flavoured Barbie Dream Margarita and a Cloud Nine featuring pink gin and topped with cotton candy, then dance the night away with their resident DJ. And if that’s not enough, unlimited gaming is included in the price of your ticket.
Pinktopia The Big Boom Hogmanay Party is on 31 December 2023.
First Footin’
Celebrating New Year traditions and showcasing Scottish culture, First Footin’ returns on New Year’s Day with a packed programme of free live music and performance taking place in various visitor attractions and venues across Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns.
From folk tales in St Giles’ Cathedral and jazz pianists at Greyfriars Kirk, to soulful songs at Virgin Hotels, you’re in for a treat.
Experience First Footin’ on 01 January 2024.
Sprogmanay
Free and unticketed, Sprogmanay at the National Museum of Scotland presents an exciting programme of music for children of all ages.
Show off your best dance moves while being entertained from performances by Unicorn Dance Party and Srog Rock.
Be part of Sprogmanay on 01 January 2024.
Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh
Whether you’re a ceilidh pro, or fancy giving the dance steps a go, the Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh is suitable for all levels of experience, and a great way to introduce kids to the joys of ceilidh dancing and music.
Hosted by the talented Fruin Ceilidh Band, this free event takes place at Roxy Theatre.
Catch Sprogmanay Family Ceilidh on 01 January 2024.
New Years Day Triathlon
If you fancy getting 2024 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 (ie. 8 to 15 years) there’s the Duathlon race, which involves a short run, 2k bike and short run.
Catch the New Years Day Triathlon on 01 January 2024.
New Year’s Day Meeting
The New Year’s Day Meeting at Musselburgh Racecourse is offering fun for all this family.
Not only will the day be filled with great racing, but you can also enjoy live entertainment, heated marquee’s, a winter fashion competition with fantastic prizes and plenty of festive food and drink.
The New Year’s Day Meeting runs on 01 January 2024.
SCO Viennese New Year
Conducted by Jiří Rožeň and joined by soprano Jennifer France, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will be entertaining guests with a melody of musical delights in SCO Viennese New Year.
The wonderful acoustics of the Usher Hall will be resounding with the elegant Blue Danube.
SCO Viennese New Year performs on 01 January 2024.
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.
